Rasmussen Sends Rays Home One Win From World Series After Game 5 Victory

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 3–1 in ALCS Game 5 on October 18, taking a 3–2 series lead and moving within one win of their first World Series appearance since 2020. Consecutive road victories in Cleveland put Tampa Bay in position to clinch at home. Drew Rasmussen led the way with seven innings of one-run ball, allowing four hits and striking out six. He became the first pitcher in Rays history to make multiple postseason starts of at least seven innings with no more than one run allowed. Bryan Baker recorded the save. Shortstop Taylor Walls and second baseman Ben Williamson helped anchor Tampa Bay’s defense. Cleveland starter Parker Messick lasted only two innings, while the Guardians’ offense finished with five hits and one run. Game 6 is scheduled for October 19 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, or October 20 at 9 a.m. in Japan, at Tropicana Field. Freddy Peralta will start for the Rays after holding Cleveland scoreless for six innings with six strikeouts in Game 2. The Guardians could rely heavily on their bullpen; manager Stephen Vogt has ruled out Gavin Williams as the starter. If Tampa Bay advances, its matchup with Milwaukee would guarantee a first-time World Series champion. Cleveland, meanwhile, must win twice on the road to extend its season. The Guardians have already survived one difficult deficit this October, winning three straight after falling behind 0–2 in the Division Series.