Gasser pitches Brewers to brink of title with career-best start

Robert Gasser faced the minimum number of batters over six innings, a feat not accomplished by a left-handed starter in the World Series since Sandy Koufax in 1965. The Milwaukee Brewers pitcher guided his team to a 10-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night in St. Petersburg, Florida. This performance puts Milwaukee on the verge of its first championship.

Gasser, a 27-year-old rookie, began his professional journey as a second-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2021. He joined Milwaukee in a trade for closer Josh Hader in 2022. His major league debut in 2024 was cut short by Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. He spent much of 2025 recovering before finding his form late in the 2026 regular season. In his final six regular season appearances, he posted a 1.67 ERA.

The game started with a single by Yandy Diaz, but Gasser erased the runner on a fielder's choice by Chandler Simpson. Catcher William Contreras then threw out Simpson for a stolen base attempt. Gasser retired the next 12 batters in a row. He walked Victor Mesa Jr. to lead off the sixth inning, but the inning ended with a double play and a ground out. He finished with one hit allowed, one walk, and three strikeouts.

Gasser is the first Brewers starter this postseason to record an out in the sixth inning. He started three of Milwaukee's last four road postseason games, all of which they won. This run breaks a 12-game losing streak for the Brewers in postseason road games, a record that matched the longest skid in major league history set by the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins between 1925 and 1987.

"It’s a special opportunity that we all have to be here," Gasser said. "To be nervous or scared would only be cheating myself and my teammates." Second baseman Brice Turang, who had three hits and two RBIs, noted the pitcher's calm demeanor. "He’s very chill," Turang said. "He drives chill, too. He’s really slow at driving. Everything about him is just chill."

Brewers captain Christian Yelich praised Gasser's steady heartbeat and confidence. "He’s been great for us all year, all postseason," Yelich said. "And 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."

Gasser described his success as a matter of self-belief. "A big word is belief," he said. "I haven’t changed much over the years from mechanics to velocity. I think it always comes down to, ‘Do you believe in yourself?’" The Brewers now hold a commanding lead in the World Series following Monday's dominant performance.