Rays face must-win Game 3 after controversial check-swing ends Game 2

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WWSB) - The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers are scheduled to play Game 3 of the World Series at Tropicana Field at 8 p.m. Monday, with the Rays trailing the series 2-0.

The Rays lost Game 2 in Milwaukee 5-4. The game ended on a check-swing strikeout call against Yandy Diaz. Diaz said in his postgame interview that he agreed he had swung and did not dispute the umpire’s call.

Tampa Bay scored four runs in the first inning of Game 2, including a two-run home run by Liam Hicks. Milwaukee then scored five unanswered runs, the last coming in the seventh inning, to win 5-4. The Rays dropped both games played in Milwaukee.

Rays fans prepare for World Series Game 3 at Tropicana Field

The Rays have won three-game series 11 times this season, according to ABC7.

Fans began arriving at Tropicana Field several hours before first pitch. Among them were Englewood resident Dan and his son Fisher, who is 8 years old and attending his first World Series game. Fisher plays first base and pitcher on his third-grade baseball team. He named Yandy Diaz, Junior Caminero and Evan Longoria as his favorite Rays players.

Dan has lived in Englewood for more than 40 years and said he believes the Rays have a good chance Monday night because they are playing at home with a strong pitcher on the mound.

Across the street from Tropicana Field, Ferg’s sports bar owner said he expects the Rays to win Games 3 and 4 before returning to Milwaukee for a Game 7.

Traffic on I-275 near Tropicana Field was light Monday afternoon, with minor congestion closer to the stadium in both directions. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Howard Frankland Bridge showed no delays in either direction.

Isolated showers were possible Monday afternoon, but conditions were expected to be mostly dry with sunshine near Tropicana Field. Winds were gusting 25-30 mph at times, with cooler conditions expected after the game.