Sal Frelick provided the tying home run as the Milwaukee Brewers overturned a four-run deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 5–4 in World Series Game 2. It was Milwaukee's second postseason victory after trailing by four runs, with Cooper Pratt ultimately delivering the final blow.
The pivotal sixth-inning encounter unfolded over nine pitches from Rays reliever Ian Seymour, all fastballs. After alternating between sinkers and four-seam fastballs, Seymour threw consecutive four-seamers to end the sequence. Frelick drove the final pitch for a solo homer, bringing Milwaukee level at 4–4.
The breakthrough contrasted sharply with Frelick's regular season, during which he hit just four home runs and batted .230. A right shoulder injury sidelined him for six weeks, and his role diminished upon his return. Luis Lara, a 21-year-old prospect promoted in July, absorbed some of his playing time.
Manager Pat Murphy attributed Frelick's competitiveness partly to the experience of being overlooked because of his 5-foot-8 stature. His athletic background extends beyond baseball: he earned Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a high school quarterback in 2017 and also played hockey. His father, Jeff, played football at the University of Pittsburgh before injuries ended his career.
Milwaukee is pursuing its first World Series championship as the series moves to Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay has gone 59–27 there this season, including postseason games. With each of the first two games decided by one run, the series has remained closely contested.
