Peralta Returns to Tropicana as Rays Seek Series Climb

The World Series shifts to Tampa Bay on Sunday for Game 3. The Rays host the Brewers at Tropicana Field, hoping to halt a sweep after falling behind 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. The matchup features a rare reunion between starting pitcher Freddy Peralta and his former team.

Peralta, a right-hander originally traded by Milwaukee to the Mets in January, was acquired by Tampa Bay near the trade deadline. He enters this game as a pending free agent, making this potentially his final start for the Rays. In four postseason appearances, Peralta holds a 1.08 ERA with two wins and a hold. He was named the ALCS Most Valuable Player. His model projection for Sunday calls for 5.1 innings, 5.2 strikeouts, and 4.8 hits allowed.

The Rays face a steep uphill battle. Tampa Bay has blown a 4-0 first-inning lead in Game 2, losing 5-4 to Milwaukee. The team is batting .150 with runners in scoring position in the series, a sharp drop from their .283 average during the regular season. Left fielder Chandler Simpson, who committed an error in Saturday's loss, noted that the team must play clean against an opponent that grinds.

Milwaukee has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The Brewers have won nine games in the playoffs, seven of which were comeback victories. They are on a seven-game winning streak in the postseason, a team record. The team has outscored opponents 15-2 from the seventh inning onward. In eight of their nine playoff wins, a reliever has received the credit, tying the 2015 Royals for the most such victories in a single postseason.

For the Rays to recover, they likely need closer Bryan Baker to enter the game. Baker has converted 35 consecutive saves this season. Tampa Bay is 92-0 when leading after eight innings. The Rays were 31-17 against left-handed pitching during the regular season, a category that includes starting pitcher Robert Gasser.

Gasser, a left-hander in his first full major league campaign, is 5-5 with a 3.87 ERA this year. He has not received a decision in two playoff starts but has posted a 1.00 ERA over nine innings. His projected performance includes 5.4 innings, 4.8 strikeouts, and 4.4 hits allowed. The model favors the Brewers, projecting a 4.3-3.7 score, despite the Rays being listed as -120 favorites by DraftKings Sportsbook.

This will be the first World Series game at Tropicana Field since October 23, 2008. The Rays are +500 on the series line, while Milwaukee sits at -750. A sweep has not occurred in the World Series since the Giants defeated the Tigers in 2012.