AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: GUARDIANS VS RAYS

October 17, 2026

Kevin Cash

Progressive Field

Tampa Bay Rays

Postgame 4 Press Conference

Rays - 7, Guardians - 3

Q. You said they tend to stack up (indiscernible) behind Martinez. How impressive was that to watch him, especially the pressure on the Cleveland defense?

KEVIN CASH: We did a really nice job. Look, we have all the confidence in the world in Nick. He's going to go out and do his thing. I thought he really did a nice job. Seemed like he settled in after the first inning.

The walk to Kwan was just very uncharacteristic for Nick. But then after that he did a lot of Nick things out there.

Defense played really good behind him. And we talked about before the game trying to get the top three guys going a little bit, and they certainly contributed in big ways today.

Q. We know it's cold but he's also said himself that he doesn't have very flexible fingers. Did any of that factor in the first inning or what were you thinking?

KEVIN CASH: No, I didn't know that. I'm glad I didn't hear that before the game. So thanks for sharing that.

Q. (Indiscernible)?

KEVIN CASH: You know more than I did. I have no idea. But whatever he changed to, it seemed to do just enough to keep them off balance and brought the offense a little bit of time to kind of get in rhythm and get in sync.

Q. You mentioned getting the big three involved, and Junior had an out to the deepest part of the ballpark and then the big hit. What did you see in hit at-bats tonight?

KEVIN CASH: A lot of really good at-bats. A lot of hard hits. I just heard that that ball he hit with that velocity and speed off bat and the angle, it's been a home run at 180 out of 180 times or something similar to that.

But I have a lot of experience in this ballpark and know that it can be a little tricky on the cold nights. Didn't look like there was a ton of wind, but that cool air can knock it down a little bit.

But overall, just happy that Junior squared some balls up, Aranda came through in a big way for us and then Yandy there at the end with a two-run, add-on homer.

Q. How significant was it for Mesa to have that throw-out in the first inning just to get Martinez in a groove and limit the damage from there?

KEVIN CASH: Yeah, huge. That's a good point. I thought there were two big things. That was one of them to clear the bases right there, even though they had already gotten one.

And then Richie Palacios' stealing third base was, I mean, just a baseball play. Tremendous instincts on his part. Really came for -- it set up that inning because they bring the infield in. Then Aranda smokes the ball by Bazzana. You might not have that if we're sitting first and second as opposed to to second and third.

Q. When it comes to defensive positioning and defensive play, obviously you guys both play a similar style. But in the last two games, they've made two mistakes while you guys have made clean. How important is that (indiscernible) for you guys to be able to come away?

KEVIN CASH: I mean, everything is magnified in the postseason -- the big hits, the big decisions, the big plays that go your way or against you. When you got two teams that are really talented, like we feel both of us are, one play can swing a lot.

We want to continue to put pressure on the defense and trust that our defense is going to continue to make plays.

Q. Is the rainout what makes Peralta coming into that spot there a possibility today? And do you have a starter for tomorrow?

KEVIN CASH: He was available yesterday as well. Just kind of gave him the heads up, sixth inning tighter lead, you're definitely in play. He was all eager to come in and do it. Then showed why. I mean, a lot of power. Got huge outs for us.

And then tomorrow's starter will be Ras.

Q. You're obviously focused on tomorrow, but what does it mean to get this thing back to the Trop?

KEVIN CASH: It means a lot because we've heard all season long and know that we play well at home in front of our home fans. We've got a huge game, another swing game tomorrow, which I think Messick is pitching for them. That should be quite the pitching match-up. But it is nice to guarantee a game back there for our fans to see.

Q. Rodney said pregame that Junior doesn't want to be good; he wants to be great. And obviously he's been battling through the struggles. To see him come through tonight, how good do you think it feels for him along with the whole team?

KEVIN CASH: I agree with what Rodney said. Junior is great. And now it's his turn to be great in the postseason. Today was a big step in the right direction for him. I wouldn't be surprised now if he catches fire and does a lot for us.

Q. What do you like more about Ben Williamson over Liam Hicks in that spot in the sixth with Herrin?

KEVIN CASH: Herrin is so tough on left-handers right there, and Ben does such a good job of putting the ball in play, smokes the ball right to Nate Love. Two feet in either direction, we might pick up two runs.

I like the at-bat, especially even after he chased the first pitch slider. But that's kind of Ben's skill set, is hitting the ball hard the other way.

Really tough decision in the moment. I know we're taking less right there and altering our batting order and our lineup a little bit with Hicksy coming out of the game, but felt like that was a pretty big moment.