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In Game 1 of the World Series, William Contreras proved to be the Milwaukee Brewers' most valuable player. The catcher delivered an RBI single in the first inning, drew a walk in the sixth, and added another base hit in the eighth. Behind the plate, he threw out two runners attempting to steal to end innings and successfully won two ABS challenges.
According to MLB Network's Sarah Langs, Contreras became the best catcher this century to record multiple caught stealings and hits in a World Series game. The last player to accomplish that feat was Joe Girardi of the New York Yankees, who did so in Game 3 of the 1999 World Series against the Atlanta Braves. It had been 27 years since a catcher had such a game, and Contreras seemed due to break the drought.
During the regular season, Contreras was the top catcher at throwing out runners, and the Tampa Bay Rays are a team that likes to run. Something had to give, and Contreras came out on top. At the plate, he continued a red-hot October, and the Brewers will need him to keep hitting for the rest of the series.
The Brewers can take a 2-0 lead over the Rays on Saturday, and if Contreras is swinging the bat as he has been, there is really no pitcher who is going to give him problems. The Rays are expected to stay aggressive on the basepaths, so Contreras' arm will continue to be tested. In Game 1, he changed the complexion of the game by erasing baserunners, and he could do the same in Game 2.
Key Analysis
Contreras' dual impact—at the plate and behind it—was crucial in Game 1. His ability to control the running game while also contributing offensively makes him a unique weapon for Milwaukee. The Brewers will rely on his continued excellence as the series progresses.
Originally reported by yahoo.