Overview
- Tampa Bay beat Cleveland 3-1 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead in the American League Championship Series following Oct. 18 action.
- Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen held the Guardians to one earned run on four hits over seven innings, protecting a three-run cushion and preserving the bullpen.
- Yandy Díaz had three hits and scored a run as Tampa Bay manufactured offense through walks and timely singles rather than the long ball.
- Game 6 is set for Monday at Tropicana Field with the Rays expected to start Freddy Peralta and the Guardians forced to consider a bullpen-bridge approach after ruling Gavin Williams out on short rest.
- If Tampa Bay wins the series it would meet the NL champion Brewers in a World Series that would feature two franchises still seeking their first title, a rare pairing noted by reporters.