Rousing Comeback by the Devil Rays in Series Play vs. the Dodgers

Michael Fratacci Sr. is an established Manalapan, New Jersey, entrepreneur who served as president of Ramco Electrical Contracting Corp. An avid sports fan, Michael Fratacci Sr. follows leagues that range from the NBA to Major League Baseball. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, baseball has managed to thrive during a shortened 2020 season, with two worthy teams--the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Ray Devil Rays--facing off in the Fall Classic.

After three hard-fought games, with the Dodgers having taken a 2-1 lead, Game 4 of the World Series featured a memorable comeback: Trailing 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth inning, and on their last out, the Rays’ Brett Phillips came up to the plate against ace Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen.

A utility player with a career .202 average, Phillips is most often used as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner. His hit into center field in the clutch was enough to bring Kevin Kiermaier home on its own and tie the game. However, Chris Taylor misfielded the ball, and the speedy Phillips took advantage of that fumble to head to third base and attempt home plate himself.

At this point, Phillips slipped and fell halfway down the third base line, and it seemed inevitable that the ball would find its way to catcher Will Smith for an easy out. But at that critical moment, another mistake was made: Smith failed to catch the ball and Phillips slid head-first into home for a game-winning run. This miraculous play made for a truly unique finish to a baseball season that was anything but normal.