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Last-out challenge fueled dramatic finish to World Series Game 1
Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire

The Milwaukee Brewers virtually needed to win twice during Friday’s World Series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Brewers took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and stayed ahead entering the 9th inning at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis. With the home team nursing a 3-1 lead late, closer Trevor Megill ran into trouble as the Rays loaded the bases with one out.

Megill induced a perfect double play ball to right field, leading to a game-ending twin killing that had the crowd and the players celebrating a Game 1 win. Or so they thought.

The Rays challenged the play, and it was determined that Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt had his foot already off the second-base bag as he made the turn on his throw to first base.

Replays confirmed that Pratt’s foot was already hovering over the base as the ball touched the leather of his glove.

Instead of the game being over, the Rays got a second life with runners in scoring position in a 3-2 game. Jonny DeLuca came up to bat with a chance to play hero, but Megill held firm with a game-ending strikeout.

Megill deserved a lot of credit for keeping his composure after already celebrating like he had secured a save in the World Series. He made it real with a nasty curveball that got DeLuca swinging.

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