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Rays Stay Alive in World Series With Dramatic Game 4 Walk-Off Win Over Brewers
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- Rays Stay Alive in World Series With Dramatic Game 4 Walk-Off Win Over Brewers
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Tampa Bay Rays aren't ready for their season to end just yet.
After facing elimination in Game 4 of the World Series, Tampa Bay rallied for two runs in the bottom of the 12th inning to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.
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And while the Rays appeared to be heading toward a World Series sweep after surrendering the lead in extra innings, Jonny DeLuca and Ben Williamson delivered the biggest hits of the night to keep Tampa Bay's championship hopes alive.
Here is what you need to know from the contest.
Pitching Did Enough to Stay Alive
With the Rays facing elimination, Kevin Cash went with Griffin Jax as his starter, and the first inning almost got off to a shaky start.
After retiring the first two batters, Jax issued a two-out walk to Christian Yelich. The Brewers' veteran quickly made his way to third base after a throwing error from Liam Hicks attempting to catch Yelich stealing second.
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Jax issued another walk before escaping the inning unharmed following a groundout by Brice Turang.
The right-hander eventually allowed two runs across four innings, including a solo home run to David Hamilton in the fifth inning before exiting the contest.
However, Tampa Bay's bullpen delivered when it mattered.
Nick Martinez provided two scoreless innings in relief, while Bryan Baker, Kevin Kelly, Tyler Wells and Cam Booser helped keep Milwaukee from taking the lead through 11 innings.
Unfortunately, Ian Seymour surrendered a solo home run to Cooper Pratt in the 12th inning, giving Milwaukee a 3-2 advantage. Thankfully, this time Tampa Bay's offense came through.
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Bats Came in Clutch When It Mattered
Contact and speed gave the Rays their first lead of the game.
After Jonny DeLuca grounded into a fielder's choice in the second inning, Chandler Simpson delivered an RBI double to give Tampa Bay an early 1-0 lead against Brewers starter Dustin May.
Junior Caminero scored following a throwing error by Milwaukee third baseman David Hamilton, giving the Rays a 2-1 advantage.
Other than the Pratt homer, both teams struggled to generate offense throughout the remaining innings, sending the game into extras.
Which is where the Rays completed their magic.
With Milwaukee leading 3-2 entering the bottom of the 12th inning, Tampa Bay needed another comeback to avoid elimination.
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And the Rays finally delivered.
Caminero reached on a throwing error before Hicks followed with a single. Cedric Mullins entered as a pinch-runner after what seemed to be a possible injury to the Rays star slugger, and DeLuca delivered an RBI single to tie the contest.
Simpson followed with another base hit to load the bases.
That brought Williamson to the plate, and the infielder delivered a walk-off RBI single to right field, securing Tampa Bay's first World Series victory of 2026.
What's Next?
The Rays still trail Milwaukee 3-1 in the World Series but will have another opportunity to extend their season Wednesday night at Tropicana Field.
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Immediately following the game, Kevin Cash stated that nothing has been decided about who will start for Game 5 for Tampa Bay. As for Milwaukee, manager Pat Murphy stated that their ace Jacob Misiorowski will get the nod on the mound.
First pitch for Game 5 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
