Gasser not just unbothered, he's nearly perfect in Game 3 showcase

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Brewers had a pretty good idea that Robert Gasser wouldn’t be rattled by the pressure of the most significant start of his young career.

After all, they’ve seen him drive a car.

Standing in front of his clubhouse locker after Milwaukee’s 10-1 win over the Rays in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night, teammate Brice Turang offered a demonstration of the left-hander’s demeanor -- leaning back, one hand slung over an imaginary steering wheel, completely unbothered.

“He’s very chill,” Turang said. “He drives chill, too. He’s a really slow driver. Everything about him is just chill.”

Why should pitching in October be any different?

Gasser was in total control of Tampa Bay, limiting traffic to an absolute minimum, becoming the first rookie starter to fire six scoreless innings of one-hit ball in a World Series game. Bruce Kison was the only other rookie to do so, as a Pirates reliever in Game 4 of the 1971 Fall Classic.

The first starter to face the minimum through six innings since the D-backs’ Curt Schilling in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, Gasser tackled hostile environments earlier this postseason in San Diego and Los Angeles, which he said prepared him for the challenge of taking on the Rays at a sold-out Trop.

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“What I learned from those was, I didn’t have to do too much,” Gasser said. “I didn’t have to press. I didn’t need to be more than who I am. I feel like I was able to go out there today with that same mindset and execute.”

The 27-year-old worked four innings of one-run ball in Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Padres at Petco Park, then fired five scoreless innings against the Dodgers in Los Angeles to help win Game 3 of the NL Championship Series.

Still, this was the World Series -- and “Bobby Diesel” aced the test.

“Tonight was a little bit tougher,” Gasser said. “It's just a game. I relaxed and did my best to look around, soak it in and enjoy it. It's a special opportunity that we all have to be here. To be nervous or scared would only be cheating myself and my teammates.”

Yandy Díaz opened the home half of the first inning with a leadoff single, was erased on a fielder’s choice, and the Rays didn’t have another runner reach base until Victor Mesa Jr. walked to lead off the sixth.

A double play erased Mesa, and Gasser retired Taylor Walls on a ground ball to get through the sixth. He had thrown just 75 pitches, but the game was a laugher by then, thanks to Milwaukee’s historic eight-run rally with two outs in the fifth.

“He was throwing pitches that we couldn’t hit,” Díaz said through interpreter Kevin Vera. “He was executing really well. So credit to him. He did a good job, and we just weren’t able to get hits.”

Part of the Brewers’ 2022 four-player haul from the Padres in a Trade Deadline deal for closer Josh Hader, Gasser was 5-5 with a 3.87 ERA in 21 games (20 starts) during the regular season.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said he has seen Gasser’s confidence grow this postseason, while also lauding catcher William Contreras for guiding him.

“You’ve got to give William a lot of credit, because William jockeys him really well,” Murphy said. “He’s gained so much confidence. It’s not just about stuff. It’s about his mentality. He’s staying after it, and he’s relentless. It’s pretty special.”

Gasser said Contreras has been building rapport with him since their first day together.

“He has so many encouraging words, whether they’re positive, or if he’s getting on you and letting you know to pick it up,” Gasser said. “He just always has such a good feel for the game. He’s a really special catcher.”

Now, with six innings of near-spotless work under his belt, Gasser and the Brewers hope there’s no reason to push his October workload any further.

If he doesn’t see the mound again this month, his postseason stat line could finish with 15 innings, one run -- and a World Series championship.

“He’s unbelievable. He's nasty,” Turang said. “That thing's moving. I've faced him a couple times; he’s pretty good. The confidence he carries to go out there and just pitch the game he pitched, I mean, it's a big deal. All postseason he's done well, and he stayed in control.”