From SI · · 3m
Cooper Pratt's World Series Game 2 Swing
Cooper Pratt's game-winning swing in Game 2 seals Brewers' World Series win.
In brief
Cooper Pratt's game-winning swing in Game 2 seals Brewers' World Series win. Cooper Pratt hits a game-winning opposite-field home run in Game 2 to give the Brewers a 5-4 lead over Tampa Bay in the World Series. Originally reported by SI.
Brewers' Collective Playstyle
The Milwaukee Brewers win games by letting everyone have a turn at spinning yarns that will have staying power like Geoffrey Chaucer’s stories.
Cooper Pratt: The Fableist
Cooper Pratt, the 22-year-old Brewers shortstop, is described as a 'freaky nerdy' player who should be drinking apple cider at Ole Miss instead of winning World Series games.
Game 2 Strategy
In World Series Game 2, the Brewers sent 41 batters to the plate in eight innings, seeing 184 pitches, the most by Tampa Bay in a road loss this year.
Brewers' Bullpen Dominance
The Brewers have dismissed nine of their 10 opposing starters in five innings or less, including Michael King, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal and Drew Rasmussen.
Pratt's Background
Cooper Pratt comes from Senatobia, Miss. (population 8,300), or as his father, Russ, says, 'The Middle of Nowhere, Mississippi.'
Pratt's Texting Coach
Pratt texts his father, Russ, for advice: 'Hey, bro, you gotta loosen up' or 'Hey, you're doing this, this, and this.'
Draft Selection
Pratt was an outstanding high school player who committed to Ole Miss but went undrafted in the first four rounds before the Brewers selected him in the sixth.
Contract Deal
The Brewers signed Pratt to an eight-year, $95 million contract after he agreed to $1.35 million, about $1 million above slot.
Game 2 Moment
Pratt fell behind 1-and-2, then hit a two-strike slash that sent a sinker from Kevin Kelly on a line to the opposite field for a game-winning home run.
Brewers' Playstyle
The Brewers play a collegial style of baseball, yelling 'Base hit, ball four!' on every full count to one of their hitters.
Pratt's Swing Philosophy
Pratt admits he chases pitches but says the Brewers focus on swing decisions, contact, and damage, where swing decisions are the biggest factor.
Brewers' World Series History
The Brewers are the only franchise to come within one win of a World Series title without ever winning one, having blown a lead in Game 7 in 1982.
Game 2 Result
The Brewers won Game 2 5-4 after spotting Tampa Bay four runs in the top of the first, with a 15-2 lead after the sixth inning.
Pratt's Heart Rate
Pratt said his heart was racing during the game, but he focused on calming down and breathing before hitting the game-winning swing.
Brewers' Team Culture
Pratt is beloved around the Brewers for his straight-laced nerdiness and accountability, including bringing apple cider instead of booze when the team celebrated.
Brewers' Playoff Record
The Brewers have played all but six of their 90 innings this postseason separated by no more than two runs from their opponent, trailing in seven of the 10 games.
The big picture
Cooper Pratt hits a game-winning opposite-field home run in Game 2 to give the Brewers a 5-4 lead over Tampa Bay in the World Series.
