Rays lose World Series Game 5, becoming third team to drop first three finals

The Tampa Bay Rays finished their third World Series appearance without a title on Wednesday night. They lost 4-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 at their home stadium. The result places the Rays in rare company, joining the Brooklyn Dodgers and Detroit Tigers as the only three clubs to lose their first three World Series.

The Rays were predicted to finish at or near the bottom of the AL East before the season began. Instead, they led the division from mid-May and secured 98 wins to top the American League. They previously fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008 and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Brooklyn Dodgers lost their first three series combined, 0-7, while the Detroit Tigers lost theirs 0-4.

Starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen threw on short rest. The 31-year-old right-hander, who has had three major elbow operations, allowed one run and two hits over four innings. He exited the game with a 1-0 deficit. Manager Kevin Cash described the team as "banged up and hurting" after the final out.

Rasmussen stood in front of his locker with red eyes after the game. He called the experience "really, really hard" because the team came so close to winning. He identified this as the best team he has played for at the major league level. Closer Bryan Baker said the team used the setback as motivation to keep working.

First baseman Yandy Díaz, who has been with the Rays since 2019, said the team proved early-season projections wrong. He noted that they had the chance to "rip" those predictions and succeeded. Baker emphasized that the group fought hard all year and picked themselves up off the canvas to reach the Series.

Rays players remained in their dugout to watch the Brewers celebrate on the field. The team now faces decisions regarding its roster. Tampa Bay holds a $20 million option on Rasmussen. Right-handers Freddy Peralta and Nick Martinez are eligible to become free agents after the season concludes.

The loss ended the Rays' bid for their first championship. The Brewers secured the title with the victory in Game 5. The Rays' run through the postseason ended with a record of 98 wins in the regular season and a World Series loss in their third attempt.