Ashby sets 18-inning mark before bullpen falls in 12th

Aaron Ashby retired 18 batters in relief during Tuesday night's Game 4 of the World Series, setting a new single-postseason record for scoreless innings. The left-hander struck out three batters in the ninth inning to break Andrew Miller's mark of 16 scoreless relief innings set in 2016. Ashby then pitched a perfect 10th inning and retired the first batter of the 11th before leaving the game.

The Brewers held a 3-2 lead until the top of the 12th inning. Rookie Cooper Pratt gave Milwaukee the advantage with a solo home run leading off the inning. However, the team's pitching staff failed to close out the game. With Antonio Senzatela on the mound, third baseman Joey Ortiz threw a wild pitch on Junior Caminero's grounder, allowing the runner to advance.

Rookie left-hander Shane Drohan entered the game after the error. The Tampa Bay Rays capitalized on the momentum shift. Liam Hicks, Jonny DeLuca, and pinch-hitter Ben Williamson each collected a single in consecutive at-bats. The three hits produced two runs, giving the Rays a 4-3 victory and preventing a series sweep.

Ashby has been dominant in October despite a history of postseason struggles. In 2021, 2024, and 2025, he allowed nine runs in 9 1/3 innings over 10 appearances. This year, he has allowed only five hits and three walks while striking out 20 batters. His current streak extends to 22 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, a career best that includes regular season work.

The Rays will look to close out the series in Game 5. Ashby, who finished the regular season with a 13-3 record and a 3.12 ERA in 71 relief appearances, remains the Brewers' primary late-inning option. The team now faces the prospect of losing the championship after coming within three outs of securing their first title.