Rays Fight Back To Force Game 5 After Late World Series Drama

Late Home Run Is Not Enough

Cooper Pratt thought he had won the World Series for Milwaukee. The 22 year old led off the 12th inning on Tuesday night with a home run to give the Brewers the lead. He became the first player his age to get four hits in a potential Series clincher. Pratt said that was probably one of the coolest swings of his life.

That lead did not last. Tampa Bay Rays fought back in the bottom half of the 12th inning to win 4-3 and force Game 5. The result ended a streak of 18 straight wins for the Brewers when leading at any point in a game. It was also their first postseason loss in 21 days.

Errors Cost Milwaukee Late

The trouble started when third baseman Joey Ortiz made an errant throw to first base on a ground ball from Junior Caminero. Ortiz admitted after the game that he should make that play every time.

That mistake brought rookie Shane Drohan out of the bullpen. Drohan had not pitched in 12 days. He gave up hits to Liam Hicks, Jonny DeLuca, and Chandler Simpson. DeLuca tied the score, and Simpson loaded the bases. Pinch hitter Ben Williamson then hit a ball over first baseman Jake Bauers to win the game for Tampa Bay.

Drohan acknowledged the pressure after the game. Drohan said he knew what he was walking into, and he just did not get the job done.

Hard Hits Do Not Pay Off

Luck was not on Milwaukee's side during Game 4. The Brewers produced 12 of the 13 hardest hit balls on the night. Nine of those hit over 102 miles per hour went straight to fielders for outs.

Despite the painful defeat, the team remains confident. Drohan noted that the Brewers have been the best team in baseball all year. Team captain Christian Yelich added that this stuff is not supposed to be easy, and it is supposed to test you.

Manager Pat Murphy agreed, saying when achieving something like this, it is going to have its adversity. The Brewers will now try to recover in Game 5.