The Rays appeared destined for elimination after rookie Cooper Pratt hit a solo home run in the top of the 12th inning to give Milwaukee a 3–2 lead. However, Tampa Bay responded with a remarkable rally in the bottom half, scoring twice to secure a walk-off victory at Tropicana Field.
The result leaves the Brewers leading the best-of-seven series 3–1, with another opportunity to clinch their first World Series title in Game 5.
Rays rally after Pratt’s extra-inning home run
Tampa Bay opened the scoring in the second inning when Chandler Simpson doubled to bring home Jonny DeLuca.
Milwaukee levelled the contest in the fourth inning through an RBI double from Pratt, who drove in Sal Frelick. The Rays regained the advantage later in the inning after a throwing error by Brewers infielder David Hamilton allowed Junior Caminero to score.
Hamilton made amends in the fifth inning by launching a solo home run to tie the game at 2–2.
Neither team managed to break the deadlock during the remainder of regulation, sending the contest into extra innings.
Cooper Pratt puts Brewers ahead in the 12th
After two scoreless extra innings, Pratt delivered another crucial moment for Milwaukee by hitting a solo home run off Ian Seymour in the top of the 12th.
The home run gave the Brewers a 3–2 lead and left Tampa Bay facing elimination with just three outs remaining in the bottom half.
Milwaukee needed only to close out the inning to complete a World Series sweep, but the Rays refused to surrender.
Ben Williamson delivers the winning hit
Tampa Bay began its decisive rally when Caminero reached base after a throwing error by Brewers third baseman Joey Ortiz.
Liam Hicks followed with a single, before DeLuca drove in pinch-runner Cedric Mullins with a single to centre field to tie the score at 3–3.
Simpson then singled to load the bases, setting the stage for pinch-hitter Ben Williamson.
Williamson hit a ground ball into right field, bringing home the winning run and completing the Rays’ 4–3 walk-off victory.
The dramatic finish sparked celebrations at Tropicana Field and ensured the series would continue.
Brewers still one win away from first title
Despite the defeat, Milwaukee retains a 3–1 advantage and remains one victory away from securing its first World Series championship.
The Brewers had entered Game 4 after winning the opening three games, putting them on the verge of a historic title.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has become only the fifth team in World Series history to win Game 4 after falling behind 3–0 in the series.
The Rays will need three consecutive victories to complete the comeback and claim their first championship.
Game 5 set for Wednesday
The two teams are scheduled to meet again at Tropicana Field on Wednesday, 28 October, with Milwaukee having another chance to close out the series.
The Rays will aim to build on their dramatic victory, while the Brewers will look to recover from a painful defeat and finish the job.
After surviving 12 tense innings, Tampa Bay has given itself another opportunity to keep its championship dream alive.