Sal Frelick lives up to Pat Murphy’s “It-factor” comments with Game 2 heroics

Pat Murphy had high praise for Sal Frelick ahead of Game 2 of the World Series, and the Milwaukee Brewers outfielder gave his manager every reason to feel vindicated just hours later.Before Saturday’s World Series clash with the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field, Murphy compared Frelick to some of the game’s most respected players.“He’s just the ultimate competitor, winner,” remarked the Brewers manager.Murphy emphasized that Frelick brings more to the table than just his on field abilities."He has that it-factor." Ahead of Game 2, #Brewers manager Pat Murphy had high praise on Sal Frelick. Hours later, Frelick tied up Game 2 with a solo home run in the bottom of the 6th after being down 4-0. pic.twitter.com/m4NWBIFhQR— Audrey Marr (@AudreyMarrTV) October 25, 2026“He’s got the it-factor. You think of Joe Montana, you think of Larry Bird, they have the it-factor. I’m not saying he’s at that level of talent or been in a position to do those things, but he has that it-factor. He can take a team down the field, you know what I mean?”“He just has that grit. He has that belief system that, like, I’m going to get this done and you’re not going to deny me. It’s a beautiful thing, man,” Murphy added.Sal Frelick for the Brewers in Game 2 of the World SeriesMay 8, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Sal Frelick (10) hits an RBI single at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesFrelick proved Murphy’s praise was warranted during the game. Tampa Bay grabbed a 4-0 advantage in the first inning, but the Brewers began fighting back when Frelick singled in the fourth, advancing Cooper Pratt into scoring position. With Milwaukee trailing 4-3 in the sixth, Frelick opened the inning by battling Rays lefty Ian Seymour through nine pitches before crushing a 408-foot solo shot to center, leveling the score.The 26-year-old’s 408-foot shot marked his first home run in the postseason, a notable power display from a player better known for making contact, running the bases and playing defense. The homer also snapped a 103-plate-appearance drought that dated back to July 11.Oct 11, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick (10) high-fives teammates prior to game one of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn ImagesFrelick’s home run paved the way for Milwaukee to take the lead in the seventh, when Pratt delivered a single to right field that brought Brice Turang home. Aaron Ashby preserved the advantage in the ninth by leaving the potential tying run stranded at third, securing a 5-4 victory and putting the Brewers up 2-0 in the series.Milwaukee will look to extend its advantage to 3-0 when the World Series moves to Tropicana Field for Game 3 on Monday.More Brewers news from Wisconsin Sports HeroicsOct 24, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt (12) runs after hitting an RBI single Tampa Bay Rays during the seventh inning in game two of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYCooper Pratt earns Pat Murphy’s praise after clutch World Series hit for the BrewersJacob Misiorowski gives young Brewers fan a World Series memory to rememberMilwaukee Brewers: Dustin May says this World Series means more than the one he won with the Los Angeles Dodgers