ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The small-ball Milwaukee Brewers playing in the smallest market in the majors are World Series champions for the first time. Hey, Milwaukee: grab a brat, raise a beer and prepare for that parade. Young ace Jacob Misiorowski threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings of two-hit ball, rookie Cooper Pratt got two more hits and two RBIs, and Milwaukee beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 to set off a long-awaited celebration among thousands of Brewers fans in attendance at Tropicana Field. Misiorowski left the game because of a right calf cramp, but a stellar Milwaukee bullpen had little trouble closing it out.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Pat Murphy, the Milwaukee Brewers manager, has led his team to a World Series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Six years ago, he left American Family Field in an ambulance after a heart attack. Now, he's celebrating a championship. Known for his charm and tough love, Murphy has rebounded from a past NCAA scandal and is on track to possibly win his third straight NL Manager of the Year award. He emphasizes accountability and humor, using "The Check Game" to keep egos under control. Murphy's journey from college coaching to MLB success highlights his resilience and dedication to the game.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — William Contreras became the eighth catcher voted the World Series MVP after lifting the Milwaukee Brewers to their first World Series championship. Contreras batted .381 while guiding Milwaukee’s pitching staff and capitalizing on the first Series with the Automated Ball-Strike challenge system by winning 10 of 13 appeals. He's the first catcher to win since Salvador Perez in 2015. At 28 a three-time All-Star, Contreras batted .270 with 18 homers and a career-best 94 RBIs as the Brewers won their fourth straight NL Central title.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Jacob Misiorowski pitched with poise when he couldn’t overwhelm with punishing heat, overcoming Tampa Bay batters and the Tropicana Field mound to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to their first World Series title. On a night when he tied his career low with only two strikeouts, baseball’s hardest-throwing starting pitcher tossed two-hit ball over 5 2/3 scoreless innings before leaving because of a leg cramp with a four-run lead. The Brewers went on to a 4-1 victory in Game 5.
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Dream say Thursday’s WNBA Finals Game 6 against the Golden State Valkyries is a sellout despite its much-criticized 12:30 p.m. Eastern tipoff. The Valkyries lead the series 3-2 and can clinch their first WNBA title with a win in the matinee at State Farm Arena. The Dream need a win to force a Game 7 on Saturday night in California. There were concerns the early tipoff would have the teams playing the potentially decisive Finals game in a half-empty arena because of fans having work and school obligations. Instead, another sellout of approximately 17,000 is expected.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have signed kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad, giving the five-time All-Pro a second chance in the NFL after a 10-game suspension last year for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Harrison Butker has struggled the last two seasons for Kansas City, missing two kicks in Sunday's loss in Seattle. Tucker spent 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before he was released in May. He was accused of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists, which he denied. Tucker never was criminally charged and there were no civil cases against him. Coach Andy Reid says Tucker “took care of that business” by serving his suspension.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves believe Anthony Edwards will be “good as new” following arthroscopic surgery for a lingering injury to his right knee. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly said a clearer timetable for his return will come after the cleanup procedure. An MRI exam after Edwards scored 47 points in a loss at Cleveland revealed new damage unseen on previous scans before training camp and during the playoffs. Edwards had right knee pain last season that limited him to a career-low 61 games. He then suffered a hyperextension of his left knee with a bone bruise in a playoff game.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and Detroit Tigers as the only teams to lose in their first three World Series appearances. The Rays were beaten by the Milwaukee Brewers, who took the title for the first time by winning Game 5 by a 4-1 score. Manager Kevin Cash said the team is "banged up and hurting." Drew Rasmussen, who started on short rest, allowed one run and two hits over four innings. The Rays led the AL East from mid-May and topped the American League with 98 wins. Closer Bryan Baker said the team should use this as motivation to keep working.
Ernie Johnson is retiring as host of “Inside the NBA” in June, ending a 37-year run with the show. Johnson announced his decision Wednesday, saying, “It's just time.” He began hosting in 1990, and the program has won 21 Sports Emmy Awards. Johnson said he has been dealing with heart issues and wants to enjoy more time with family. Although the show has moved to ESPN, it remains produced by TNT. Johnson will continue hosting NCAA Tournament coverage and has started a new production company. His final appearance will be during the NBA Finals.
CLEVELAND (AP) — AJ Dybantsa made a strong debut for the Washington Wizards. On Wednesday night, No. 1 pick scored 19 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is the most points by a Wizards rookie in their debut since 1992. Dybantsa, who was sidelined for four games due to an ankle injury, played 27 minutes. Coach Brian Keefe praised his ability to get to the basket and his defensive activity. Dybantsa started at shooting guard and scored nine points in the first quarter. The Wizards lost 121-111 but showed promise with their new lineup.
Finals
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS
Final Milwaukee 4 Tampa Bay 1
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Final Washington 5 Philadelphia 2
Final Edmonton 4 Calgary 0
Final Colorado 5 New Jersey 2
Final Seattle 5 Toronto 4