Ortiz Error Sparked Rays 12th-Inning Uprising to Deny Brewers Title

The Tampa Bay Rays avoided elimination Tuesday night by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in the bottom of the 12th inning at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The victory in Game 4 of the World Series denied Milwaukee a championship and extended the Series for at least one more game.

The Rays had struggled for the first three contests, committing uncharacteristic errors and appearing overmatched by a Brewers team that had just swept the Los Angeles Dodgers. Milwaukee seemed to seal the deal in the top of the 12th when 22-year-old rookie Cooper Pratt homered off left-hander Ian Seymour. The drive into the left-field stands marked Pratt's fourth hit of the night and put Wisconsin within three outs of its first title since 1969.

The momentum shifted in the bottom of the 12th following a defensive mishap. With no outs, Junior Caminero grounded to third baseman Joey Ortiz. Ortiz's throw skipped past first baseman Jake Bauers, allowing the tying run to score. Catcher Liam Hicks followed with a single to left, leaving runners on first and third.

Manager Kevin Cash sent pinch hitter Jonny DeLuca to the plate. DeLuca hit a Shane Drohan pitch up the middle to tie the game. Chandler Simpson then reached on an infield hit to load the bases. Ben Williamson, another pinch hitter, stepped in next. He took one pitch and swung once, ending the game and sending the Rays to victory.

The contest lasted four hours and 20 minutes. Designated hitter Yandy Diaz described the win as "life" in the clubhouse, noting that the team has a new day ahead. Pratt, who hit the go-ahead homer, said the night ended in a different mood for his team, adding that it would likely be harder to sleep tonight.

The result came one year after the Dodgers and Blue Jays played an 18-inning World Series game. The dramatic finish provided a sharp contrast to the potential for a quiet sweep. Game 5 is scheduled for the next day and will determine the World Series champion.