Red Sox Fans Watch as Rays Echo 2004 Comeback Spirit in World Series
The Tampa Bay Rays avoided a series sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the 2026 World Series, drawing parallels to the 2004 Red Sox comeback against the Yankees. With a 4-3 win in 12 innings on October 27, the Rays keep their hopes alive, but face significant challenges ahead.
On October 27, 2026, the Tampa Bay Rays staved off elimination in the World Series with a 4-3 walk-off victory in 12 innings over the Milwaukee Brewers. The win in Game 4 prevented a sweep after the Brewers had taken a commanding 3-0 series lead. This moment revived memories of the 2004 Boston Red Sox, who famously rallied from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series.
The Rays' path echoes that of the 2004 Red Sox in several ways, but the challenges remain steep. Tampa Bay used seven pitchers in the marathon Game 4, including two innings each from closer Bryan Baker and reliever Nick Martinez. This heavy bullpen usage complicates their pitching options moving forward, especially as Martinez was considered a likely Game 5 starter before being used in relief to secure the win.
The 2004 Red Sox set an example of bullpen resilience, notably in their 14-inning Game 5 victory, where starters and relievers combined to shut down the Yankees for the final eight innings. For the Rays to complete a historic comeback, multiple bullpen arms will need to emerge as dependable contributors under high-pressure conditions, a demanding feat given the current workload.
Offensively, the Rays lack a singular postseason force comparable to David Ortiz, whose clutch hitting powered Boston's turnaround. Ortiz’s 2004 heroics included walk-off home runs and a key single in Game 5. Tampa Bay's best offensive hope lies with Junior Caminero, the regular season home run leader who delivered a timely two-run homer in the ALCS-clinching game. Yet the Rays will need additional hitters like Yandy Díaz or Jonathan Aranda to step up for sustained success.
Starting pitching remains an open question for the Rays. Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta struggled in earlier World Series starts, with Rasmussen lasting just 3⅔ innings in Game 2 and Peralta giving up five runs in Game 3. If Tampa Bay extends the series to Games 6 and 7, the starters will need to rebound significantly, reminiscent of Curt Schilling’s Game 6 turnaround in 2004, where he stifled the Yankees with seven innings of one-run ball.
The Rays’ victory on October 27 keeps their championship hopes alive but also highlights the uphill battle ahead. They must balance bullpen fatigue, find timely hitting, and get improved performances from their starters to emulate the only MLB team to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. The stakes will rise quickly as the series moves back to Milwaukee for Game 5 and potentially beyond.
Corner Wire covers MLB, NFL and NBA through its own newsroom. Send a correction.