Controversial Overturned Call in Game 4 Keeps Rays Alive in World Series

A pivotal, and controversial, overturned call in Game 4 of the World Series played a significant role in the Tampa Bay Rays' 4-3, 12-inning victory, keeping their championship hopes alive. The call, which went against the Milwaukee Brewers in the top of the ninth inning with the score tied 2-2, involved a runner attempting to steal second base.

Cooper Pratt was initially ruled to have successfully stolen second with two outs. However, the Rays challenged the call, and upon review, the decision was reversed, resulting in a caught stealing and ending the Brewers' threat. This close play ultimately prevented Milwaukee from potentially expanding their lead in a critical late-game situation.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy expressed his frustration with the call, suggesting it was "really, really close" and might have stood differently during the regular season. "We had a couple things not go our way in terms of calls," Murphy stated, while also acknowledging that "we got some benefit of some things too sometimes."

The play occurred with Andrew Vaughn at the plate and Rays closer Brian Baker on the mound. The Brewers gambled on Pratt stealing second to get into scoring position. The initial ruling favored Pratt, but Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash opted to challenge the call.

Broadcast analysis during the review focused on slo-mo replays. One angle appeared to show Rays second baseman Richie Palacios tagging Pratt just before his foot reached the bag, though the broadcast booth noted the decision was not definitively conclusive. The review process ultimately led officials to reverse the call.

Following the controversial ninth inning, the game remained tied until the 12th inning. Pratt hit a home run to give the Brewers a 3-2 lead. However, the Rays responded with an error, followed by four consecutive hits, to secure the 4-3 victory and force a Game 5. Cash described the Rays' winning inning as "maybe the most important inning of our season."