Game 5 of the 2026 ALCS was contested on October 18, and one team had a chance to go back to Tropicana Field with a series lead. That team wound up being the Rays, who rode ace Drew Rasmussen to a big road victory against the Guardians.

Rays one win away from World Series

The Rays won 3-1 on the 18th, which moved Tampa Bay to a 3-2 series lead versus the Guardians.

Cleveland starter Parker Messick went just two innings in Game 3. Despite a 36% Whiff% against the Rays, Tampa Bay hitters scraped five hits in two innings, two of which came from Yandy Diaz.

Diaz scored the game’s first run in the first inning when Messick walked Ryan Vilade with the bases loaded. Tampa Bay scored a second run in the second when Jonathan Aranda brought home Ben Williamson with an RBI single.

After Messick, who threw 57 pitches in Game 6, left, Tim Herrin, Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis, and Cade Smith pieced together the remaining seven innings. Tampa Bay scored just one run on the bullpen, which came via a Liam Hicks RBI single in the third.

Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen was excellent, as he struck out six over seven innings. He avoided danger in multiple frames, ending the day with a 26.3% CSW%. His postseason ERA after three starts is 1.29.

Cam Booser and Tyler Wells pieced together the eighth. Wells only faced one batter, as he came in to face Jose Ramirez. He picked up two whiffs in three swings, the latter of which was on an outside cutter to finish the eighth.

Bryan Baker notched his fifth save of the playoffs with a scoreless ninth inning.

What’s ahead?

The Rays have the chance to clinch the club’s third American League title with a win in either Game 6 or 7. Game 6 of the 2026 ALCS is scheduled for October 19 at 8 PM ET.

Freddy Peralta was announced as the scheduled starter for the Rays.

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