Freddy Peralta throws six scoreless innings as Rays beat Guardians 3-1 to level ALCS after Ramírez error

The Tampa Bay Rays levelled the American League Championship Series at 1-1 on Tuesday, 13 October (US time), beating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 at Tropicana Field. Freddy Peralta pitched six scoreless innings, and all three Tampa Bay runs came in a fourth inning that turned on a fielding error by Cleveland star José Ramírez. The series now moves to Cleveland for three games, starting with Game 3 on Thursday.

A costly fourth inning for Cleveland

The game was scoreless when the Rays came to bat in the fourth. The inning was kept alive by a successful Tampa Bay replay challenge, which overturned a double play call at first base.

Ramírez, normally one of the most reliable fielders in the game, then let a ground ball from Ben Williamson go through his legs at third base, allowing Victor Mesa Jr. to score from third. With two outs, Liam Hicks lined a single to right-centre field that brought home Chandler Simpson and Williamson. All three runs were unearned.

It was an unusual night for Ramírez, whose home runs had been central to Cleveland's run through the AL Division Series against the Chicago White Sox.

Peralta in control

Peralta made sure the early lead held. The right-hander scattered four hits and two walks over six innings and struck out six, keeping a Cleveland line-up that had rallied late to win Game 1 off the scoreboard.

The Guardians' only run came in the seventh, when Chase DeLauter hit a two-out double that scored Patrick Bailey. Ian Seymour then struck out Jo Adell to strand the remaining runners, and he followed up with a scoreless eighth. Bryan Baker closed out the ninth to finish off the win.

For Rays manager Kevin Cash, the bullpen performance was a welcome change after his relievers struggled in Game 1, when Cleveland came from behind to win 7-3 with late home runs from Bailey and DeLauter.

What comes next in the ALCS

After a travel day on Wednesday, the best-of-seven series resumes at Progressive Field on Thursday, 15 October (US time), the first of three straight games in Cleveland. Nick Martinez is expected to start Game 3 for Tampa Bay. With home advantage now swinging to the Guardians for the middle three games, Cleveland have a chance to take control of the series.

NLCS: Dodgers' must-win night in Los Angeles

In the National League Championship Series, the Milwaukee Brewers lead the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-0 after winning both games in Milwaukee. Game 3 is at Dodger Stadium at 8pm ET on Wednesday, 14 October, which is 8am on Thursday, 15 October in Malaysia.

Left-hander Blake Snell starts for the Dodgers against fellow left-hander Robert Gasser for the Brewers. No team in a best-of-seven series wants to fall 3-0 behind, and Los Angeles will be counting on home support to get back into a rematch of last year's NLCS.

The winners of the ALCS and NLCS meet in the World Series later this month.

Key takeaways

• The Rays beat the Guardians 3-1 in Game 2 to level the ALCS at 1-1.
• Freddy Peralta threw six scoreless innings with six strikeouts.
• All three Tampa Bay runs were unearned after a José Ramírez error in the fourth inning.
• The ALCS moves to Cleveland for Games 3, 4 and 5, starting Thursday, 15 October (US time).
• NLCS Game 3 between the Brewers and Dodgers starts at 8am Malaysia time on Thursday, 15 October, with Milwaukee leading 2-0.

FAQ

What is the score in the 2026 ALCS? The series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians is tied 1-1 after Tampa Bay won Game 2 by 3-1.

Who are the starting pitchers for NLCS Game 3? Blake Snell starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Robert Gasser starts for the Milwaukee Brewers.

What time is NLCS Game 3 in Malaysia? First pitch is 8pm ET on 14 October, which is 8am on Thursday, 15 October in Malaysia.

Sources: theScore, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MLB.com