ST. PETERSBURG — The third matchup of the World Series turned into an absolute slaughter. Milwaukee seized a commanding 3-0 advantage in this seven-game championship clash following a 10-1 pounding of what remains of Tampa Bay. Choose whichever expression fits: adults against kids, first-string against reserves. This contest has felt less like a competitive clash and more like an unavoidable outcome.
Milwaukee remains undefeated at 7-0 across the NLCS and World Series combined. The solitary franchise to previously remain unbeaten through both final postseason stages was the 1976 Cincinnati squad, though that legendary roster played a shorter five-game NLCS. A victory in Game 4 would allow the Brewers to reach an unprecedented 8-0 record in Major League Baseball annals.
Before looking ahead, however, we must examine this blowout performance by Milwaukee in Game 3. They amassed 10 runs along with 16 hits, whereas Tampa Bay managed a mere single run on three hits—and that stat line flatters the Rays, given their lone run and two of those hits came during garbage time in the ninth inning. It was an absolute beatdown from the opening pitch, with Tampa Bay looking completely disorganized and helpless. Leading the charge for the victorious side? None other than Jackson Chourio.
Prior to the Fall Classic, I mentioned that both Chourio and Tampa Bay hot corner talent Junior Caminero were poised to capture nationwide attention in this championship showdown as emerging icons. Chourio has surpassed every expectation. He initiated the evening with a sharp line-drive base hit, following up with singles in his subsequent two plate appearances. During his fourth appearance at the plate, he ripped a double to spark an explosive eight-run fifth frame that blew the game wide open.
“Yeah, I think that you could say this is one of my better games,” Chourio mentioned following the victory. “Really, I was just taking every at-bat like it could be my last and trying to find any way I could to get on base. Because I know, as long as I get on base, there’s guys behind me who could score.”
Curiously, that double in the fifth registered as his lowest exit velocity among his four base hits, coming off the bat at 99 mph (anything at or above 95 mph is classified as a “hard hit”). Chourio racked up four hits, scored twice, and drove in a run over the first five innings alone. By comparison, Tampa Bay’s entire roster generated zero runs and just a single base hit through eight full innings.
Keep in mind that Chourio is a mere 22 years of age. With his Game 3 performance, he became the youngest ballplayer to notch a four-hit game in the World Series since Joe Garagiola accomplished the feat back in 1946. That marks an eight-decade gap! That speaks volumes about the incredible ceiling of this young prodigy.
“Nobody’s surprised that Jack Jack’s doing this. Nobody’s surprised. He’s turning into — 20, 21, 22, he’s turning into a fine player. He’s understanding what it takes, the discipline that it takes. He’s coming into his own. Nobody’s shocked. He’s just really, really good,” Milwaukee skipper Pat Murphy remarked in the aftermath of Game 3.
“He’s also played incredible defense, and he stole a base tonight. He’s a total player. Like we talked about, you ask about Kobe Bryant and him. Kobe strived to get better and better and better every year because he was so disciplined. He was such a worker. He had such an attitude. Jackson’s on that same track.”
Milwaukee develops quality contributors across every level of the spectrum. They maximize the potential of journeymen like Jake Bauers, while also elevating homegrown talents such as Game 3 starting pitcher Robert Gasser. On top of that, they feature elite phenoms like Chourio.
He will likely not place at the very top of Most Valuable Player balloting this campaign, though that could mark the final instance for years to come. Despite an injury restricting him to 127 contests this year, he nonetheless accumulated a 4.9 WAR. Furthermore, he has already recorded three separate 20-20 (homers and stolen bases) campaigns. His complete five-tool skill set has been fully exposed throughout this postseason.
The hitting ability? Indeed, he is batting an astounding .571 after going 8-for-14 in the World Series. Power production? He has launched a pair of round-trippers during this playoff run. Baserunning speed? He swiped a bag in Game 3, bringing his World Series steal count to three. His defensive coverage and throwing arm were showcased in Game 2 when he cut down a crucial Tampa Bay runner at home plate.
Observing Chourio on the diamond gives the distinct impression that no task is beyond his capabilities. That sentiment is accurate, and he is merely beginning to tap into his ultimate potential. Forecasting him as the National League MVP for the upcoming season would hardly be far-fetched. At present, however, he is showcasing his elite talent on baseball’s premier stage.
Anyone who has followed his career on a daily basis remains completely untroubled by his dominance in this Fall Classic. He has possessed the raw skill, poise, and aura of an elite star for a long time. Equal in significance is the fact that he is bound to Milwaukee on a highly advantageous contract extending through 2031, with team options that could keep him in place through 2033. He is locked in as the franchise centerpiece for years ahead.
Milwaukee holds a decisive edge in all phases of play, whereas Tampa Bay squandered its solitary opportunity across three contests when they plated four runs in the opening inning of Game 2 before going completely scoreless the rest of the way in a 5-4 defeat. Frankly, they haven’t managed a single run since that moment. To make matters worse, they were thoroughly crushed in Game 3 by a far superior opponent. In this matchup of seasoned veterans versus unproven rookies, one of the youngest competitors on the field is proving to be the most dominant force of all.
