Brewers Rally Late to Even World Series

McGee's homers give Cards early lead, but Brewers storm back with six-run 7th inning

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:47pm

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The Milwaukee Brewers overcame an early 4-0 deficit to the St. Louis Cardinals, rallying for six runs in the 7th inning to tie the 1982 World Series at two games apiece. Willie McGee hit two home runs for the Cardinals, but the Brewers stormed back with a big inning capped by a two-run single from Gorman Thomas to take the lead. The Brewers held on for a 7-5 victory in Game 4.

Why it matters

The Brewers were facing a 2-1 series deficit and a potential 3-1 hole, but their dramatic comeback in Game 4 evened the series and gave them new life heading back to Milwaukee for Game 5. The Brewers were looking to become the first team since 1964 to win the World Series after trailing 3-1.

The details

The Cardinals jumped out to a 4-0 lead through the first two innings, with RBI hits from George Hendrick and Tom Herr. But the Brewers chipped away, scoring single runs in the 5th and 6th innings to make it 5-2 heading to the 7th. In the 7th, the Brewers rallied for six runs, with Jim Gantner, Robin Yount, and Cecil Cooper delivering key hits to give Milwaukee a 7-5 lead. The Brewers' bullpen held on from there to even the series.

  • The game was played on October 20, 1982 at Milwaukee's County Stadium.
  • The Brewers scored six runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to take the lead.

The players

Willie McGee

The Cardinals' center fielder hit two home runs in the game, giving him four RBIs.

Pete Vuckovich

The Brewers' starting pitcher, who was solid through the first four innings before the Cardinals broke through.

Jim Gantner

The Brewers' second baseman had two hits and drove in a run during the 7th inning rally.

Robin Yount

The Brewers' star shortstop had two hits, including a two-run single in the 7th inning to tie the game.

Cecil Cooper

The Brewers' first baseman delivered the go-ahead two-run single in the 7th inning to give Milwaukee the lead.

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What they’re saying

“We gave them four runs in the first two innings on a silver platter. The only good thing about it was that we had eight chances left to get the four runs back.”

— Paul Molitor (Wisconsin State Journal)

“When Sutter didn't come in to face Molitor, I knew we wouldn't see him today.”

— Ted Simmons (Wisconsin State Journal)

“It was a must-win game for us today. If we lose today, we're down 3-1 and not many teams come back from that.”

— Jim Gantner (Wisconsin State Journal)

What’s next

The series will shift back to St. Louis for Games 6 and 7, with the Brewers looking to win their first World Series championship.

The takeaway

The Brewers' dramatic comeback in Game 4 showed their resilience and proved they would not go down without a fight in the 1982 World Series. Their ability to rally from a big early deficit on the road kept them in the series and set the stage for a winner-take-all finish in St. Louis.