The short version
- The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings, forcing a decisive Game 5.
- Jonny DeLuca and Ben Williamson scored in the bottom of the 12th to overcome Cooper Pratt's tiebreaking home run.
- Junior Caminero left with an injury but stated he would play in Wednesday's Game 5.
The Tampa Bay Rays staved off World Series elimination on Tuesday night, rallying in the bottom of the 12th inning to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 and force a Game 5. The victory kept alive the hopes of both franchises seeking their first championship titles, denying the Brewers a sweep and their inaugural World Series crown.
The game reached its climax after Cooper Pratt hit a tiebreaking home run off reliever Ian Seymour in the top of the 12th. The blast gave Tampa Bay a 3-2 lead but also marked Pratt’s fourth hit of the game, signaling that Milwaukee was on the verge of completing a sweep. However, the Rays responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning.
The turning point came when third baseman Joey Ortiz committed a throwing error on a leadoff grounder by Junior Caminero against reliever Antonio Senzatela. Liam Hicks followed with a single off Shane Drohan, who had returned to the mound for his first appearance since October 15. Jonny DeLuca then singled to center field, driving in pinch-runner Cedric Mullins to tie the score at 3-3.
With the bases loaded and Milwaukee employing a five-man infield with the defense shifted in, Chandler Simpson singled to load the deck. Pinch-hitter Ben Williamson, who had struggled to a 1-for-15 record in the postseason, hit a chopper over first baseman Jake Bauers and into right field. The play scored the winning run, securing the 4-3 victory for Tampa Bay.
The win places the Rays in rare historical company. They became just the fifth of 26 teams to fall behind 3-0 in the World Series and subsequently win Game 4. Historical data indicates that the previous four teams in this position all lost Game 5. In the broader context of best-of-seven postseason matchups, only one team—the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees in 2004—has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit to win the series.
Despite the dramatic comeback, questions remain regarding Tampa Bay’s roster health. Junior Caminero was replaced at third base by Cedric Mullins and hobbled off the field with an ailing left foot. However, the slugger indicated he would definitely play in Wednesday night’s Game 5, suggesting the injury may not be as severe as initially feared.
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Tropicana Field. Milwaukee NL Cy Young Award favorite Jacob Misiorowski is slated to start for the Brewers. Rays manager Kevin Cash had not yet decided on a starter for the crucial matchup as of Tuesday evening.
The series has been tightly contested, with Milwaukee winning Game 1, 2, and 3 by scores of 3-2, 5-4, and 10-1 respectively. The Rays’ resilience was highlighted by player comments emphasizing their determination to fight until the final pitch. Ben Williamson noted that continuing to fight has been the team’s motto throughout the season and the series.
Broadcasting details for Game 5 include coverage on Fox and Fox Deportes in the US, with streaming available through Fox One. International audiences can watch via TNT Sports in the UK and ESPN or Disney+ and Kayo Sports in Australia. The best-of-seven series continues with high stakes for both franchises seeking historic firsts.
The outcome of Game 5 will determine whether the Rays can continue their improbable comeback or if the Brewers will secure the championship. With the series tied at three games each, the pressure shifts to Tampa Bay’s home field as they attempt to avoid joining the majority of teams that have failed to recover from a 3-0 deficit.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Rays rally in 12th inning to beat Brewers and stave off World Series sweep
- MLB.com↗LIVE on FOX/FOX One: Brewers-Rays World Series Game 4
- WMTV 15 NEWS↗Brewers vs Rays: What to know before Game 4 of the World Series
- Yahoo Sports↗Rays vs Brewers Picks, Odds, Parlay for World Series Game 4
