ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Freddy Peralta showcased his skills against his former team, delivering an impressive six-inning performance that helped the Tampa Bay Rays secure a 6-2 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night. Yandy Díaz played a pivotal role in the win, contributing a home run and a double, further solidifying the Rays' position as the top team in the American League.
With this win, the Rays improved their record to 83-55, maintaining a 4.5-game lead in the AL East over the New York Yankees. Junior Caminero extended his hitting streak to 15 games, adding two singles to the Rays' offensive efforts. Victor Mesa Jr. also shone at the plate, recording three hits, while Ryan Vilade drove in two crucial runs.
Peralta, who was acquired from the Mets in a trade on August 2, initially faced challenges on the mound. He allowed a leadoff home run to Francisco Lindor, followed by consecutive singles from Bo Bichette and Carson Benge. However, the right-hander quickly regained his composure, retiring 17 of the next 18 batters he faced. By the end of the night, Peralta had allowed just three hits and one run, striking out seven without issuing any walks. Over his last 14 innings pitched, he has surrendered only one run.
The two-time All-Star's performance was complemented by a strong showing from the Rays' bullpen, which held the Mets hitless over the final eight innings. Although New York managed to score in the seventh inning due to four walks issued by Tampa Bay pitchers, the Rays' pitching staff was otherwise dominant.
Caminero's first-inning single not only tied the game at 1-1 but also extended his hitting streak, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball. The Rays took the lead in the third inning when Vilade's single off Mets starter Sean Manaea scored Mesa, making it 2-1 in favor of Tampa Bay.
The Rays broke the game open in the sixth inning, scoring three runs and effectively chasing Manaea from the game. The inning featured a cycle of hits, including a run-scoring double from Nick Fortes, Díaz's impressive homer, and a triple from Vilade. Taylor Walls capped off the scoring in the sixth with a sacrifice fly that brought Fortes home.
Lindor, despite the loss, continued to impress with his bat, hitting his 34th career leadoff homer off Peralta’s 3-2 curveball. He also contributed a bases-loaded walk that accounted for the Mets' second run of the night.
As the series continues, the Mets will look to bounce back with right-hander Justin Hagenman making his 2026 debut in the final game of the series. The Rays are expected to start Griffin Jax, who was recently activated from the injured list and holds a 6-9 record with a 3.63 ERA.
Leave a Comment