The Rays walked off the Mets in wild fashion after a tense bottom of the ninth. Tied at 2, Yandy Díaz drew a walk to start the rally. Willy Adames followed with a smart two-strike poke into right field, moving the runner to third. Mike Zunino drew another walk after a patient at-bat, loading the bases with one out. Joey Wendell had a chance to end it but struck out looking.
That brought up Brett Phillips, who had struck out in all three of his previous at-bats and failed on a key bunt earlier in the game. On the first pitch, Phillips ripped a single to right, scoring the winning run. Kevin Kiermaier launched over the rail to celebrate, then joined Phillips in his signature airplane celebration. This time, unlike the World Series moment, Kiermaier didn’t trip. He just rode the wave. Phillips soaked it all in with a bubble gum shower followed by an icy sneak attack.
Tyler Glasnow had a strong outing earlier, but it was Phillips who stole the spotlight. Despite a rough day at the plate, he came through when it mattered most. The dugout erupted, the hair was flowing, and the Rays got the win in dramatic style.