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Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash trusted Nick Martinez in a critical American League Championship Series matchup, and the veteran right-hander rewarded that confidence with one of his most important performances of the season.
Martinez delivered 5 1/3 innings of one-run baseball as the Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians, 7-3, in Game 4 on Saturday night at Progressive Field. The victory evened the best-of-seven ALCS at 2-2 and gave Tampa Bay a valuable chance to return home with the series momentum.
Tampa Bay Rays Ride Nick Martinez’s Critical ALCS Start
The pitching decision carried plenty of significance. Because Friday’s game had been postponed, Tampa Bay could have turned to Drew Rasmussen on four days of rest. Instead, Cash elected to start Martinez and preserve Rasmussen for Game 5, with Freddy Peralta expected to be available for a potential Game 6.
That plan depended on Martinez providing length and stability. He did exactly that, allowing only two hits and one run over 79 pitches. After Cleveland scored in the first inning, the 36-year-old settled down and retired 11 consecutive batters.
“We have all the confidence in the world in Nick,” Cash said after the game. “He did a lot of Nick things out there.”
Brilliant Recovery After Early Cleveland Trouble
The Guardians struck quickly against Martinez. Steven Kwan opened the bottom of the first inning with a single and advanced on a wild pitch. Chase DeLauter then drove him in with a single to right field, giving Cleveland an early 1-0 lead.
However, DeLauter was thrown out while attempting to stretch the hit into a double. Victor Mesa Jr. made an impressive sliding stop in right field before delivering a strong throw to complete the play.
That defensive moment helped limit the damage, and Martinez soon found his rhythm. He retired the next 11 hitters in order before walking Travis Bazzana with one out in the fifth inning. When Martinez left in the sixth with a runner on first, Peralta entered and recorded two outs to protect Tampa Bay’s 2-1 advantage.
Martinez admitted that the first inning was not ideal, but he emphasized the importance of staying composed against a Cleveland lineup known for its resilience.
“You know it’s going to be a dogfight,” Martinez said. “Not ideal to give up a run in the first inning, but just got to stay in the fight and trust that my guys are going to back me up.”
Devastating Changeup Becomes the Difference
The key adjustment came with Martinez’s changeup. He struggled to locate the pitch during the opening frame, but rather than abandoning it, he continued to trust the pitch and gradually improved his command.
Martinez threw 23 changeups, more than any other pitch in his outing, and generated four of his eight swings and misses with the offering. The pitch became increasingly difficult for Cleveland hitters to track as the game progressed.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt described the pitch as a “stop ball” that disrupted the timing of Cleveland’s hitters. Catcher Liam Hicks also praised its unusual speed and movement, explaining that batters often froze or committed too early when trying to attack it.
The adjustment was particularly important because Martinez does not rely solely on overpowering velocity. His four-seam fastball, cutter, sinker and changeup create different looks, allowing him to induce weak contact and avoid extended at-bats.
Rays Gain Momentum Heading Back to Tampa Bay
The offensive support arrived at the right time. Tampa Bay built on its early lead and scored seven runs overall, giving the pitching staff enough breathing room to complete a crucial road victory.
Martinez’s performance also continued what has been an outstanding year. The first-time All-Star posted a 3.10 ERA across 180 regular-season innings and made 31 starts. He previously helped Tampa Bay sweep the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series, allowing two runs in 3 2/3 innings in Game 3.
Saturday marked Martinez’s first career postseason victory, adding another milestone to arguably the best season of his nine-year MLB career.
Cash said the Rays enjoy playing behind Martinez because of his pace, confidence and contact-oriented approach. The right-hander works quickly, attacks hitters early in counts and gives his defense frequent opportunities to make plays.
“The guys definitely like playing behind Nick,” Cash said. “Any time you’ve got what you consider your leader out on the mound, you want to do everything that day to help him get a ‘W.’”
The Rays will now return to Tropicana Field for Game 5, where a victory would give them a 3-2 ALCS lead. Tampa Bay has also benefited from strong home support throughout the season, and Martinez believes the energy from the fans could provide another important boost.
“Going back home is huge,” Martinez said. “The fans have been fantastic. We’ve been feeding off their energy all year.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Tampa Bay Rays’ Game 4 score?
The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians, 7-3, in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.
How did Nick Martinez perform?
Martinez pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and one run while throwing 79 pitches. He also recorded eight swings and misses.
What is the ALCS series score now?
The series is tied at 2-2 in the best-of-seven ALCS.
Who could start Game 5 for Tampa Bay?
Drew Rasmussen was preserved for Game 5 after Martinez started Game 4. Freddy Peralta could potentially start Game 6.
