Rays End Historic 106-Win Run

The Tampa Bay Rays returned to Tropicana Field late Thursday following a 4-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The defeat ended the World Series in five games and concluded an eight-month campaign that began with a return to their home stadium. Players described the clubhouse atmosphere as quiet, with sadness present but pride in the season taking precedence.

Bryan Baker, the Rays closer, spoke to the collective sentiment. "I'm really just proud," Baker said. "I'm just proud to be part of this group." Baker worked a scoreless eighth inning in Game 5 after pitching two innings the previous day in a 12-inning victory. That back-to-back workload was a first for the All-Star in the season.

Manager Kevin Cash managed the pitching staff with strict limits due to injuries and fatigue. Drew Rasmussen started on three days' rest, a first for him as a full-time starter. Cash capped Rasmussen at four innings or 60 pitches, whichever came first, citing the ace's history of elbow surgeries. Rasmussen allowed one run in four innings on 48 pitches before Cash brought in Kevin Kelly.

Kelly struggled early, allowing three straight singles to the bottom of the Milwaukee lineup. David Hamilton then grounded a ball through the right side, scoring Cooper Pratt and extending the Brewers' lead. Milwaukee added two more runs in the sixth inning. The Rays were held scoreless until the ninth by Jacob Misiorowski, who is the favorite for the National League Cy Young Award, and three other relievers.

The 2026 season defied preseason projections. The Rays finished fourth in the American League East in two consecutive prior years and were expected to place fifth in 2026. Instead, they secured the league's best record in late June and won 98 regular-season games. They swept the New York Yankees in the Division Series and defeated the Cleveland Guardians in six games in the ALCS.

The team's strategy relied on a high-contact offense and a deep bullpen. Tampa Bay recorded the majors' highest contact rate and lowest strikeout rate. They led the league in bunts and finished second in stolen bases. Power came primarily from Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz, and Jonathan Aranda. The Rays had played the previous season at a Yankees spring training facility while their dome was damaged by Hurricane Milton.

Caminero played through a left foot injury in Game 5, finishing 1-for-4. He said in Spanish that Milwaukee played very good baseball and that the Rays gave their best effort. Cash noted the group's bond eased the disappointment of the loss. The team reached its third World Series in 29 years and set a franchise record with 106 total wins.