Bullpen Breakdown: Sequencing Failures Cost Brewers Game 4
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Milwaukee's pitching collapse in the 12th inning erased a late lead, forcing a Game 5 matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Milwaukee Brewers were three outs away from a World Series sweep before a catastrophic failure in high-leverage execution allowed the Tampa Bay Rays to rally for a 4-3 victory in Game 4, as reported by CBS Sports.
While rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt provided the offensive spark with a go-ahead solo home run in the top of the 12th inning, Milwaukee's pitching staff collapsed in the bottom half. According to CBS Sports, the Brewers' bullpen struggled after third baseman Joey Ortiz committed an error, leading to four consecutive hits. The Rays scored twice without making an out in the bottom of the inning, as reported by MLB, culminating in a walk-off single by pinch hitter Ben Williamson.
Milwaukee's struggle was compounded by a heavy reliance on the bullpen; CBS Sports reports that seven different pitchers were used by the Brewers on Tuesday. This collapse has shifted the psychological momentum of the series, with MLB reporting that the Rays have now "pierced the Brewers' prowess."
Milwaukee looks to stabilize the series in Game 5 with ace Jacob Misiorowski taking the mound. The 24-year-old right-hander, who is a favorite for the 2026 NL Cy Young Award, has a 2.70 ERA across three postseason starts, according to CBS Sports. He faces Rays starter Drew Rasmussen, who is pitching on short rest, per MLB and CBS Sports.