Cleveland Guardians Take Game 1 of the ALCS Against Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays’ bullpen struggled late Monday night. After a hard-fought seven innings in St. Petersburg, the Cleveland Guardians surged with five runs in the last two innings to secure a 7-3 victory in Game 1 of the ALCS.

José Ramírez and Chase DeLauter played key roles for the Guardians, celebrating runs during the eighth inning against the Rays at Tropicana Field. The game on October 12, 2026, was a pivotal moment in the series.

In the game’s opening inning, the Rays took an early lead. With two outs, Junior Caminero and Jonny DeLuca hit consecutive RBI singles, putting Tampa Bay up 2-0. Rays’ starter Drew Rasmussen dominated through five innings, striking out seven batters.

However, Cleveland found its rhythm in the sixth inning. Chase DeLauter hit a solo home run to right-center, narrowing the gap. Patrick Bailey further leveled the playing field in the seventh with a solo shot, tying the game and ending Rasmussen’s night.

Cleveland pressed on in the eighth inning against Tyler Wells and Ian Seymour. Ramírez hustled with an infield single, followed by DeLauter’s double. Nathaniel Lowe’s two-run single gave Cleveland a 4-2 advantage.

Tampa Bay’s Cedric Mullins responded with a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth, reducing the deficit to 4-3. Yet, Cleveland’s offense couldn’t be stopped. José Ramírez hit an RBI single in the ninth, pushing the score to 5-3. Jo Adell added a two-run double, sealing the game at 7-3.

The Guardians achieved 14 hits overall, facing six Tampa Bay pitchers. Ramírez and DeLauter were instrumental, combining for six hits. Pitcher Cade Smith concluded the victory effortlessly.

Tampa Bay had momentum after sweeping the Yankees but now faces considerable pressure. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.

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