Image Source: ESPN
Did the Rays win last night? Yes. The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in a dramatic 12-inning World Series Game 4 on Tuesday night, keeping their championship hopes alive for at least one more game.
The Rays appeared to be just three outs away from elimination before producing one of the most remarkable comebacks of the postseason. Ben Williamson delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th inning, sending Tampa Bay players and fans into celebration at Tropicana Field.
Did the Rays Win Last Night? Tampa Bay Forces Game 5
The victory prevented Milwaukee from completing a sweep and winning the first World Series championship in franchise history. After losing the opening three games, Tampa Bay finally rediscovered the resilience that defined its regular season and American League playoff run.
“We have tomorrow,” Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz said after the game. “We have a new day. We have life.”
The contest lasted four hours and 20 minutes, with both teams relying on their deepest pitching and defensive resources. The Brewers seemed to seize control in the top of the 12th when rookie Cooper Pratt launched a home run into the left-field stands.
Cooper Pratt’s Home Run Nearly Ended the Series
Pratt, a 22-year-old rookie who reached the major leagues in June, delivered his fourth hit of the night against Rays left-hander Ian Seymour. His solo shot gave Milwaukee a 4-3 lead and left the Brewers only three outs away from their long-awaited championship.
“I hit the thing and I was like, oh my gosh. That’s gone,” Pratt said, according to ESPN. “I was just trying not to strike out. That was probably one of the coolest swings of my life.”
For several minutes, it appeared Pratt had created a defining World Series moment. Instead, Tampa Bay produced an even more unforgettable response in the bottom half of the inning.
Rays Rally Behind a Costly Brewers Error
Junior Caminero opened the Tampa Bay comeback with a ground ball to Joey Ortiz at third base. Ortiz’s throw skipped away, and Jake Bauers could not make the pickup at first base. The error placed the tying runner on base with no outs.
Liam Hicks followed with a single to left field, putting runners at first and third. Jonny DeLuca then came through with a sharp grounder up the middle, scoring the tying run against Milwaukee reliever Shane Drohan.
Chandler Simpson kept the pressure on by reaching safely and loading the bases. That brought Williamson to the plate as a pinch hitter with the game, the season and Tampa Bay’s World Series hopes on the line.
Williamson did not wait. He attacked the first pitch and lined a walk-off single, giving the Rays a stunning 4-3 win.
“That’s magic right there,” Rays utility player Ryan Vilade said.
What the Rays’ Win Means for the World Series
The result means the Brewers must wait before celebrating their first championship. Milwaukee still leads the series, but Tampa Bay’s victory has changed the momentum and extended the baseball season for at least one more night.
The Rays had struggled through the first three games, making uncharacteristic errors and appearing overwhelmed by Milwaukee’s power and athleticism. Game 4 offered a dramatic reversal. Tampa Bay stayed aggressive, found timely hits and recovered from Pratt’s crushing home run almost immediately.
- Tampa Bay defeated Milwaukee 4-3.
- The game went 12 innings.
- Ben Williamson delivered the walk-off single.
- Cooper Pratt hit a 12th-inning home run for the Brewers.
- The Rays avoided elimination and forced Game 5.
As ESPN reported, the victory captured baseball’s unpredictable nature: one team can appear seconds away from a title before a single error, hit and swing completely changes the story.
When Is the Next Rays Game?
The Rays and Brewers will meet again in Game 5 of the World Series. Tampa Bay will attempt to extend the series further, while Milwaukee will look to recover quickly and finish the championship pursuit.
For Rays fans, the answer to “did the Rays win last night” is now a memorable yes. More importantly, the team has earned another opportunity to compete for the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Rays win last night?
Yes. The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings in World Series Game 4.
Who hit the winning hit for Tampa Bay?
Ben Williamson hit the walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th inning to give the Rays the victory.
Who hit a home run for the Brewers?
Milwaukee rookie Cooper Pratt hit a home run in the top of the 12th inning, briefly putting the Brewers ahead.
Did the Rays avoid elimination?
Yes. Tampa Bay’s win prevented a Milwaukee championship celebration and forced the World Series to continue to Game 5.