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World Series Game 1: Misiorowski and Milwaukee open against Rasmussen's Rays

The World Series opens on Friday night with Milwaukee at home against Tampa Bay, first pitch at 8 pm ET on FOX. Neither franchise has won a World Series, so one of them will finally get that first title.

The Brewers go in with the better regular-season record and the home-field edge: 103-59 against the Rays' 98-64. Jacob Misiorowski, who led the majors with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts in 174 innings, is expected to start Game 1.

His postseason starts have been shorter than his season suggests, with high pitch counts keeping him under five innings in each of two outings.

Tampa Bay's likely starter is Drew Rasmussen on four days' rest, though the club had not formally announced it. The Rays have won 14 of his last 15 starts. They reached the World Series by sweeping the Yankees in the Division Series and beating Cleveland in six games in the ALCS, clinching with a 7-3 win in Game 6.

The bullpens may decide it. Milwaukee's relievers carry a 1.33 ERA this postseason, and Rays closer Bryan Baker has allowed one hit in seven scoreless playoff innings with five saves.

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