The Tampa Bay Rays avoided a World Series sweep by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in 12 innings at Tropicana Field, cutting the series deficit to 3-1. Starter Nick Martinez, who threw 73 pitches in Game 1, returned on short rest to deliver two scoreless relief innings as the Rays bullpen covered eight frames and allowed just one run on four hits.
Closer Bryan Baker added two scoreless innings, his longest outing since August 17, while Kevin Kelly, Tyler Wells, and Cam Booser also pitched scoreless relief. Ian Seymour surrendered a go-ahead home run in the top of the 12th but the Rays rallied in the bottom half to walk off.
Manager Kevin Cash praised Martinez's versatility and Baker's extended effort, noting that the team will evaluate pitching availability for Game 5. The Brewers are expected to start Jacob Misiorowski, while the Rays face a significant pitching shortage after using Martinez and Baker extensively.
Despite the dramatic win, the Rays remain on the brink of elimination and will likely rely on a bullpen game in Game 5, with their relief corps having struggled earlier in the series.
