Rays Stun Brewers With 12th-Inning Rally to Force World Series Decider

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in the 12th inning Tuesday night, forcing a Game 5 in the World Series. The result ended the Brewers' 11-game winning streak in October and leveled the best-of-seven series at two wins each.

Cooper Pratt gave Milwaukee a 3-0 lead in the top of the 12th by hitting a home run. The 22-year-old had already recorded four hits in the game, becoming the first player his age to reach that mark in a potential clinching spot. However, the lead evaporated as Tampa Bay loaded the bases with none out in the bottom half.

Shane Drohan, a rookie pitcher who had not thrown in 12 days, entered the game after an errant throw by third baseman Joey Ortiz put the tying run on base. Drohan faced three batters who all reached on hits. Liam Hicks grounded a ball through the left side, Jonny DeLuca lined a single up the middle to tie the score, and Chandler Simpson hit a single that loaded the bases.

Pinch hitter Ben Williamson then chipped a hard grounder over the head of first baseman Jake Bauers. The ball found the outfield grass, allowing the runners to score and giving Tampa Bay the walk-off victory. Williamson's hit was the final out needed to secure the win for the Rays.

The Brewers had dominated the early part of the series, winning 10 of their first 11 games and tying a franchise record with eight consecutive victories. According to ESPN Research, Milwaukee had won 18 straight games when leading at any point in a game dating to Sept. 17. Tuesday's loss snapped that streak and marked their first postseason defeat in 21 days.

Ortiz, who made the error that began the 12th-inning collapse, acknowledged the mistake immediately after the game. He stated that he should make that play every time. The Brewers produced 12 of the 13 hardest-hit balls of the night, with nine exceeding 102 mph, but the batted-ball luck did not favor them in the crucial moments.

Captain Christian Yelich said the team expected the series to be difficult. He noted that such moments are supposed to test players. Manager Pat Murphy agreed, stating that achieving a championship involves adversity. The teams will meet again for Game 5, where the Brewers will need to show more perseverance to secure their first title.

Drohan remained confident in his team's ability to overcome the loss. He pointed to their performance throughout the year as proof of their strength. The Rays, meanwhile, avoided a sweep and kept their season alive with a final score of 4-3.