Milwaukee – In a performance that will be remembered by Brewers fans for generations, 27‑year‑old rookie right‑hander Robert Gasser pitched more than six dominant innings in the World Series, guiding the Milwaukee Brewers to a 10‑1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.
Historic left‑handed effort
Gasser became the first left‑handed starter to throw six or more innings in a World Series game since Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax’s gem in Game 5 of the 1965 World Series. The last pitcher of any handedness to reach the six‑inning mark in a World Series was Curt Schilling for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 7 of the 2001 Fall Classic.
Dominant early work
The rookie allowed a leadoff single to Yandy Diaz, but erased it on a fielder’s choice by Chandler Simpson. William Contreras then threw out Simpson attempting to steal second base. Gasser retired the next 12 batters in a row before issuing a walk to Victor Mesa Jr. in the sixth inning. Nick Fortes followed with a double‑play groundout, and Taylor Walls grounded out to end the inning.
Stat line and significance
Gasser finished with six scoreless innings on one hit, one walk and three strikeouts, becoming the first Brewers starter this postseason to record an out in the sixth inning. The win puts Milwaukee on the brink of its first championship in franchise history.
Quotes from the mound
“It’s a special opportunity that we all have to be here,” Gasser said after the game. “To be nervous or scared would only be cheating myself and my teammates.” Second baseman Brice Turang, who contributed three hits and two RBIs, praised Gasser’s composure: “He’s very chill. He drives chill, too. Everything about him is just chill.”
Path to the big stage
Gasser was a second‑round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2021 and joined Milwaukee in a trade that sent All‑Star closer Josh Hader to the Padres in 2022. He made his major‑league debut in 2024 but suffered Tommy John surgery on his left elbow after just five starts. After a long rehab, he returned late in the 2026 season, posting a 1.67 ERA in his final six appearances.
Team momentum
The Brewers have won four straight road postseason games, three of them started by Gasser, including five scoreless innings in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Prior to this year, Milwaukee had lost 12 straight postseason road games dating back to 2018, matching the longest road‑postseason skid in major‑league history.
Leadership praise
Brewers captain Christian Yelich lauded Gasser’s consistency: “He’s been great for us all year, all postseason. He’s got that steady heartbeat. The moment’s never too big for him, and you know when he goes out there, you’re gonna have a great chance to win the game.”
With the series now within reach, the Brewers and their faithful fans hope Gasser’s poise and talent will carry the club to its first World Series title.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
