Rays and Guardians Tie ALCS 2-2 After Tampa Bay’s Win

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The American League Championship Series will require at least six games to determine a winner. The Tampa Bay Rays pulled even with the Cleveland Guardians, tying the series at 2-2 after a 7-3 victory in Game 4.

Early in the game, the Guardians took the lead when Chase DeLauter hit an RBI single that brought Steven Kwan home. However, Cleveland’s offense faltered afterward.

The Rays responded in the third inning. A double by Yandy Diaz set up Jonathan Aranda to tie the game with an RBI hit. In the sixth inning, Junior Caminero’s RBI double placed the Rays ahead 2-1, although the team missed further scoring chances.

Tampa Bay increased their advantage in the following inning. Despite a strikeout from Diaz, Aranda came through with a two-run hit, making it 4-1. He later scored on a sacrifice fly, extending the lead.

Junior Caminero in action during Game 4. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Guardians managed to reduce the gap in the bottom of the frame but could not capitalize fully, missing the lead-taking opportunity. In the ninth inning, Diaz secured the Rays’ win with a two-run homer, which almost got caught by DeLauter.

An All-Star closer like Bryan Baker thrived with a four-run lead. He efficiently ended the game by a double play and a strikeout against Angel Martinez.

No team has won consecutive games in this series. Initially delayed by weather, the series saw Games 4 and 5 pushed back. Game 6 remains set for Monday, with no scheduled off days remaining. Game 5 will take place on Sunday at 5:08 p.m. ET.