Freddy Peralta, 30 years old, became the undisputed figure of the Tampa Bay Rays during the ALCS of the American League, when the Dominican pitcher was chosen as the Most Valuable Player. His performance in the three series that faced the team placed him as the key piece to take the Rays to the championship of the Major Leagues.
Performances that made the difference
In the sixth game of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians, Peralta dominated the game throwing 5.1 innings and allowing just one run. The 7-3 victory secured the Rays’ qualification to the World Series. In the second round, the pitcher kept calm and delivered six scoreless innings, and in the fourth he performed as a reliever to close another 7-3 victory. In total, the pitcher recorded a 0.75 ERA, struck out nine batters, and threw 12 innings in the three series.
Speed and dominance in every pitch
Peralta demonstrated that his speed is one of his most deadly weapons. In his two starts in the ALCS, he set new personal records with 29 pitches over 97 mph in the second game and 33 in the sixth. The combination of speed and control turned the Dominican into one of the most feared pitchers in the postseason.
A prize that adds to the history of the Rays
With this distinction, Peralta becomes the third player in the franchise to receive the ALCS MVP award, after Matt Garza in 2008 and Randy Arozarena in 2020.
Peralta’s career before the Rays
The pitcher arrived in Tampa Bay after a trade with the New York Mets on August 2. With the Mets, Peralta maintained a 4.99 ERA in 22 appearances, while in his last 10 games of the regular season with the Rays he improved his figure to 3.25. He also stood out in the Divisional Series against the Yankees, where he threw 4.2 innings allowing just one run.
Next challenge: the World Series
The Rays are preparing to face the Milwaukee Brewers, their former team, in the World Series that begins on Friday, October 23 at 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). The first duel will take place at the American Family Field, the home of the Brewers.
Credits: deultimominuto.com
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