ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Wily Peralta earned a firm handshake from Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch upon the completion of his 13th consecutive scoreless inning over two starts. This time, he excelled against the American League-best Tampa Bay Rays.
The 32-year-old right-hander — considered washed up when looking for work this past offseason — delivered six scoreless innings on Sept. 14 at Comerica Park. His strong effort set the tone in an extra innings win over the National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers.
Peralta returned to the mound Sunday and blanked the Rays over seven innings at Tropicana Field, leading the way in the Tigers' 2-0 win in the series finale to complete a four-game split.