Gasser Sets New Standard for Lefty Starters in World Series

Robert Gasser pitched the Milwaukee Brewers to a 10-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night. He faced the minimum number of batters over six innings. This performance marks the first time a left-handed starter has achieved such a feat in a World Series game since Sandy Koufax in 1965.

Gasser, a 27-year-old rookie, allowed only one hit during his outing. He issued one walk and recorded three strikeouts. The single came to Yandy Diaz in the first inning, but Diaz was erased on a fielder's choice. Catcher William Contreras then threw out Chandler Simpson at second base. Gasser retired the next 12 batters in order until he walked Victor Mesa Jr. in the sixth inning. He induced a double play to end the frame.

The last left-hander to face the minimum over six innings in the World Series was Koufax, who did so in Game 5 of the 1965 series. The most recent starter of any handedness to reach that mark was Curt Schilling in 2001. Gasser became the first Brewers starter this postseason to record an out in the sixth inning.

Gasser began the season at Triple-A Nashville. He joined Milwaukee in 2022 as part of a trade for closer Josh Hader. He made his major league debut in 2024 but underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow after five starts. He struggled to find his form until late in the 2026 regular season. In his final six appearances, he posted a 1.67 earned run average.

The Brewers have won four consecutive road postseason games. Gasser started three of those games. This streak ends a 12-game losing streak on the road in the postseason that had lasted since 2018. That previous skid matched the longest in major league history, set by the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins between 1925 and 1987.

Second baseman Brice Turang contributed three hits and two runs batted in against Gasser. Turang described his teammate as very chill. He noted that Gasser drives slowly and remains calm in high-pressure situations. Brewers captain Christian Yelich said Gasser has been great all year and possesses a steady heartbeat. Yelich said the moment is never too big for Gasser.