The Tampa Bay Rays were just three outs away from elimination, but a dramatic comeback in the 12th inning, capped by a Ben Williamson walk-off hit, secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the World Series, keeping their championship hopes alive.

The Tampa Bay Rays entered Tuesday’s contest at Tropicana Field desperate for their first win of the 2026 World Series. Despite showing signs of resistance in Game 2, the Rays had been outplayed by the Milwaukee Brewers in Monday’s 10-1 defeat, leaving many expecting a series sweep.

The Brewers finished the regular season with an MLB-best 103 wins in the National League, while Tampa Bay led the American League. To become World Series champions for the first time, the Rays needed to draw on their resilience and deliver a response with their season on the line.

Rays Strike First Before Brewers Respond

Tampa Bay made a promising start in Game 4, taking the lead in the bottom of the second inning. Speedy outfielder Chandler Simpson doubled into the right-field corner, allowing Jonny DeLuca to score from first base and put the hosts ahead 1-0.

The Rays also needed a stronger performance from their pitching staff after recent struggles. Starter Griffin Jax settled into a rhythm early, allowing three baserunners while keeping Milwaukee off the scoreboard through the first three innings.

However, the Brewers eventually found a breakthrough in the top of the fourth. Shortstop Cooper Pratt doubled home Sal Frelick to level the score at 1-1.

Tampa Bay responded in the bottom half of the inning when a fielder’s choice from DeLuca forced the Brewers into a costly throwing error by third baseman David Hamilton. The mistake allowed the Rays to regain the lead at 2-1.

Milwaukee quickly recovered, though, as Hamilton made amends in the fifth inning by launching a solo home run to right field, tying the game at 2-2 and demonstrating the Brewers’ ability to produce runs in different ways.

Bullpens Take Centre Stage

Milwaukee starter Dustin May completed just three innings, allowing three hits and two runs, while Jax departed after four innings for Tampa Bay.

With both teams relying heavily on their bullpens, the contest developed into a tense battle. The Rays turned to Nick Martinez, their Game 1 starter, before using Bryan Baker in crucial situations as they attempted to avoid falling further behind in the series.

Both bullpens delivered under pressure, and the game remained tied at 2-2 heading into the ninth inning. Tampa Bay also produced a crucial defensive play, throwing out a potential go-ahead runner at second base to keep the contest level.

Milwaukee reliever Aaron Ashby continued his remarkable postseason form, extending his scoreless streak as the game moved into extra innings.

Ashby made history by setting a new MLB record for the most consecutive scoreless innings to begin a postseason, reaching 16.2 innings before extending that mark further.

Pratt Puts Brewers Ahead in the 12th

Neither team could find a decisive breakthrough during the early extra innings, but Pratt delivered another huge moment for Milwaukee in the top of the 12th.

After an impressive night at the plate, the young shortstop smashed a solo home run to give the Brewers a 3-2 lead.

The homer put Tampa Bay on the brink of elimination, with the Rays needing three outs to keep their World Series campaign alive. After Milwaukee’s dominant performance in Game 3, the pressure was firmly on the hosts to produce something special.

Williamson Delivers the Walk-Off Winner

The Rays refused to surrender, opening the bottom of the 12th with renewed determination. They capitalised on another Milwaukee defensive error before Liam Hicks and DeLuca recorded consecutive hits to bring home the tying run and make it 3-3.

Simpson then singled to load the bases with nobody out, putting Tampa Bay in an ideal position to complete the comeback.

With the home crowd roaring, Ben Williamson delivered the decisive blow, hitting a high chopper into right field that brought home the winning run and sparked wild celebrations at Tropicana Field.

The 4-3 walk-off victory kept Tampa Bay’s season alive and prevented Milwaukee from completing a World Series sweep.

Although the Brewers remain in a commanding position in the series, the Rays have given themselves another opportunity to fight back, turning a potential elimination night into one of the most dramatic moments of their postseason.