Rays force World Series to Game 5 after 12th inning heroics

The Tampa Bay Rays remain in the World Series after a dramatic finish to Game 4. Ben Williamson hit a walk-off single in the 12th inning to prevent the Milwaukee Brewers from securing their first title on Tuesday night.

The series has been defined by extended innings and high pitch counts. Game 4 lasted four hours and 20 minutes across 23 innings. Fifteen pitchers took the mound during that contest, throwing a combined 367 pitches at 90 batters. This workload leaves both teams with strained arms entering the final games.

Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy confirmed that Jacob Misiorowski will start Game 5 on four days of rest. Misiorowski, the likely National League Cy Young Award winner, started Game 1 on October 23. He allowed one run over five innings but was removed after 78 pitches. During the regular season, he went 1-1 with a 1.64 ERA in four starts on short rest. His postseason workload has been moderate, including 88 pitches against the Padres and 94 pitches against the Dodgers.

The Rays face a more complex pitching decision. Manager Kevin Cash said no starter has been selected yet. Drew Rasmussen, who threw 89 pitches in Game 2, is one option. Nick Martinez, who started Game 1, was used in the bullpen in Game 4, throwing 33 pitches over two innings. Cash noted that a bullpen game or a bulk start by Rasmussen appears likely. Bryan Baker, Kevin Kelly, and Cam Booser all pitched in Game 4 and should be available.

The Brewers also need to address defensive issues. Their infielders committed eight errors in the postseason, including two in Game 4 from errant throws at third base. These mistakes allowed the Rays to score. Despite this, Milwaukee hitters produced 12 of the 13 hardest-hit balls in the game.

Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET in Tampa Bay. The Brewers hold a 3-1 series lead. If Milwaukee wins, they will claim their first World Series championship. If Tampa Bay wins, the series will return to Milwaukee for a Game 6.