Ji man Choi hits a walk-off homer in the 12th, a breakdown

The Rays and Yankees are locked in a close game, fighting for a wild-card playoff spot, as they head to the 12th inning tied at 3-3. Ji-Man Choi of the Rays steps up to the plate, facing a 2-2 count against Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole. Choi takes an outside pitch for a ball, evening the count at 3-3. On the very next pitch, Choi connects and sends the ball soaring over the outfield wall for a walk-off home run. As Choi's hit clears the fence, the Rays dugout erupts in celebration. Choi raises both hands triumphantly as he rounds the bases. Rays reliever Diego Castillo is already grabbing bubble gum, anticipating the game-winning hit. Once Choi touches home plate, his teammates pour out of the dugout, swarming him with hugs and high-fives. The Rays players begin tossing their gloves, hats and other gear into the air, creating a chaotic scene reminiscent of a fireworks display. Outfielder Austin Meadows pushes Choi playfully, but Choi takes it in stride as the team mobs him with Gatorade showers and jersey rips. The veteran Choi, a former Yankee, embraces the joyous mayhem as the Rays secure their third walk-off win in their last five games. "That was just super quick reaction time from him," says the announcer, referring to Castillo's pre-emptive bubble gum grab. "No one else had their hands up, he was already turning to get the bubble gum. He's ready." This dramatic victory keeps the Rays in the thick of the American League wild-card race, as they continue their hard-fought battle with the Yankees for a playoff spot. The win also showcases the Rays' resiliency, as they have now rallied from behind to win several crucial games down the stretch. For Ji-Man Choi and the Rays, this is a moment to savor - a game-winning homer that sparks a raucous celebration and injects new life into their postseason aspirations.