After a long season of unforgettable moments, intense competition, and playoff upsets, it all comes down to the World Series. The Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays have fought hard to claim the league title and move on for a chance to win it all. With star players and a championship on the line, this fall classic will be one to remember.
Team #1: Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are the National League champions, and dominate due to incredible pitching and contact hitting. They don’t have crazy power, but they put the bat on the ball, which is when good things happen. They are led by the young star Jacob Misiorowski, who is the heavy favorite to win the NL Cy young award, which goes to the best pitcher in the league. He attacks hitters with a high velocity fastball, averaging roughly 100 mph, and tops out at over 105. They also have Jackson Chourio, who led the Brewers in almost every hitting category, racking up 25 home runs and a .291 batting average.
Team #2: Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays were the favorite to win the American League, and for good reason. They had the fewest strikeouts per game in the league, averaging only 7.07 strikeouts per game. At the plate, the Rays are a force to be reckoned with. Junior Caminero is their power-hitting cleanup hitter, boasting 42 home runs in the regular season. They also have contact hitters such as Yandy Diaz and Chandler Simpson, who both have batting averages about .290. The Harborlight had the opportunity to ask the Rays general manager, Erik Neander, what a championship would mean to the organization, and he responded, “Everything! It would validate the unwavering support of Rays fans, and deliver our first championship. For the organization, it would prove that what we’ve built over decades — by countless incredible people, players and staff alike — can deliver on the biggest stage. It would belong to the fans and everyone who helped get us here.”
We were also able to interview two students from Hingham High, freshman Finn Murray and Musashi Cheek. We asked Finn, Rays fanatic, on his feelings about the Rays having a chance to win their first championship. He stated, “I think they have a good chance to win it all. They’ve got elite hitters and terrific pitching depth. It’s gonna be a fun series.” Musashi, who is also an MLB superfan, was asked how he thinks the World Series will be. He said, “I’m excited to see two teams who haven’t won a World Series yet, and it will be a great story either way..”
Players to watch
Yandy Diaz – 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
Yandy has been on fire this postseason, leading the team in hits, runs, home runs, and total bases. He has been able to set the table for the heart of the order and drive in runs.
Jackson Chourio – OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Jackson Chorio is the favorite to win the World Series MVP, and an important offensive spark. He is often referred to as a five tool player, meaning he has has: contact, power, blazing speed, defense, and good arm strength. These five traits make Chourio an entertaining player to see on the field.
Whether it’s the Rays or Brewers who hoist the commissioner’s trophy at the end of this Fall Classic, History is to be made. Both of these teams will be out hunting, chasing their first title. These two teams will be representing their organization’s history and past in this battle for the ages, and both have a great chance of finally bringing home baseball’s ultimate prize.
