The Rays forced Game 5 with a 4-3 walk-off win over the Brewers in 12 innings, cutting their World Series deficit to 3-1. Nick Martinez, originally slated to start Game 5, worked six outs of relief on short rest after throwing 73 pitches as the starter in Game 1. The Rays' bullpen allowed one run on four hits over eight innings, a redemptive performance after blown saves in Games 1, 2, and 3.
Bryan Baker pitched two scoreless innings despite velocity issues and limited appearances since Aug. 17. Kevin Kelly, Tyler Wells, and Cam Booser also pitched scoreless innings. Ian Seymour allowed the go-ahead home run in the 12th but nothing else.
Manager Kevin Cash said he had no choice but to use Martinez and Baker on short rest. "You can't hold anything or anyone back because saving a pitcher for a game that never comes is a fool's errand," he acknowledged.
The Rays face severe roster complications for Game 5. Drew Rasmussen got hit hard in Game 2 and would pitch on short rest, with career numbers of five runs in seven innings across four short-rest starts. Freddy Peralta just threw Game 3. Griffin Jax started Game 4. Game 5 figures to be a bullpen game, but the Rays' relief corps has been unreliable outside Tuesday night.
Martinez said after the game: "Gritty. Gritty. We're dangerous. We have our backs against the wall. We know what we have to do. We can win four in a row. This team is capable of doing that."
Cash said he would check availability after the game but made no decisions on Game 5 pitching yet.
The Brewers will start Jacob Misiorowski in Game 5.