Full Breakdown
Rays Force Game 5 with 12th-Inning Walk-Off Victory
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
On October 28, 2026, the Tampa Bay Rays avoided a World Series sweep by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 4–3 in the bottom of the 12th inning at Tropicana Field. Cooper Pratt’s solo homer gave Milwaukee a 3–2 lead, but a throwing error by third-baseman Joey Ortiz on Junior Caminero’s leadoff grounder opened the door. The Rays loaded the bases with singles by Liam Hicks, Jonny DeLuca and Chandler Simpson, and pinch-hitter Ben Williamson delivered the walk-off single that drove in pinch-runner Nick Fortes.
02
Background & Context
The Brewers entered Game 4 leading the series 3–0. Historically, no team that fell behind 3–0 in a World Series had forced a Game 5 and then won the championship; the only comparable comeback was the 2004 Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. The Rays became the fifth of 26 teams that trailed 3–0 in a World Series to win Game 4; the previous four lost the subsequent game.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Rays 4, Brewers 3 (12 innings).
- Key offensive contributions: Cooper Pratt (solo HR), Jonny DeLuca (RBI single), Liam Hicks (single), Chandler Simpson (single), Ben Williamson (walk-off single).
- Defensive lapse: Joey Ortiz’s throwing error.
- Pitching: Reliever Shane Drohan, making his first appearance since October 15, faced four batters and allowed four consecutive hits.
04
Official Statements & Responses
Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed that Junior Caminero will be available for Game 5, stating, “He’ll play tomorrow on one leg. I’ll make sure of it.” Brewers manager Pat Murphy urged his club to rebound, saying, “If you’re a competitor, you wake up tomorrow morning, come ready to play.”
05
On-the-Ground Reports
Milwaukee’s fan presence was palpable. Garrett Mitchell described the atmosphere, saying, “The atmosphere here with the amount of Brewers fans, you can feel it, and it started in batting practice yesterday.”
06
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the Brewers’ Game 5 starter. Some outlets identify Jacob Misiorowski as the scheduled pitcher, while others suggest an opener or a bullpen game. The Rays have not announced their Game 5 starter.
07
Verbatim Quotes
- “It just shows the resiliency of this group,” — Ben Williamson
- “He’ll play tomorrow on one leg. I’ll make sure of it,” — Kevin Cash
08
What’s Next
Game 5 is set for Wednesday night at Tropicana Field. The Brewers plan to start Jacob Misiorowski; the Rays have not yet named a starter. Both teams will seek to either extend the series or clinch the championship.