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Freddy Peralta Is Boosting The Rays' World Series Hopes — And His Free Agency Stock

Freddy Peralta delivered a career-defining performance to revive the Tampa Bay Rays' World Series hopes, pitching six scoreless innings in their 3-1 American League Championship Series victory over the Cleveland Guardians. The veteran right-hander, acquired midseason after a rough start with the Mets, threw his fastest pitch ever—a 99.4 mph fastball—while dominating the Guardians lineup with relentless heat and pinpoint accuracy.

Despite Cleveland’s pre-game emphasis on Peralta’s fastball with stadium graphics, the Rays’ starter kept the ball in the zone, striking out hitters repeatedly and forcing the Guardians into a series reset with the series now tied at one game apiece. Peralta’s turnaround from a 4.99 ERA in New York to this dominant outing underscores his resilience, as he overcame a season-low stretch to reclaim his elite status as one of baseball’s top starters.

The Rays’ bullpen and lineup capitalized on his strong start, with the team’s offense finally breaking through for key runs to secure the win. Peralta’s confidence in his fastball, which he called his best pitch, was evident as he navigated the high-pressure postseason environment with poise and precision.

Up nextMLB· 1h ago

Freddy Peralta goes back to his roots, leans on 4-seam fastball to shut down the Guardians in Rays' ALCS-tying victory