Peralta Dominates, Rays Capitalize on Cleveland Errors to Even ALCS with 3

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Behind six scoreless innings from trade-deadline acquisition Freddy Peralta and opportunistic execution, the Tampa Bay Rays bounced back in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series, defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3–1 on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.

The victory evens the ALCS at 1–1 as the series shifts to Progressive Field in Cleveland for Game 3 on Thursday.

Peralta Delivers Masterclass Before Bullpen Locks It Down

Starting in front of a loud home crowd, Tampa Bay right-hander Freddy Peralta turned in his finest performance of October. Peralta kept Cleveland’s red-hot lineup off-balance all evening, scattering four hits over six shutout frames with two walks and six strikeouts.

With the Tropicana Field crowd chanting “Freddy! Freddy!”, Peralta ended his night by striking out Cleveland’s Petey Halpin on a 3–2 changeup to strand a runner in the top of the sixth.

The Rays’ bullpen preserved the lead down the stretch:

- Kevin Kelly recorded two outs in the seventh, retiring José Ramírez on a fly ball with two runners on base.
- Left-hander Ian Seymour surrendered an RBI double to Chase DeLauter before striking out Jo Adell swinging at a changeup to strand the tying runs at second and third. Seymour followed up with a 1-2-3 eighth inning.
- Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth inning to collect his fourth save of the postseason.

Slo-mo no-no

#ForTampaBay | #Postseason https://t.co/ObxWJqBcZj

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 14, 2026

Unearned Runs Cost Messick and Cleveland

Guardians rookie starter Parker Messick took the loss, though the local product—who grew up attending Rays games at Tropicana Field—pitched admirably under pressure. Messick allowed six hits and three runs over five innings, but zero of those runs were earned.

A rare defensive miscue by third baseman José Ramírez led to Tampa Bay’s offensive breakthrough. The Rays seized the opportunity, getting crucial production from catcher Liam Hicks, who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, alongside run-scoring contributions from Chandler Simpson and Victor Mesa Jr.

The loss snapped a four-game postseason winning streak for the Guardians, who had not lost since Game 2 of the ALDS against Chicago.

Looking Ahead to Game 3 in Cleveland

With the series tied 1–1, Tampa Bay successfully avoided heading on the road in a two-game hole. The Guardians now return home to Progressive Field, holding home-field advantage for the remainder of the series.

Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday evening in Cleveland. The Guardians are expected to send right-hander Gavin Williams to the mound, while the Rays counter with left-hander Shane McClanahan.