Tag: World Series Game 4

Final Score: Rays 4 Brewers 3 in 12 innings

Why The Rays Won: They finally flashed some leather, making many outstanding plays in the outfield that demonstrated their defensive prowess and determination. Although they did have a throwing error and let a foul pop-up hit the ground, neither mistake cost them any runs. Their bullpen was exceptional, covering 8 innings and only giving up 1 run on 4 hits while walking 2 batters, effectively shutting down the Brewers’ offense. Remarkably, the Brewers only had one at bat with a runner in scoring position over those final 8 innings, illustrating the dominance of the Rays’ pitching staff. After a Brewer throwing error in the bottom of the 12th, the Rays went from hitless wonders to hitting machines, recording 4 straight hits in a sudden burst of energy and erasing a 3-2 deficit without making an out, sending their fans into a frenzy. The combination of solid defense, a strong bullpen, and timely hitting became the key factors that led to the Rays’ thrilling victory, ensuring that they will get to battle one more day.

Key Moments In The Game: You have to wonder if Pat Murphy takes Antonio Senzatela out of the game if Joey Ortiz does not make the throwing error to open the bottom of the 12th. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum entirely. He went with left on left by bringing in Shane Drohan, and while that may have initially seemed like a strategic decision, one has to question whether it was the right choice in hindsight. Drohan had pitched only one inning this post season. Regardless of the intent behind the substitution, it did not work out as planned. The Rays capitalized on this opportunity, launching into a relentless offensive assault, culminating in four consecutive singles that turned a 3-2 deficit and the looming threat of elimination into a thrilling 4-3 walk-off victory. This dramatic turn of events allows the Rays to play one game. They gave it their all last night. Will there be anything left in the tank.

Next Game: Tonight, Game 5 in Tampa is set to be an exciting showdown. The Rays went through 7 pitchers yesterday, showcasing their depth in the bullpen, but the Brewers didn’t fare much better, going through 8 pitchers themselves. This means neither bullpen will be particularly rested, which could lead to strategic challenges for both teams as they navigate this critical game. I’m not too sure there is a reason to think Jacob Misiorowski will go deep into this game, since he has not done this yet in the post season. As I am writing this, the Rays have not yet announced their starting pitcher, leaving fans and analysts guessing about their strategy. Will they go with Drew Rasmussen on short rest, taking a significant risk? In the past, that approach has not worked out so well when other teams have attempted it, often leading to early in-game struggles. If the Rays can pull out this game, they will earn an essential travel day for their next matchup, which could prove advantageous in the long run. Can we get to a Game 6? Stay tuned.

Final Score: Yankees 11 Dodgers 4

Why The Yankees Won: The Yankee bats came alive, Dave Roberts decided to use the B squad in the bullpen game, and the Dodgers failed to execute basic baseball plays in the 8th inning that helped break the game open. The one bat that finally broke out of a huge slump was Austin Wells going 2 for 3 with a walk, including a home run and a double. We will see if Aaron Boone will move him up in the batting order tonight. Dave Roberts decision to go with the B squad will be looked at as brilliant, if the bullpen has a big game tonight with the extra day of rest. On the other hand, if the Yankees make a series of it, he will be second guessed for allowing the Yankees to get off the mat. I am not a big Dave Roberts fan but, in this case, I have to agree with him and give him credit for a very gutsy move. Tonight’s game is the one the Dodgers should win. If they don’t then we have a series that might even go 7 games. This was another game marred by walks and foul balls. The Dodgers walked 6 batters and hit another. The bad news for the Yankees is that their big 3 did not contribute much to this win. They went 2 for 11 with 1 RBI. There is no question that Shohei Ohtani is greatly affected by his shoulder injury. The Yankees need to challenge him more until he shows he can do more than just hit line drives to the middle of the outfield.

The Key Moments Of The Game: In the bottom of the 3rd B squad leader Daniel Hudson entered the game with the Dodgers leading 2-1. He threw 6 straight sliders to Juan Soto to strike him out. He hit the slumping Aaron Judger on a first pitch fast ball. The first pitch fast ball to Jazz Chisholm got ripped 110 MPH into right field for a base hit sending Judge to third. He walked Giancarlo Stanton on 6 pitches but none of them were in the strike zone, 4 sliders two fastballs. He did get Anthony Rizzo to pop out after falling behind him 2-0. Anthony Volpe took a first pitch slider on the lower inside of the plate and golfed it into the seats for a grand slam home run to turn the game and maybe the series around giving the Yankees a 5-4 lead. In the bottom of the 8th with Yankees leading 6-4 and preparing to use their closer Luke Weaver for 2 and 1/3 innings, the Dodgers failed to execute a tag and made a bad throw to the plate from a drawn-up 2nd base. The dropped ball on the tag saved the Yankees from the consequences of another base running blunder and opened the floodgates for a 5 run inning. This enabled the Yankees to keep their closer on the bench for the 9th.

Next Game: Tonight, in Yankee Stadium. It is ridiculous to say that this is a must win for the Dodgers tonight, but they did everything last night to set themselves up to end this series in 5 games. Yes, the Yankee bats came alive last night, but they did it against the B squad of the Dodger bullpen. Unless the Dodgers break open one of the games, we may never see them again the rest of the series, with the exception Landon Knack, who distinguished himself with 4 solid innings to help keep the A squad well rested. If somehow some way the Yankees win tonight, then the pressure of the Series will equal out. Maybe we will see history after all.