Rays 3, Guardians 1
If the Tampa Bay Rays do one thing well, it’s capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes. On Tuesday, that sentiment was put on full display, as the team used a Jose Ramirez error to beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 and even the ALCS 1-1.
Rays-Guardians Game Summary
For the second consecutive night, the Rays began the scoring at Tropicana Field. This time, however, it wasn’t because of their own doing.
With two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning, Ben Williamson chopped a routine ground ball to Ramirez at third base. However, the 14-year veteran let the ball skip under his glove, scoring Victor Mesa Jr. from second base and advancing Chandler Simpson to third. Liam Hicks drove in Simpson and Williamson, putting the Rays up 3-0.
The Guardians threatened in the top of the seventh, as Chase DeLauter’s two-out double scored Patrick Bailey and moved Steven Kwan to third base. However, Jo Adell struck out, ending the frame.
What Went Right for the Guardians
Even though the Guardians’ pitching staff allowed three runs, none of them were earned. Starter Parker Messick battled for five innings, giving way to a relief unit that threw three scoreless innings.
What Went Wrong for the Guardians
In addition to Ramirez’s game-altering error, the Guardians’ offense came up short. While the team totaled seven hits on Tuesday, they produced one lone run, due in large part to the nine runners they left on base.
What Went Right for the Rays
Freddy Peralta saved the best postseason start of his career for Game Two, throwing a career-high six scoreless innings. The performance included six strikeouts, dropping his postseason ERA to 0.84.
What Went Wrong for the Rays
Were it not for Ramirez’s error, it’s hard to imagine the Rays concluding Tuesday’s contest with any runs. They compiled seven hits but went 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Manager Reactions
Despite dropping Game Two, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt believes his team is in a good position going forward.
“We feel great,” said Vogt postgame. “Going home 1-1, to go have three games in front of our fans in Cleveland, we feel really good about that.”
After Tuesday’s bounce-back performance, Rays manager Kevin Cash credited his starter for bringing the heat on the mound.
“The velocity really stood out today,” said Cash postgame. “It felt like that might’ve been his highest velocity we’ve seen.”
Next Matchup
Following Wednesday’s off-day, the Rays and Guardians will head to Progressive Field for Games Three, Four, and Five. Thursday’s first pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. Eastern, with Griffin Jax and Gavin Williams starting for the Rays and Guardians, respectively.
