By Sohaib Shams
The Tampa Bay Rays avoided World Series elimination with a stunning 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4, forcing a decisive Game 5 at Tropicana Field. Pinch-hitter Ben Williamson delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th inning, capping a four-hit rally that began with a crucial Milwaukee error.
Dramatic 12th-Inning Turnaround
Milwaukee stood three outs from its first World Series title when Junior Caminero led off the 12th with a grounder to third base. Third baseman Joey Ortiz bounced the throw, and the ball glanced off first baseman Jake Bauers' mitt for an error. Liam Hicks, Jonny DeLuca, Chandler Simpson and Williamson followed with consecutive singles against rookie reliever Shane Drohan in a 15-pitch span. Williamson's chopper bounded over Bauers into short right field, scoring Nick Fortes with the winning run.
Brewers Take Late Lead
The Brewers had taken a 3-2 lead in the top of the 12th when rookie Cooper Pratt hit a home run off Ian Seymour, becoming the first rookie to hit a World Series extra-inning homer. Milwaukee's bullpen had combined for seven straight scoreless innings before the Rays' rally. Brewers captain Christian Yelich acknowledged the difficulty: "Sometimes the game tests you. Sometimes the game makes you want to dig deep."
Historical Context
Tampa Bay became the fourth team in World Series history to avoid elimination with an extra-inning comeback, joining the 1912 Boston Red Sox, 1986 New York Mets and 2011 St. Louis Cardinals — all of whom went on to win titles. The Rays are just the fifth of 26 teams to win Game 4 after trailing 3-0 in the World Series; the previous four all lost Game 5.
Game 5 Ahead
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Tropicana Field. NL Cy Young Award favorite Jacob Misiorowski is set to start for Milwaukee, while Rays manager Kevin Cash had not announced his starter. Junior Caminero, who appeared to injure his left foot during the game, said he will play. "He'll play tomorrow on one leg. I'll make sure of it," Cash said.
