MILWAUKEE (AP) — William Contreras’ trots around the bases after his homers are as much of a spectacle as the blasts themselves.
The Brewers catcher hit his third homer of the postseason on Monday night, a majestic, 436-foot shot that tied the score in the fifth inning of Milwaukee's 7-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series.
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Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras celebrates his RBI base hit during the sixth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras connects for a home run during the fifth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) connects for an RBI base hit during the sixth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras celebrates his solo home run during the fifth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras celebrates his home run during the fifth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
The three-time All-Star took his time rounding the bases, just as he did each time he went deep in the NL Division Series. MLB posted a video of Contreras rounding the bases, and it appeared to take him roughly 35 seconds.
“More than anything, I try to enjoy the moment,” Contreras said through interpreter Daniel de Mondesert. “I think doing it, it’s most importantly for my teammates. For them to feel the energy, feel the vibes, and for us to feel that together. The celebrations are for them. It’s for the teammates and to keep us going.”
Contreras keeps giving the Brewers reasons to celebrate.
Conteras went 3 for 4 with three RBIs as the Brewers took 2-0 series lead. He has gone 9 for 23 with four walks this postseason, good for a .481 on-base percentage and a 1.264 OPS.
“He wants to compete every single day, every moment,” Brewers captain Christian Yelich said. “(He) does a great job handling the pitching staff. He’s the fire of our team, just likes the moments, likes the big moments. We’ve got all the confidence in the world in him when he’s out there, whether that’s behind the plate or at the plate.”
That fire was evident from the way Contreras came through in the sixth inning.
Contreras singled home a run against Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the first inning and homered in the fifth off Kris Bubic to tie the game at 4-all. The Brewers had a runner on third with one out in the sixth when Dodgers manager Dave Roberts intentionally walked Brice Turang to set up a possible double play.
That brought up Contreras, who hit an RBI single off Brock Stewart.
“I took it as motivation,” Contreras said. “That was a decision that their manager took, and then I just tried not to get too big or do anything too much. I wanted to put the ball in play. I knew it was a big run there.”
Contreras has been providing that kind of spark since the Brewers acquired him from Atlanta in 2022. The Venezuela native — whose older brother, Willson, is a slugging first baseman for the Boston Red Sox — won a World Series with the Braves the prior season.
He posted an OPS over .800 each of his first two seasons in Milwaukee and finished fifth in the NL MVP balloting in 2024. Contreras also set an example with his work ethic.
Manager Pat Murphy recalled how Contreras wanted to catch every game.
“(He) was ticked if I ever DH’d him,” Murphy said. “He just wanted to be in there. This kid wants it. He doesn’t believe in days off. He doesn’t believe in being injured. He played one year with a broken hand. And he wants to excel. It’s not enough for him to make the All-Star team. He wants to excel. He wants it all. He’s driven to a point where sometimes you have to intervene.”
Contreras’ zest for the game is evident from his home run celebrations.
After hitting his drive over the center-field wall Monday, Contreras laid his bat down and faced the Brewers dugout as he walked to first base. He paused after rounding second base and gestured as he faced the outfield and wall. He stopped to slap hands with third base coach Matt Erickson and lifted his arms skyward while looking up before heading home.
Contreras says he loves playing in Milwaukee in part because the Brewers appreciate the way he plays.
“I think it’s the confidence that Milwaukee instilled in me from day one whenever they acquired me,” Contreras said. “I think going out there and letting me play the game that I do and letting me play the way that I do. I think the only thing I really have to say is just very appreciative to the organization for what they’ve been able to do. I think I’ve been able to have the best years of my career here.”
Contreras loves soaking in big moments with his teammates and fans. He’s hoping they’ll be exulting in the Brewers’ first World Series title a few weeks from now.
That celebration undoubtedly would last quite a bit longer than his trips around the bases.
See AP’s full MLB coverage here
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras celebrates his RBI base hit during the sixth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras connects for a home run during the fifth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) connects for an RBI base hit during the sixth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras celebrates his solo home run during the fifth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee.(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras celebrates his home run during the fifth inning of Game 2 of baseball's National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians used small ball, the longball and played solid all-around baseball to keep winning in the postseason.
Nathaniel Lowe snapped an eighth-inning tie with a two-run single after Chase DeLauter and Patrick Bailey homered off Drew Rasmussen, and the Guardians rallied past the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3 in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night.
After losing the first two games at home to the Chicago White Sox in their AL Division Series, Cleveland has won four straight in the postseason for the first time since winning their first six playoff games in 2016 on the way to a World Series berth.
“It feels good to see some balls fall, to see some guys get on the barrel, to see some guys have some great at-bats, because the first two games of the White Sox series, we got beat. We did,” Lowe said. “We had to go get our backs against the wall and do something crazy, and this group did. It’s nice to feel some momentum coming here and to take Game 1.”
Jose Ramírez had three hits and DeLauter was a triple shy of the cycle as the Guardians banged out 14 hits against a Tampa Bay staff that allowed just 12 in its entire Division Series against the New York Yankees.
Junior Caminero and Jonny DeLuca had RBI singles in the first and Cedric Mullins hit a solo homer for the Rays, who never trailed in their three-game sweep of the Yankees.
“It’s been a while since we lost, so I think that’s a good thing, and I know the guys will come back and respond tomorrow,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said.
Game 2 is Tuesday night at Tropicana Field. Rookie left-hander Parker Messick starts for Cleveland, and right-hander Freddy Peralta takes the mound for the Rays.
Five relievers combined for five innings of one-run, two-hit ball for the Guardians, who became only the 11th team to overcome an 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five playoff series with a victory over the White Sox on Saturday night.
Hunter Gaddis worked a scoreless seventh for the win. Cade Smith, who pitched in all five games against Chicago, tossed a perfect ninth.
“Obviously we came off an emotional series, had a quick turnaround. But these guys come ready to play every day. Couldn’t be more proud of them,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “We got punched early. And our pitching staff, credit to them, for stopping it and keeping us in the game as long as they did. And the offense came alive.”
Rasmussen took a 2-0 lead into the sixth before DeLauter led off with an opposite-field homer to left-center. Bailey started the seventh with a towering shot to center that went a projected 436 feet, ending Rasmussen’s night.
Rasmussen carried a no-hitter into the eighth in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Yankees.
Ramírez opened the eighth with an infield single off losing pitcher Tyler Wells, and DeLauter ripped a double to right. After Wells retired Jo Adell on a grounder to second, Ian Seymour entered. Lowe lined an 0-2 pitch up the middle to drive in two, giving Cleveland a 4-2 lead.
Lowe made his major league debut with Tampa Bay in 2019 and won a World Series with Texas in 2023.
“I love coming back here, I really do,” Lowe said. “It’s nice to see some familiar faces on the other side.”
Mullins connected off Erik Sabrowski for a solo shot in the bottom half.
Ramírez, whose two-run homer lifted Cleveland to a 2-0 win in Game 5 against Chicago, provided an insurance run with an RBI single in the ninth off Cole Sulser.
Ramírez then helped the Guardians get two more by breaking for third with two outs and two strikes on Adell. Caminero ran to cover the bag and was out of position when Adell hit a sharp grounder toward third. The ball rolled into left field for a two-run double.
A crowd of 35,361 fans waved yellow rally towels and rang cowbells at the Trop as Tampa Bay made its third ALCS appearance in the franchise's 29-season history.
They were fired up when the 98-win Rays jumped ahead 2-0 in the first and Rasmussen battled to keep it there until the sixth.
Coming off that dominant performance against the Yankees, Rasmussen went six-plus tough innings. The two-time All-Star right-hander, who was four outs from a no-hitter in a 1-0 victory against New York, allowed a hit to the second batter he faced and eight total, striking out seven.
Guardians starter Foster Griffin gave up two runs and five hits in four innings.
The Rays helped Rasmussen with outstanding defense.
Nick Fortes threw out Ramírez trying to steal second in the first. Caminero made an excellent play to retire Adell on a hard bouncer to third. Caminero short-hopped the ball with his backhand and fired a strong throw to first.
The Guardians had a runner on first with one out in the third when second baseman Ben Williamson robbed DeLauter of a hit that prevented a first-and-third jam. Williamson, who wasn’t on the ALDS roster, made a diving grab on DeLauter’s sharp grounder, got up and threw him out.
Rays slick-fielding shortstop Taylor Walls was 0 for 3 and left six runners on base. He struck out with the bases loaded to end the first, lined out with a runner on in the fourth and grounded out with runners on first and second to end the sixth.
Messick took the loss in Game 1 of the AL Division Series, allowing two runs over 4 1/3 innings. He threw 2 1/3 innings in relief during a Game 4 victory, giving up two runs. Messick had 11 strikeouts in the two appearances. He was 12-9 with a 2.56 ERA in the regular season.
Peralta allowed one run and three hits over 4 2/3 innings in Game 2 of the Division Series vs. the Yankees. He was 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 10 starts after joining Tampa Bay at the trade deadline. Peralta was 5-9 with a 4.99 ERA for the Mets this season.
See AP’s full MLB coverage here
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ian Seymour reacts after giving up two runs against the Cleveland Guardians during the eighth inning in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Jonny DeLuca and third baseman Junior Caminero collide try to catch a ball hit by Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio during the ninth inning in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Cleveland Guardians' Patrick Bailey celebrates after a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the seventh inning in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Cleveland Guardians' Chase DeLauter hits a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Cleveland Guardians' José Ramírez and Chase DeLauter celebrate after scoring on a single by Nathaniel Lowe against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Cleveland Guardians' Travis Bazzana steals second past Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls during the fourth inning in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Cleveland Guardians' José Ramírez is tagged out by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls stealing during the first inning in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan singles against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen celebrates the last out in the top of the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen celebrates after striking out Cleveland Guardians' José Ramírez during the fifth inning in Game 1 of an American League Championship Series baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
