Tampa Bay scored twice in the 12th inning to defeat Milwaukee 4-3, avoiding elimination and extending the World Series to Game 5 at Tropicana Field
The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings on Tuesday night to avoid elimination and force a fifth World Series game. Jonny DeLuca and Ben Williamson delivered decisive RBI singles after Cooper Pratt's home run gave Milwaukee a late lead.
Tampa Bay, Florida: The Tampa Bay Rays avoided elimination in the World Series with a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night, rallying in the 12th inning to force Game 5.
Jonny DeLuca and pinch-hitter Ben Williamson delivered run-scoring singles during the decisive rally, overturning Milwaukee's late advantage and keeping Tampa Bay's championship hopes alive.
The Brewers had moved ahead when Cooper Pratt hit a go-ahead home run off Ian Seymour in the top of the 12th inning. Milwaukee was closing in on a sweep and its first World Series title before the Rays responded.
Tampa Bay Rays Rally in the 12th Inning
Liam Hicks opened Tampa Bay's response with a single off Shane Drohan, who was making his first appearance since October 15. DeLuca followed with a single to centre field, bringing home pinch-runner Cedric Mullins to tie the score at 3-3.
Chandler Simpson then singled to load the bases. Milwaukee brought its infield in and used a five-man infield to defend against the potential winning run.
Williamson, who had recorded just one hit in 15 postseason at-bats, hit a ground ball over first baseman Jake Bauers and into right field. The hit brought home the winning run and secured Tampa Bay's 4-3 victory.
The comeback was also aided by a throwing error from Milwaukee third baseman Joey Ortiz on Junior Caminero's leadoff ground ball against reliever Antonio Senzatela.
World Series Game 5 Set for Tropicana Field
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Tropicana Field, where Tampa Bay will look to extend the series further while Milwaukee attempts to secure the championship.
The Rays became the fifth team in 26 World Series instances to trail 3-0 and win Game 4. The previous four teams in that situation subsequently lost Game 5.
Across best-of-seven postseason series in Major League Baseball, 43 teams had trailed 3-0 before this game. The only team to recover from that deficit to win the series was the Boston Red Sox, who defeated the New York Yankees in the 2004 American League Championship Series.
Tampa Bay, which is also seeking its first World Series championship, will now have another opportunity to continue its comeback in Game 5.
