The Milwaukee Brewers have apparently decided that winning the World Series shouldn’t be easy.
After surviving a bizarre ninth inning in Friday’s opener, Milwaukee delivered another dramatic victory Saturday night, overcoming a four-run deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 in Game 2 at American Family Field. Sal Frelick tied the game with a sixth-inning home run, and rookie Cooper Pratt delivered the go-ahead hit in the seventh, sending the Brewers to St. Petersburg with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
For Tampa Bay, it was another painful defeat in a World Series that has offered opportunities but little reward.
Tampa Bay Jumps Ahead Early
The Rays wasted little time putting Milwaukee in trouble, scoring four runs in the first inning against rookie starter Logan Henderson. A throwing error by Pratt helped ignite the rally before Chandler Simpson and Junior Caminero delivered run-scoring singles. Liam Hicks followed with a two-run homer, giving Tampa Bay a 4-0 advantage before Milwaukee had even come to bat.
With ace Drew Rasmussen starting for the Rays, the early lead appeared particularly promising. But the Brewers responded immediately, scoring twice in the bottom of the first on RBI singles by William Contreras and Garrett Mitchell. Rather than allowing Rasmussen to settle into a comfortable rhythm, Milwaukee began chipping away at the deficit.
The Brewers added another run in the fourth when Tampa Bay first baseman Jonathan Aranda failed to field David Hamilton’s ground ball, allowing Pratt to score. What had been a four-run advantage was suddenly down to one.
Frelick and Pratt Complete the Comeback
Sal Frelick hadn’t hit a home run in more than three months, a drought that stretched across 103 plate appearances. That changed in the sixth inning when the Milwaukee outfielder drove a pitch from left-hander Ian Seymour over the center-field wall, tying the game at four.
The Brewers completed their comeback an inning later. Brice Turang opened the seventh with a double and advanced to third on Mitchell’s fly ball to right. Pratt, who had committed the costly first-inning error, then delivered a single into shallow right field, scoring Turang with the go-ahead run.
For the 22-year-old shortstop, the hit provided a remarkable turnaround after his defensive mistake helped Tampa Bay build its early lead. Milwaukee had erased a four-run deficit for the second time this postseason, but the pitching staff still needed to protect the narrow advantage.
Rays’ Mistakes Prove Costly
Tampa Bay entered the World Series with a reputation for disciplined baseball, strong defense, and an ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. Through two games, however, the Rays have struggled to maintain those standards.
Aranda’s fourth-inning error helped Milwaukee close the gap, while another defensive misplay and an aggressive baserunning decision contributed to Tampa Bay’s frustrations. In the sixth, Jackson Chourio threw out Hicks attempting to score from second on a single by Victor Mesa Jr., ending the inning and preventing the Rays from adding to their lead.
Milwaukee’s bullpen, meanwhile, shut down Tampa Bay’s offense after Henderson’s difficult start. Abner Uribe earned the victory with 1 1/3 hitless innings, while Aaron Ashby recorded the final five outs for his third postseason save. Ashby struck out Yandy Díaz to end the game, completing six scoreless innings of relief work by Milwaukee’s bullpen.
The Brewers have now won seven consecutive games, with seven of their nine postseason victories coming after they trailed.
Milwaukee Moves Closer to History
The Brewers are making the most of their first World Series appearance since 1982. Milwaukee has won both games by a single run, demonstrating an ability to overcome mistakes, seize opportunities, and protect narrow leads.
Saturday’s victory also marked the second time this postseason that Milwaukee erased a four-run deficit. The Brewers previously accomplished the feat against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.
History now favors Milwaukee. Of the previous 57 teams to take a 2-0 World Series lead, 46 went on to win the championship, approximately 81%. Tampa Bay still has an opportunity to change that outcome, but its margin for error has narrowed considerably.
World Series Shifts to Tampa Bay
Game 3 is scheduled for Monday, October 26, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, with first pitch at 7 p.m. CT. Tampa Bay will send former Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta to the mound against Milwaukee left-hander Robert Gasser.
Peralta, who earned American League Championship Series MVP honors, will face the organization where he spent his first eight major league seasons. The Rays need a victory to avoid falling behind 3-0, while Milwaukee is just two wins away from the first World Series championship in franchise history.
After two thrilling games, the Brewers have given their fans plenty to celebrate. Tampa Bay needs to find a way to stop the party.
