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In the ongoing simulated World Series presented by USA TODAY Sports, Game 3 unfolded with a sense of déjà vu. The Tampa Bay Rays seized an early advantage, but the Milwaukee Brewers methodically clawed their way back, ultimately securing a 5-4 win after a tense ninth inning. The outcome mirrored the actual Game 2, where the Brewers also staged a late comeback.
With the series shifting to Tropicana Field, the Rays handed the ball to Nick Martinez, while the Brewers countered with left-hander Robert Gasser. The Rays wasted little time exploiting the ballpark's short 315-foot left-field porch. In the bottom of the second, center fielder Jonny DeLuca and catcher Nick Fortes each launched solo homers down the line, both barely clearing the wall. Yandy Diaz added another solo shot in the fifth, a 375-foot drive to right-center, extending the Rays' lead to 3-0.
The Brewers responded in the top of the sixth when Brice Turang drew a walk and Jake Bauers followed with a two-run homer off Martinez, slicing the deficit to 3-2. Tampa Bay answered in the bottom half on Richie Palacios' pinch-hit RBI single off Abner Uribe, restoring a two-run cushion at 4-2.
But Milwaukee's decisive rally came in the eighth. David Hamilton and Jackson Chourio opened the inning with singles, putting runners on the corners. The Rays summoned lefty Cam Booser to face the left-handed bats of Turang and Bauers. Turang stunned the defense with a squeeze bunt that scored Hamilton, bringing the Brewers within one. After Booser walked Bauers and uncorked a wild pitch to move both runners into scoring position, William Contreras delivered a two-run single to left. Bauers scored easily ahead of Chandler Simpson's throw, putting Milwaukee ahead 5-4.
In the bottom of the ninth, Brewers closer Trevor Megill took the mound to protect the one-run lead. With one out, Junior Caminero crushed a fastball deep to right field that appeared destined for a game-tying homer. But the ball died on the warning track, landing in the glove of rookie Luis Lara. Megill then struck out Simpson to seal the victory.
Key Analysis
The simulated Game 3 offered several strategic insights. One key matchup to monitor in the real Game 3 is Brewers starter Robert Gasser against the Rays' left-handed bats. During the regular season, Gasser limited lefties to a .163/.259/.293 slash line, which could be crucial given that lefty hitters Jonathan Aranda and Chandler Simpson occupy prominent spots in Tampa Bay's lineup. The Rays countered by starting Ryan Vilade, who posted a .341 on-base percentage and .477 slugging percentage against left-handers, in right field over Victor Mesa Jr., despite Mesa's impressive .333/.385/.483 line against southpaws in limited action.
The bunt played a pivotal role, reflecting both teams' regular-season tendencies. The Rays and Brewers ranked first and fifth in sacrifice bunts, respectively, and first and second in bunt hits (Rays 49, Brewers 32). In the simulation, Tampa Bay executed three bunts for hits or sacrifices, though none led to runs. Milwaukee made its count when Turang's squeeze bunt plated a run in the eighth.
Another factor was the potential overuse of Rays reliever Cam Booser, who was pitching in his third consecutive game. Although the simulation accounts for fatigue, the off day between Games 2 and 3 meant Booser was on full rest. Still, repeated exposure in a playoff series typically diminishes a reliever's effectiveness. The Rays lack another trustworthy lefty to counter Milwaukee's left-handed threats like Turang, Bauers, Garrett Mitchell, and Christian Yelich, as alternatives Steven Matz and Ian Seymour have been far less effective against lefties.
Finally, Brewers closer Trevor Megill's exceptional home run suppression—just one allowed in 61 2/3 innings—gave him a distinct advantage in the simulation. In Dynasty League Baseball, Megill's card turns would-be homers into deep fly balls that require additional dice rolls to clear the fence. Caminero's A power rating gave him a 76% chance of homering on that ninth-inning drive, but this time the dice favored Megill, and the ball stayed in the park.
For those interested in simulating their own World Series, Dynasty League Baseball offers a free one-month subscription by visiting DynastyLeagueBaseball.com, selecting the monthly option, and entering code USA2 at checkout.
Originally reported by yahoo.