Palacios Gives Rays Early Advantage Over Guardians in ALCS Game 6

Richie Palacios hit a two-run single to put the Tampa Bay Rays ahead early in Game 6 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians.

Richie Palacios hit a two-run single to give the Tampa Bay Rays an early lead over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. According to ESPN, the Rays entered the matchup at Tropicana Field with a 3-2 series lead, needing one victory to secure a spot in the World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Palacios, batting eighth in the lineup, drove in both runs to put Tampa Bay on the board.

Freddy Peralta started on the mound for the Rays, entering the contest with a 6-0 record and a 0.81 ERA over his previous eight starts. During that span, right-handed hitters have gone 7-for-56 against him, a .125 batting average. The Guardians countered with Shawn Armstrong as their starting pitcher for the elimination game.

Cleveland’s lineup featured Steven Kwan leading off in left field and Jose Ramirez batting second at third base. The Rays' batting order was led by designated hitter Yandy Diaz and first baseman Jonathan Aranda. Tampa Bay is attempting to reach the Fall Classic for the first time in a full season since 2008.