Freddy Peralta Shines Again as Rays Crush Braves in Crucial Series Opener

The Tampa Bay Rays start off a crucial series strong with a 7-1 victory on the road against the Atlanta Braves. 

The team moves to 86-58 on the season and still holds a 4 game lead over the New York Yankees for the AL East division standings. 

Here is what you need to know from the contest.

Tampa Bay's trade deadline continues to look better and better each day. 

Freddy Peralta had another good outing on the mound for Tampa Bay as he makes another start and grows confidence and trust from the Rays' coaching staff to potentially have a start in this season's MLB postseason. 

Peralta went 6 strong innings and was removed after 92 pitches but was nearly flawless. He allowed only 5 hits and 1 earned run and struck out 2 Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. 

Some big names out of the bullpen followed and dominated Atlanta to seal the victory. Kevin Kelly, Cole Sulser, and Bryan Baker all recorded scoreless innings to clinch the win for Tampa Bay. 

It was a great night at the plate for Tampa Bay as the Rays sluggers found a way to record four home runs against Braves pitching. 

Junior Caminero got the home run parade started in the first inning when he recorded his 39th long ball of the season and continues to make his case for the AL MVP. 

Liam Hicks, Richie Palacios, and Yandy Diaz also hit home runs in the contest. 

The home run was really the only thing going for the Rays, and that's something worth monitoring over the next few games, as the team only recorded seven hits, struck out nine times, and was 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position. 

 It's easy to say that all 162 games are created equal, but as the season grows nearer to the end, it's hard to believe that can be true. 

With the Rays holding a 4-game lead over the New York Yankees, continuing to win these baseball games has never been more important if they look to hold the best record in the American League heading into the MLB postseason. 

The Yankees welcome back Aaron Judge on Tuesday night and will likely improve at the plate and gain a bump of momentum with the return of their captain. The Rays still control their destiny, however, and they will look to take an early victory in the series in Atlanta on Wednesday. Griffin Jax is set to get the start for the Rays. He will face Reynaldo Lopez for the Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 pm Eastern.