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5 Unforgettable Moments From the Rays Incredible 2026 Playoff Run
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- 5 Unforgettable Moments From the Rays Incredible 2026 Playoff Run
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The Tampa Bay Rays couldn't finish their historic 2026 season with a World Series championship, falling to the Milwaukee Brewers in five games.
However, that doesn't take away from everything Tampa Bay accomplished throughout October, especially considering how little was expected from the organization entering the year.
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The Rays reached their third World Series in franchise history, won the American League pennant, and gave fans plenty of memorable moments along the way.
Here are five of the best moments from Tampa Bay's impressive postseason run.
Ben Williamson's World Series walk-off against Milwaukee
With the Rays facing elimination in Game 4 of the World Series, it appeared their season was coming to an end after Milwaukee took a 3-2 lead in the 12th inning.
However, Tampa Bay wasn't finished.
Jonny DeLuca delivered an RBI single to tie the game before Chandler Simpson helped load the bases for Ben Williamson.
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And with an opportunity to keep the Rays' championship hopes alive, Williamson delivered a walk-off RBI single to secure a 4-3 victory.
While Tampa Bay ultimately lost the series the following night, Williamson's hit gave Rays fans one final opportunity to celebrate at Tropicana Field.
Tampa Bay wins the American League pennant
Perhaps the most important accomplishment of Tampa Bay's postseason was defeating the Cleveland Guardians in six games to advance to the World Series.
Especially considering the Rays entered the season with plenty of questions surrounding their roster and expectations.
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However, Tampa Bay proved its doubters wrong throughout the year before eventually capturing its third American League pennant.
And while the organization couldn't finish the job against Milwaukee, winning the American League championship remains one of the biggest accomplishments in franchise history.
Rays eliminate the New York Yankees
There's certainly something special about eliminating a division rival from the postseason.
Especially when that opponent happens to be the New York Yankees.
Tampa Bay swept New York out of the playoffs, continuing its impressive postseason run while proving its regular-season success against the American League East wasn't a fluke.
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For Rays fans, eliminating the Yankees was certainly one of the more satisfying moments of October.
Chandler Simpson shines on baseball's biggest stage
While Tampa Bay's offense struggled throughout the World Series, Chandler Simpson was one player who continued to make an impact.
The young outfielder delivered several important contributions, including three hits during Tampa Bay's Game 4 victory against Milwaukee.
Simpson also played an important role in the 12th-inning comeback, helping load the bases before Williamson delivered the game-winning hit.
And while the Rays couldn't win their first championship, Simpson gave fans another reason to be excited about the organization's future.
Freddy Peralta and Yandy Díaz battle for ALCS MVP
One of the more impressive storylines from Tampa Bay's American League Championship Series victory was the performances of Freddy Peralta and Yandy Díaz.
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Peralta eventually earned ALCS MVP honors after finishing 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA and nine strikeouts across 12 innings.
Especially impressive considering Peralta joined Tampa Bay during the season after struggling with the New York Mets.
However, Díaz also made a strong case for the award.
The veteran first baseman hit two home runs during the series, including a two-run shot in Game 6 that helped Tampa Bay secure the American League pennant.
Díaz also backed up his prediction that the Rays would finish the series in six games.
And while Peralta ultimately took home the individual honor, both players were instrumental in helping Tampa Bay reach the World Series.
