Scoreboard Blunder Precedes Rays Rally
A massive error by the Tropicana Field scoreboard operator prematurely declared the Milwaukee Brewers World Series champions during Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday. The electronic display flashed championship graphics after Cooper Pratt hit a solo home run in the top of the 12th inning, putting Milwaukee ahead 3-2.
The premature celebration was short-lived. The Tampa Bay Rays mounted a comeback in the bottom of the 12th inning, winning the game 4-3 on a walk-off single by Ben Williamson. The run scored following a throwing error by Brewers third baseman Joey Ortiz.
Before Pratt even touched home plate, players and staff from the Milwaukee dugout emptied onto the field to celebrate what they believed was the end of the series. The scoreboard operator’s mistake effectively served as a "reverse jinx," allowing the Rays to complete their rally after the initial celebration had begun.
Pratt’s Home Run and Immediate Aftermath
Cooper Pratt’s 396-foot solo home run in the top of the 12th inning initially appeared to be the decisive blow. The ball cleared the fence, giving the Brewers a 3-2 lead over the host Rays.
Speaking to EssentiallySports after the game, Pratt described the moment of contact and the subsequent confusion. "I knew it was gone. It was pretty cool... I don’t really remember much after that; I just know I was screaming. But it’s over," Pratt said.
The scoreboard error drew immediate comparisons to one of the most famous blunders in baseball history. The incident mirrored Game 6 of the 1986 World Series at Shea Stadium, where the Boston Red Sox were prematurely congratulated by a stadium scoreboard before the New York Mets completed their own historic comeback to win that game.
Series Shifts to Game 5
The Rays’ victory prevents the Brewers from clinching the World Series title in St. Petersburg, Florida. The series now moves to Game 5, with both teams preparing for a decisive matchup.
Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski is scheduled to take the mound on full rest. Misiorowski enters the game with a 16-5 record and a 1.80 earned run average. He will face Rays ace Drew Rasmussen, who is pitching on three days of rest.