Nick Martinez, bullpen save the Rays from World Series elimination, but Game 4 win merely a stay of execution

The Rays had to use their Game 5 starter in relief in Game 4, but they got the win and for now, that ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — First things first: the Rays did what they had to do to win Game 4. Trailing 3-0 in the World Series means you do absolutely everything possible to survive and get to Game 5. You can't hold anything — or anyone — back because saving a pitcher for a game that never comes is a fool's errand. I speak of Nick Martinez, the Rays' All-Star starter who was set to get the start in Game 5 of the World Series, if necessary. The Rays have had bullpen issues in the ALCS and World Series and desperately needed to keep this game under control from the feisty Brewers offense.

Manager Kevin Cash was relying on a huge effort from Martinez and the rest of their bullpen. He got it for most of the night, as Rays relievers worked eight of the 12 innings and allowed just one run on four hits. This was a night of redemption for that group. They had blown Game 1 of the ALCS, had trouble in Game 6 of that series, blew Game 2 of the World Series and were humiliated in Game 3. The mighty and relentless Brewers