Image Source: The New York Times
Milwaukee Brewers fans saw a potential World Series sweep disappear in one of the most dramatic extra-inning finishes in Fall Classic history. Tampa Bay rallied for a stunning 4-3 victory in 12 innings on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field, forcing a Game 5 and keeping its championship hopes alive.
The Brewers had been one defensive play and one out away from taking an unforgettable 4-0 series lead. Instead, the Rays pieced together a remarkable bottom-of-the-12th rally after Cooper Pratt gave Milwaukee a 3-2 lead with a solo home run.
Milwaukee Brewers Lose Heartbreaker After Late Rays Rally
Pratt, a rookie shortstop who had already recorded three hits, crushed a 2-2 sweeper from Ian Seymour into the left-center-field seats. The blast sent Milwaukee supporters inside The Trop into a frenzy and appeared to put the Brewers on the verge of baseball history.
A sweep would have made Milwaukee the first team to win both a best-of-seven League Championship Series and World Series without a loss. The Brewers also entered the night riding an eight-game postseason winning streak, just one victory short of matching the longest such run in history.
But Tampa Bay refused to go quietly. Seymour retired Jake Bauers to end the top of the 12th, limiting the damage and giving the Rays one final opportunity.
Rays Explode in a Historic 12th-Inning Comeback
Junior Caminero started the comeback by reaching on a throwing error from Joey Ortiz. The Milwaukee third baseman’s throw bounced in front of Bauers and skipped off his glove, immediately shifting the momentum inside Tropicana Field.
After the error, Liam Hicks singled through the left side. Jonny DeLuca then delivered the tying run with a ground ball up the middle, scoring pinch-runner Cedric Mullins. Chandler Simpson followed with another single to load the bases.
That brought pinch-hitter Ben Williamson to the plate. Williamson bounced a ball toward the right side, allowing pinch-runner Nick Fortes to score the winning run. The Rays poured onto the field as “Walking on Sunshine” played throughout the stadium.
“We’ve got one more day,” Seymour said after the game. “Now let’s make it two more days.”
For Williamson, the moment was especially meaningful. He had fouled a ball off his face the previous day, providing a painful symbol of Tampa Bay’s difficult start to the series. On Tuesday, however, his bat delivered the biggest hit of the night.
Milwaukee Brewers Still Hold a Major Series Advantage
Despite the crushing loss, the Milwaukee Brewers remain in control of the World Series. They lead the series 3-1 and need only one more victory to claim the first championship in franchise history.
Christian Yelich acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the challenge involved in winning a title.
“If you want to win a championship, you’re supposed to survive some hard things,” Yelich said. “It’s supposed to be hard. It’s supposed to test you.”
Milwaukee also received another outstanding relief performance from Aaron Ashby. His scoreless work extended his postseason streak to 18 consecutive innings, a new record for a relief pitcher. The Brewers’ bullpen had repeatedly protected narrow leads throughout October, but Tampa Bay finally found a way through in the decisive inning.
- Cooper Pratt homered in the top of the 12th inning.
- Joey Ortiz committed a costly throwing error in the bottom half.
- Ben Williamson delivered the walk-off RBI.
- Aaron Ashby extended his record scoreless relief streak to 18 innings.
- The Rays became only the 11th team to force a Game 5 after falling behind 0-3.
What Comes Next for Milwaukee?
The next game becomes a critical test for the Milwaukee Brewers. A victory would end the series and secure the organization’s first World Series title. A Tampa Bay win, however, would force a Game 6 and create even more pressure on Milwaukee.
The Rays now have belief, momentum and a home crowd that has witnessed one of the wildest finishes in World Series history. Tampa Bay became only the second team to win a World Series game while facing elimination and a potential sweep since the 1910 Cubs.
Manager Kevin Cash said the winning inning reflected the identity his club had shown all season.
“We pieced together a big inning, maybe the most important inning of our season,” Cash said.
For the Brewers, the challenge is to reset quickly. Their postseason dominance has not disappeared after one defeat, but the Rays have shown they can survive pressure and capitalize on mistakes. Game 5 will determine whether Milwaukee finishes the job or allows Tampa Bay to extend one of baseball’s most improbable comebacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Game 4?
The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, 4-3, in 12 innings.
Who hit the walk-off for Tampa Bay?
Pinch-hitter Ben Williamson delivered the game-winning RBI with a single in the bottom of the 12th inning.
Who hit the go-ahead home run for Milwaukee?
Brewers rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt hit a solo home run in the top of the 12th inning.
What is the World Series score now?
The Milwaukee Brewers lead the Tampa Bay Rays, three games to one.
What does Milwaukee need to win the championship?
The Brewers need one more victory to capture their first World Series title.
