Rays even ALCS 1-1 after José Ramírez error and Peralta's six shutout innings

Freddy Peralta threw six shutout innings and a defensive misplay by José Ramírez allowed the Tampa Bay Rays to defeat the Cleveland Guardians, evening the American League Championship Series at one game apiece. The midseason acquisition from the New York Mets delivered a dominant performance against Cleveland's Parker Messick, who had started the previous night's game. Peralta allowed just four hits and struck out six batters, maintaining an average fastball velocity more than 2.5 mph higher than his season average. His start lowered his earned run average to 0.81 over his last eight outings in a Rays uniform.

The Rays built their lead in the fourth inning when shaky Cleveland defense allowed runs to score. Victor Mesa Jr. beat out an infield single that was overturned on review. After Jonny DeLuca struck out, Ben Williamson hit a grounder to third that took an unusual hop through José Ramírez, allowing Mesa to score from third base. Liam Hicks followed with a line drive single to center field, scoring Williamson and Chandler Simpson to extend the Tampa Bay lead to 3-0.

The Guardians mounted a rally in the seventh inning. Patrick Bailey drew a leadoff walk after an automated ball strike challenge and advanced to second base on a one-out single by Steven Kwan. Chase DeLauter then hit a 105 mph double to right field, driving in a run. With the tying runner on second base, Jo Adell came to the plate but struck out swinging at a changeup outside the zone by Ian Seymour. Cleveland failed to add further runs in the eighth inning.

Bryan Baker closed out the ninth inning for Tampa Bay, retiring three batters in seven pitches for his fourth save of the postseason. The closer has maintained a 1.44 earned run average across the playoffs, following a similar regular season mark. The series now shifts to Cleveland for game three, where Gavin Williams is expected to pitch against Griffin Jax. The Guardians are seeking a return to the World Series for the first time since 2016, while the Rays entered the series as favorites due to their pitching depth.