PETERSBURG, Fla. — In the bowels of Tropicana Field early Wednesday morning, Jacob Misiorowski wouldn't even break stride. Much like his 105-mph fastball that devastates hitters and leaves observers in awe, Misiorowski moved through the crowded corridor, littered with fans, in a blur. "Miz!" one fan yelled, reaching for a fist bump.
But Misiorowski never extended his hand. His acknowledgment came in the form of a head nod, his attention seemingly fixed on what awaited him later that evening. For Misiorowski will take the mound Wednesday night with a chance to clinch Milwaukee's first World Series championship.
The Brewers squandered their first opportunity at history in Game 4, when Tampa Bay's Ben Williamson delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th inning. Williamson's chopper capped a two-run Rays' rally that erased Milwaukee's one-run lead and forced Wednesday's Game 5. "When you're achieving something like this, it's going to have its adversity," manager Pat Murphy said.
"We had some things go our way yesterday. They had some things go their way today. You just live with it, and if you're a competitor, you wake up tomorrow morning and come ready to play." Isn't this what the Fall Classic is about?
Letting superstars be superstars? Giving them the stage to carry their teams to baseball's ultimate glory? Milwaukee's Cooper Pratt nearly authored his own piece of history Tuesday night.
His solo home run off Ian Seymour in the top of the 12th had all the makings of a storybook ending. Delivering on his promise six months after signing a contract extension. Pratt's night, which included three other hits, showed that the bonds holding this Brewers club together aren't rooted solely in veteran leaders like Christian Yelich and William Contreras.
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