PETERSBURG, Fla. -- First things first: the Rays did what they had to do to win Game 4. Trailing 3-0 in the World Series means you do absolutely everything possible to survive and get to Game 5. You can't hold anything -- or anyone -- back because saving a pitcher for a game that never comes is a fool's errand.
I speak of Nick Martinez, the Rays' All-Star starter who was set to get the start in Game 5 of the World Series, if necessary. The Rays have had bullpen issues in the ALCS and World Series and desperately needed to keep this game under control from the feisty Brewers offense. Manager Kevin Cash was relying on a huge effort from Martinez and the rest of their bullpen.
He got it for most of the night, as Rays relievers worked eight of the 12 innings and allowed just one run on four hits. This was a night of redemption for that group. They had blown Game 1 of the ALCS, had trouble in Game 6 of that series, blew Game 2 of the World Series and were humiliated in Game 3.
The mighty and relentless Brewers had been held at bay by the embattled group that seemed cooked just one night before. And then the Rays walked it off in the 12th inning to win 4-3 and cut the Brewers' World Series deficit to 3-1. Martinez has been a versatile guy throughout his career.
In the regular season, he's made 160 starts and 151 appearances in relief. He's had most roles; he even had eight saves in a season once. He pitched in Japan for four seasons.
After throwing 73 pitches in five innings as the starter in Game 1 for the Rays, he was needed for six outs in this one. He was up to the task and held the Brewers in check. We're dangerous," Martinez said after the game.
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