mysuncoast
On Wednesday night at Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay Rays will host the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the World Series. The Rays staved off elimination with a victory in Game 4 on Tuesday night, preventing a sweep and forcing a fifth game.
Supporters from Sarasota and Bradenton are making the trip across the Skyway Bridge to attend the game, and Milwaukee fans have also gathered in downtown St. Petersburg.
Ben Williamson delivered the walk-off RBI single that secured the Game 4 win in extra innings. Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson contributed three hits in five at-bats, including a stolen base and an RBI. Simpson also recorded a crucial out in the ninth inning that helped push the game into extras.
Simpson noted that the team will face Milwaukee ace Jacob Mizorowski on Wednesday. "I feel like last time we had some good at-bats against them," Simpson said. "Just maybe wasn't able to get as much stuff going as we wanted to. But just making sure we stick to our approach."
Tampa Bay will start ace Drew Rasmussen on short rest. Rasmussen last pitched in Game 2 in Milwaukee. "I'd be really excited for the opportunity," Rasmussen said. "I'm not overly pleased with how things went in Milwaukee the other day for me and myself. And so, I guess at this point we're just hopeful that I get another chance to start." Mizorowski, the NL Cy Young frontrunner, will take the mound for Milwaukee.
The Rays trailed the series 3-0 before Game 4. Only one team has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit to win a best-of-seven series in MLB postseason history: the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS. It has never been accomplished in the World Series. A Rays win on Wednesday would send the series back to Milwaukee for Game 6 and a potential Game 7.
Rays infielder Junior Camonero, who was a concern heading into Game 5, is ready to play. Sarasota Freedom Elementary student Nolan McMillan expressed his nervousness on Tuesday when the Rays were trailing in the series. "I was like excited and fun. We got a Game 5," McMillan said of Wednesday morning. He added that the Rays need better hitting and pitching. "We need to not throw as many balls and we need to get some more base hits," McMillan said.
Tom Niedenfuhrer, a 1981 World Series champion with the Dodgers, was also outside the stadium. He recalled being 21 years old and a rookie that season. "We lost the first two in a row. Then won four in a row. So you never know," Niedenfuhrer said. "If we can get by tonight, I like our chances." He noted that Tuesday looked not great and that the Rays need to get Mizorowski out quickly because the Brewers bullpen threw a lot of innings Tuesday night. "If we can get him out by the fifth inning, and if Rasmussen can control the strike zone a little better, I think we've got a chance," Niedenfuhrer said.
Both Brewers and Rays fans were outside the stadium as fans arrived. Ivy Morton reported from a downtown St. Petersburg viewing area where people have gathered for the past couple of weeks to watch ALCS games. The site features a stage with a large screen, tables, bleachers, and a garden walkway with a second large screen. Morton said the excitement at the site has not fluctuated.
Key Analysis
The Rays face a daunting task against Mizorowski, but their Game 4 comeback provides momentum. Rasmussen's short-rest start adds intrigue, and the team's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial. Historical parallels, such as the 2004 Red Sox, offer hope, but the Brewers' bullpen usage could be a factor if the Rays can chase Mizorowski early.
Originally reported by mysuncoast.