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Easton Ochoa: All Smiles, All Hustle, All Baseball

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Easton Ochoa isn’t just playing the game. He’s mastering it from every angle. Representing USA Prime Tampa Bay as a middle infielder, pitcher, and outfielder, Easton brings intensity, intelligence, and heart to every position he steps into. With a foundation built by family and a mindset forged through relentless work, Easton’s journey is fueled by purpose and a love for the game that runs deep. Whether he’s turning double plays, delivering strikes on the mound, or tracking down balls in the outfield, Easton shows up ready to compete and ready to lead.

How did you first get started playing?
My dad introduced me to the sport as he used to play, and I’ve loved it ever since.

What position do you play, and what do you love most about it?
Middle infield and pitcher. What I love most about these positions—middle infield gives you an opportunity to make double plays. Pitcher—I love being able to call the throw and strike batters out.

Who introduced you to the sport or inspired your passion for the game?
Both my parents have inspired me. While my dad introduced me to the game and has been my personal coach since day one, my mom pushes me to always give it 110%.

What’s been your most memorable moment on the field so far?
Hitting my first home run in 8U.

How has your game evolved since you first started playing?
Having the opportunity to consistently play up has provided me with the baseball IQ needed to compete at a higher level.

What does a typical training week look like for you during the season?
Practice six days each week, up to three hours, whether with the team or at home. Focus points include BP, fielding, fitness, and running through IQ situations.

How do you mentally prepare for games? Any pregame rituals or routines?
On the way to the field, I have a specific playlist that I listen to that gets me in the game-time mindset. Once I get to the field and am warming up, I like to time up the pitchers.

What’s one skill you’ve worked hardest to improve?
Being aggressive!

How do you handle slumps or rough stretches during the season?
Always remembering the next pitch is what matters, not what already happened.

Do you play or train year-round, or take time off in the offseason?
Always playing, training, and working hard for the next season. July is a low-key month, which includes our family vacation.

What do you value most about being part of your team?
Having ten brothers to perform with, lean on, and celebrate with.

How do you balance individual performance with team goals?
Showing up to give 110% (physically, mentally, emotionally). If I know I’m giving it my all, I’m supporting the team goal.

Who’s a teammate that inspires or pushes you to be better?
My bro, Riley. He encourages and motivates me to keep pushing on the mound.

What’s the toughest team or player you’ve faced, and why?
One of my prior pitcher teammates from Prime. He throws gas, and I had to face him a few times at practice in live BP.

How do you respond to pressure in high-stakes moments?
In my mind, I tell myself this is it—let’s make it happen.

What has the sport taught you about life beyond the field?
You have to work hard for what you want. Treat day one as championship day.

How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
Remembering that my mindset will set the tone. To get me there, I think of my favorite hype songs.

Who is a role model or professional athlete you look up to and why?
My dad because he pushes me every day to be the absolute best version of myself.

What are your goals moving forward in your athletic career?
To continue developing in all aspects of the game, but most importantly to make sure I’m having fun doing it—always!

If you could give advice to a younger player just starting out, what would it be?
Keep your head up, focus on the next pitch/hit/ground ball. Every time you step foot on the field, it’s a learning experience.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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2026 World Series Preview: Rays vs. Brewers With a First Championship on the Line for Both Clubs

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A Milwaukee Brewers pitcher during the 2026 NLCS

The 122nd Fall Classic is set. The Milwaukee Brewers will host the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the 2026 World Series on Friday night at American Family Field, with first pitch scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. It is the first-ever postseason meeting between the two clubs, and the stakes could not be higher: the winner will capture the first World Series championship in franchise history.

How Milwaukee got here: The Brewers (103-59) set a franchise record for regular-season wins and carried that momentum straight through October. After dispatching the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, Pat Murphy’s club swept the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in four games to win the National League pennant, completing the sweep in Los Angeles on Oct. 15. NLCS MVP Jake Bauers powered a lineup that also features Jackson Chourio and William Contreras, while the pitching staff is headlined by NL Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski (16-5, 1.80 ERA), who gets the ball for Game 1. It is Milwaukee’s first World Series appearance since 1982.

How Tampa Bay got here: The Rays (98-64) owned the best record in the American League and survived a grueling American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians. Down 2-1 in the series, Tampa Bay roared back to win in six games, clinching the pennant with a 7-3 victory on Monday night sealed by Yandy Diaz’s two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Freddy Peralta was nearly unhittable in the series with a 0.75 ERA, and third baseman Junior Caminero delivered big hit after big hit in a career year. Drew Rasmussen (16-5, 2.67 ERA) will start Game 1 on regular rest after starting Game 5 of the ALCS. It is Tampa Bay’s first World Series trip since 2020, when the Rays fell to the Dodgers in six games.

Game 1 pitching matchup: A duel of aces. Rasmussen, who has thrown three quality starts with 23 strikeouts and just three walks in 21 postseason innings, faces Misiorowski, whose electric stuff has overwhelmed hitters all season. Milwaukee took two of three from Tampa Bay at home early in the regular season.

Full 2026 World Series schedule (all games 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX/FOX Deportes):
Game 1: Friday, Oct. 23 at Milwaukee
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 24 at Milwaukee
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 26 at Tampa Bay
Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Tampa Bay
Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Tampa Bay
Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, Oct. 30 at Milwaukee
Game 7 (if necessary): Saturday, Oct. 31 at Milwaukee

One way or another, when this series ends, baseball will have a first-time champion.

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