Story perspectives

Brewers Take 2-0 Lead After 5-4 Game 2 Win

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 2:15 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Brewers win series

Milwaukee Brewers beat Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead.
The Brewers have won seven of eight games after trailing and achieved two World Series comebacks, the first since 1982.
MLB officials told owner Mark Attanasio the Brewers sold more postseason merchandise than any team in history.
Aaron Ashby pitched 15 2/3 scoreless innings with 17 strikeouts, setting a postseason record.

Summary

Brewers add Woodruff

Brewers added right-hander Brandon Woodruff to the World Series roster, dropping Chad Patrick.
League rules allow roster changes only for new injuries, risking Woodruff’s spot if his shoulder re-aggravates.
Woodruff’s shoulder cleared after a July 4 injury, allowing his late-October return.
Manager Pat Murphy said bringing Aaron Ashby for the ninth was carefully chosen over closer Trevor Megill.
Ashby signed a five-year, $20.5 million deal in 2022 after alternating between starting and relief roles.

History

Historical Context

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox erased a 0-3 deficit against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series, winning four straight games. Major League Baseball reported a 12 percent surge in television ratings, while the Red Sox’s postseason merchandise generated $30 million, eclipsing the prior record. Similarly, the 2024 Milwaukee Brewers have staged comebacks, with Aaron Ashby posting a 15 2/3-inning scoreless record and Brandon Woodruff returning after a July 4 shoulder injury. These parallels underscore how historic comeback narratives fuel franchise confidence and amplify postseason revenue, prompting teams to prioritize depth and injury management.

1 of 3

Brewers win series

Milwaukee Brewers beat Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead.
The Brewers have won seven of eight games after trailing and achieved two World Series comebacks, the first since 1982.
MLB officials told owner Mark Attanasio the Brewers sold more postseason merchandise than any team in history.
Aaron Ashby pitched 15 2/3 scoreless innings with 17 strikeouts, setting a postseason record.

1 / 3