Jankowski drives in winning run as Tampa Bay beats Milwaukee 3-2 after historic rain delays
Context:
Travis Jankowski delivered a crucial RBI single in the ninth inning, securing a 3-2 victory for the Tampa Bay Rays over the Milwaukee Brewers amidst historic weather delays at their temporary home, Steinbrenner Field. Rookie Kameron Misner, walked and then advanced to second, scored the winning run, assisted by a fielding mishap from Milwaukee's left fielder, Isaac Collins. Jankowski's earlier sacrifice fly had already given the Rays a 2-1 lead, though Milwaukee had responded with homers from Jackson Chourio and Joey Ortiz. The game was marked by significant rain delays, the first ever at a Tampa Bay home game, and featured a tense ninth inning where Rays' pitcher Pete Fairbanks navigated a bases-loaded situation to maintain the tie. The teams are slated to conclude their series with Chad Patrick pitching for Milwaukee against Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen.
Dive Deeper:
Travis Jankowski's key contribution came in the ninth inning when he hit an RBI single that brought Kameron Misner home, clinching the game for the Rays. Misner had been walked and advanced to second base, setting up the scoring opportunity.
Isaac Collins, Milwaukee's left fielder, mishandled Jankowski's hit, which allowed Misner to score without contest. This mishap was a crucial moment in the game, ensuring the Rays' victory.
Jankowski had previously provided a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, giving Tampa Bay an initial lead of 2-1. His performance was instrumental throughout the game.
Milwaukee's offense was highlighted by Jackson Chourio, who hit a solo home run on the first pitch he faced in the third inning, and Joey Ortiz, who added another solo homer in the fifth.
The game experienced historic weather delays, marking the first time in the Rays' 28-year history that a home game was delayed by rain. The first pitch was postponed by 27 minutes, and another delay occurred in the fifth inning.
During a tense ninth inning, Pete Fairbanks walked a batter to load the bases but managed to get crucial outs to maintain the tie, showcasing his poise under pressure.
With Tropicana Field's roof damaged by Hurricane Milton, the Rays have been playing at Steinbrenner Field, where fans were provided with ponchos due to the inclement weather.