Overview
- The Rays beat the Guardians 3-1 on Sunday to take a 3-2 lead in the American League Championship Series and need one more victory to reach the World Series.
- Starter Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over seven innings, struck out six and preserved Tampa Bay’s lead with a mix of fastballs and an effective changeup.
- Cleveland’s rookie Parker Messick lasted only two innings, forcing manager Stephen Vogt to use six relievers and leaving the Guardians’ bullpen taxed for the trip to Tampa.
- Tampa Bay got timely offense from Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz and role players such as Jonny DeLuca and Jonathan Aranda that produced single runs in the first three innings.
- Game 6 shifts to Tropicana Field on Monday with Freddy Peralta scheduled to start for the Rays, and reporters have noted—on limited sourcing—that a Rays-Brewers World Series could feature two franchises that have never won a title.