MLB1 hour ago1 minute read

DeLauter Misplay Helps Rays Beat Guardians and Even ALCS

A costly seventh inning fielding error allowed Tampa Bay to pull away for a 7-3 victory over Cleveland, evening the ALCS at two games apiece.

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Seventh Inning Misplay Opens the Gate

The Cleveland Guardians were trying to stay close on Saturday as the Tampa Bay Rays rallied in the seventh inning of Game 4. Cleveland already trailed 2-1 with runners on second and third base and one out.

Jonathan Aranda hit a single to right field. Chase DeLauter misplayed the ball, letting it slide right under his glove. Two runs scored on the hit, and Aranda made it all the way to third base.

Moments later, Aranda scored on a sacrifice fly from Chandler Simpson to give Tampa Bay a four run lead.

DeLauter Takes Responsibility After Defeat

DeLauter took full blame for the mistake after the 7-3 loss. He admitted that missing the ground ball gave up extra runs and put Aranda on third base, calling the outcome his fault.

The initial two runners likely would have scored on the single anyway. However, Aranda reaching third gave Tampa Bay extra cushion before Cleveland scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh. The Rays later added two more runs in the ninth inning.

Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt noted that the ball appeared to snake or skip past DeLauter. Second baseman Travis Bazzana stood by his teammate, stating that DeLauter has been solid in the outfield all year.

Looking Ahead in the Series

DeLauter noted that the series is tied with another home game coming up. He mentioned that the team simply needs to move on and come back better next time.

The victory by Tampa Bay evens the series at 2-2. Both teams now prepare for another matchup as the ALCS continues in Cleveland.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Guardians (MLB, Sun, 18 Oct): Cleveland Guardians win 45%, Tampa Bay Rays win 55%; projected score Cleveland Guardians 3, Tampa Bay Rays 4. Our safest pick: Guardians +3.5.

Cleveland Guardians at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Tue, 20 Oct): Tampa Bay Rays win 47%, Cleveland Guardians win 53%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 4, Cleveland Guardians 4. Our safest pick: Rays +2.5.