Overview
- Freddy Peralta, who threw six scoreless innings on Tuesday, struck out six, reached a career-high 99.4 mph fastball and limited the Guardians to four hits and two walks.
- A two-out fielding error by José Ramírez in the fourth inning opened the door for Tampa Bay’s three unearned runs, including a two-run single by Liam Hicks.
- Bryan Baker closed a perfect ninth for his fourth postseason save, and Tampa Bay’s bullpen preserved the Rays’ one-run cushion late in the game.
- The series shifts to Progressive Field for Game 3 on Thursday with Griffin Jax expected to start for the Rays and Gavin Williams penciled in for the Guardians.
- Tampa Bay’s win underscores the impact of its trade-acquired pitching and aggressive baserunning, and it highlights Cleveland’s ongoing struggle to convert with runners in scoring position that could shape the rest of the series.