Sal Frelick delivered a clutch solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie Game 2 of the World Series, helping the Milwaukee Brewers rally for a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field. The dramatic blast erased a four-run deficit and fueled another postseason comeback for Milwaukee, evening the series as it shifts to Florida.
The Battle at the Plate
Facing left-handed reliever Ian Seymour with the Brewers threatening once again, Frelick engaged in a tense nine-pitch battle. Seymour repeatedly challenged the outfielder with fastballs, alternating between sinkers and four-seamers. Frelick fouled off half of the first eight pitches to work the count full.
On the ninth pitch, Seymour returned to the four-seamer, hanging it over the inner third of the plate. Frelick crushed the pitch for a solo home run to make it a 4-4 game, sparking a massive celebration in the stands and the Brewers’ bullpen. Cooper Pratt later delivered the winning run, but Frelick’s at-bat set the stage for the triumph.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy praised Frelick’s performance, noting that he hit four hard balls on the night and possesses a special competitive edge. Murphy compared Frelick’s drive to former Major League Baseball star Dustin Pedroia, highlighting how the outfielder constantly turns every situation into a fierce competition.
Overcoming Adversity and a Tough Season
Frelick’s heroics on the grandest stage provided a stark contrast to his regular-season struggles, where he batted .230 with a .614 OPS and hit just four home runs. A right shoulder injury sidelined him for six weeks during the summer, and upon his return, he faced a reduced role as younger prospect Luis Lara earned playing time.
Rather than sulking, Frelick sharpened his focus and leaned on the resilience forged during his youth as a multi-sport athlete in Massachusetts. His father, Jeff, a former college football player, and his own experiences as a smaller player fighting for recognition helped shape his steadfast confidence.
Frelick described the home run as a brief, blackout feeling of pure excitement before reality set in that the game was merely tied. With the series now moving to Tropicana Field—where the Rays posted a formidable 59-27 record this year including the postseason—the Brewers face a tough environment as they chase the franchise’s first World Series title.
