With Freddy Paralta’s arm and Liam Hick’s bat, the Rays were able to take Game 2 of their Championship Series 3-1 over the Guardians and avoid heading to Cleveland down two games to none.

Peralta went six strong shutout innings, allowing just four hits and two walks, striking out six. Hicks went 2-for-3, driving in two of the Rays three runs, all of which they got in the fourth inning with two outs. 

After an error by Cleveland’s superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez let in the first run and put runners on second and third, Liam Hicks, slashed a single to right to score the second and third runs of the inning.

Interestingly, Peralta and Hicks came to the Rays at the trade deadline. Tampa Bay, fighting for first place in the A.L. East made two trades for significant talent to get them over the top—a pitcher and a catcher.

The Rangers were also fighting for first place at the trade deadline. They, too, made a trade for a pitcher and a catcher: Chase Silseth and Logan O’Hoppe. 

It would appear Tampa Bay did a better job at trading. 

So, now, the Rays head to Cleveland with their best-of-seven series tied at one apiece, thanks to some shrewd deadline trades, while the Rangers head to oblivion thanks to some insignificant deadline trades.

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