MLB1 hour ago1 minute read

Rays Look Back With Pride After World Series Defeat

Tampa Bay Rays players expressed pride despite a 4-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the World Series.

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Rays Season Ends in World Series Defeat

Sadness filled the home clubhouse at Tropicana Field after midnight on Thursday morning. The Tampa Bay Rays lost 4-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday, ending the World Series in five games. Players dealt with tears and heartbreak, but pride was the main feeling in the room.

All Star closer Bryan Baker said he was proud to be part of the team. Baker threw a scoreless eighth inning in Game 5. He was one of seven pitchers used as the team managed a bullpen day.

How Game 5 Unfolded

Drew Rasmussen started Game 5 on three days rest. Manager Kevin Cash set a limit of four innings or 60 pitches to protect Rasmussen, who has undergone three major elbow surgeries. Rasmussen allowed just one run on 48 pitches through four innings.

Cash stuck to the plan and pulled Rasmussen for Kevin Kelly in the fifth inning. Kelly allowed three straight one out singles, including a hit by David Hamilton. Milwaukee added two more runs in the sixth inning against Garrett Cleavinger and Tyler Wells to build a 4-1 lead.

Overcoming Predictions

Many expected Tampa Bay to finish fifth in the American League East. The team played its 2025 home games at the New York Yankees spring training facility after Hurricane Milton damaged the Tropicana Field dome.

Despite the predictions, Tampa Bay won 98 regular season games and held the best record in the American League in late June. They swept the Yankees in the ALDS and beat the Cleveland Guardians in six games in the ALCS. The team finished the year with 106 total wins.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers (MLB, Sat, 31 Oct): Milwaukee Brewers win 62%, Tampa Bay Rays win 38%; projected score Milwaukee Brewers 5, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Our safest pick: Rays +3.5.

Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers (MLB, Sun, 01 Nov): Milwaukee Brewers win 62%, Tampa Bay Rays win 38%; projected score Milwaukee Brewers 5, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Our safest pick: Rays +3.5.