Rays beat Guardians 3-1 in ALCS Game 5 to take 3-2 lead

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 on Sunday in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, taking a 3-2 series lead. The victory positions the Rays one win away from a return to the World Series, where they would face the Milwaukee Brewers.

Rasmussen Leads Rays Offense

Drew Rasmussen earned the win, allowing one run over seven innings for his second postseason victory. The Rays scored one run in each of the first three innings. The first two runs were scored against starter Parker Messick, while the third was scored against reliever Tim Herrin.

Messick, who posted a 2.56 ERA and 193 strikeouts during the regular season, struggled in the game, lasting just two innings while allowing five hits, two walks, and two earned runs. He struck out three batters. In the postseason, Messick had held a 3.09 ERA with 14 strikeouts and eight walks in three starts entering Game 5.

Guardians Offense Falls Short

The Guardians' offense was limited to a single run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Steven Kwan singled and advanced to third on a single by José Ramírez. Chase DeLauter grounded out to score Kwan, cutting the deficit to 3-1. Cleveland failed to record any further runs in the final three innings.

Tim Herrin allowed the only damage from the Guardians' bullpen, giving up a double to Chandler Simpson in the top of the third. Simpson stole third base and scored on a single by Liam Hicks. Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis, and Cade Smith all recorded scoreless outings for Cleveland.

The series moves to Tampa Bay for Game 6 on Monday at Tropicana Field. The Rays are attempting to secure their third World Series berth and their first since 2020. The Guardians have never won an American League Championship Series after trailing 3-2. If a Game 7 is necessary, it will be played on Tuesday.