The Tampa Bay Rays extended their World Series hopes by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers with a thrilling two-run 13th inning in Game 4, securing a 4-3 victory. The Brewers were close to making franchise history by claiming their first World Series title, thanks to Cooper Pratt’s solo home run in the top of the 13th that broke a 2-2 tie. However, an error allowed Junior Caminero to reach base, sparking hope for the Rays.
Liam Hicks further fueled the excitement at Tropicana Field with a single that advanced Caminero to third. Then, Jonny DeLuca delivered a game-tying RBI single to center field. Chandler Simpson loaded the bases, setting up Ben Williamson, the last available player on the Rays’ bench, to hit a pinch-hit single. This secured the Rays’ first win in the series and pushed them to Game 5 on Wednesday night.
Cooper Pratt was the standout performer for the Brewers, showcasing a 4-for-5 night, including an RBI double. Pratt’s crucial home run seemed to position the Brewers for a Game 4 victory. The Brewers last appeared in the Fall Classic in 1982, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals. With the best regular-season record of 103-59, Milwaukee aimed to conclude their remarkable season with another sweep, repeating their performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.
The only postseason defeat for the Brewers before this game was in the ALDS against the San Diego Padres. Entering Game 4, it was crucial for the Rays to score first, especially after the Brewers’ eight-run fifth inning in Game 3 proved costly for the Rays. Simpson opened the scoring by doubling off Dustin May, bringing DeLuca home for a 1-0 lead.
Pratt responded confidently, hitting a double for another clutch two-out hit, tying the game. However, DeLuca’s play prompted a throwaway by Brewers’ third baseman David Hamilton, letting Caminero score and granting the Rays a 2-1 advantage in the fourth inning.
Hamilton redeemed himself by hitting a solo home run off Griffin Jax in the fifth inning, equalizing the score at 2-2. Both teams’ bullpens then held firm, requiring extra innings to decide the outcome. Shane Drohan, returning from an injury and a month without pitching, couldn’t match the determination of the Rays, who fought to extend their season.
Game 5 promises another thrilling encounter between these two teams, keeping baseball fans on the edge of their seats.
Scott Thompson reports for Fox News Digital.