Milwaukee recovered from a four-run deficit in the opening inning at American Family Field before Sal Frelick tied the game with a solo home run in the sixth inning. Rookie Cooper Pratt then delivered the decisive RBI single in the seventh to complete the turnaround.
The victory extended the Brewers’ winning streak to seven games in the postseason and moved them two wins away from claiming the franchise’s first World Series title.
Rays race into early lead
Tampa Bay made a fast start against Milwaukee rookie pitcher Logan Henderson, scoring four runs in the first inning to put the home side under immediate pressure.
Chandler Simpson and Junior Caminero each delivered run-scoring singles before Liam Hicks launched a two-run home run to give the Rays a 4-0 advantage.
The Brewers responded in the bottom of the inning. Jackson Chourio and Jake Bauers reached base before William Contreras and Garrett Mitchell drove in runs to reduce the deficit to 4-2.
Milwaukee continued to apply pressure, while its bullpen gradually shut down Tampa Bay’s offence.
Frelick’s home run sparks the comeback
The Brewers moved closer in the fourth inning when David Hamilton scored a run after a defensive error by Tampa Bay first baseman Jonathan Aranda made it 4-3.
Frelick then delivered the pivotal moment in the sixth, launching a solo home run over the centre-field fence to level the score at 4-4.
It was his first home run of the postseason and gave Milwaukee renewed momentum in front of its home supporters.
The Brewers’ bullpen also played a crucial role, recording six scoreless innings and limiting the Rays’ opportunities to extend their lead.
Pratt delivers the winning hit
Milwaukee completed the comeback in the seventh inning after Brice Turang opened the frame with a double.
Garrett Mitchell advanced Turang with a fly ball, setting up Pratt to put the Brewers ahead with an RBI single into right field.
The hit gave Milwaukee a 5-4 lead, which its relief pitchers protected through the final two innings.
Tampa Bay threatened in the ninth when Jonny DeLuca doubled to put the tying run in scoring position. However, closer Aaron Ashby struck out Victor Mesa Jr. and retired pinch-hitter Ben Williamson before getting Yandy Díaz to strike out and end the game.
Ashby secured his third save of the postseason without allowing a run.
Brewers’ bullpen proves decisive
Milwaukee’s relief corps was instrumental in the victory after Henderson struggled in the opening inning.
The Brewers’ relievers combined for six scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and two walks while recording 10 strikeouts.
Abner Uribe earned the win after recording four outs, while Ashby closed out the contest under pressure.
The comeback was Milwaukee’s seventh victory after falling behind during this postseason, further strengthening its reputation for resilience in close games.
Rays face uphill battle in World Series
The defeat leaves Tampa Bay trailing 2-0 in the series after also losing Friday’s opener 3-2.
The Rays must now win on home territory to prevent Milwaukee from moving closer to the championship. Historically, teams that take a 2-0 lead in the World Series have a strong advantage, with 46 of the previous 57 teams in that position going on to win the title.
Game 3 will take place on Monday, 26 October, at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida.
Former Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay against Milwaukee left-hander Robert Gasser.
For the Brewers, another victory would put them within one win of their first World Series crown. The Rays, meanwhile, need an immediate response to keep their championship hopes alive.
Game 2 result
• Tampa Bay Rays: 4 runs
• Milwaukee Brewers: 5 runs
• Series: Brewers lead 2-0
• Game 3: Monday, 26 October 2026
• Venue: Tropicana Field, St Petersburg, Florida