Rays take 3-2 ALCS lead with 3-1 victory over Guardians in Game 5
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 19, 2026, 12:54 AM
Last updated Oct 19, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 Sunday night in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series, moving within one win of the World Series. Drew Rasmussen pitched seven innings, allowing just one run, as the Rays scored in each of the first three innings. This victory follows Tampa Bay's win in Game 4, which leveled the best-of-seven series. The Rays will attempt to clinch the series on Monday at Tropicana Field. The Guardians have lost all six previous ALCS games when trailing 3-2.
- •Drew Rasmussen allowed one run in seven innings.
- •Rays scored in the first three innings off Guardians pitchers.
- •Tampa Bay leads the series 3-2, needing one more win.
- •Game 6 will be played Monday at Tropicana Field.
- •Cleveland has not won an ALCS after trailing 3-2.
- 1:38 AMESPN — Rasmussen's gem puts Rays on cusp of World Series
- 12:40 AMYahoo Sports — Rasmussen shines as Rays beat Guardians in Game 5 to take 3-2 ALCS lead
- 12:26 AMThe Guardian Sport — Rays on verge of World Series return after Rasmussen dazzles in win over Guardians
- 12:08 AMYahoo Sports — Rasmussen shines as Rays beat Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 ALCS lead
"Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 Cleveland Guardians Rays lead best of seven series 3-2 Drew Rasmussen shines over seven innings The Tampa Bay Rays moved to within one win of a return to the World Series on Sunday after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 to edge into a 3-2 lead in their MLB playoff series. A dazzling pitching performance from starter Drew Rasmussen laid the foundation for another deserved victory for the Rays, who had leveled the best-of-seven American League Championship Series on Saturday. Continue reading...
"CLEVELAND (AP) — Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over seven innings for his second postseason win, Tampa Bay’s offense kept on constant pressure and the Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 Sunday night to take a 3-2 lead in the AL Championship Series.The Rays will try to capture their third AL pennant and first since 2020 on Monday at Tropicana Field in St.
"Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over seven innings for his second postseason win, Tampa Bay's offense kept on constant pressure and the Rays beat the Guardians 3-1 on Sunday night to take a 3-2 lead in the ALCS.
Sources
External links- ESPNOct 19, 2026, 1:38 AMRasmussen's gem puts Rays on cusp of World Series
Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over seven innings for his second postseason win, Tampa Bay's offense kept on constant pressure and the Rays beat the Guardians 3-1 on Sunday night to take a 3-2 lead in the ALCS.
- Yahoo SportsOct 19, 2026, 12:40 AMRasmussen shines as Rays beat Guardians in Game 5 to take 3-2 ALCS lead
Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over seven innings for his second postseason win, Tampa Bay’s offense kept on constant pressure and the Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the ALCS.
- The Guardian SportOct 19, 2026, 12:26 AMRays on verge of World Series return after Rasmussen dazzles in win over Guardians
Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 Cleveland Guardians Rays lead best of seven series 3-2 Drew Rasmussen shines over seven innings The Tampa Bay Rays moved to within one win of a return to the World Series on Sunday after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 to edge into a 3-2 lead in their MLB playoff series. A dazzling pitching performance from starter Drew Rasmussen laid the foundation for another deserved victory for the Rays, who had leveled the best-of-seven American League Championship Series on Saturday. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsOct 19, 2026, 12:08 AMRasmussen shines as Rays beat Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 ALCS lead
CLEVELAND (AP) — Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over seven innings for his second postseason win, Tampa Bay’s offense kept on constant pressure and the Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 Sunday night to take a 3-2 lead in the AL Championship Series.The Rays will try to capture their third AL pennant and first since 2020 on Monday at Tropicana Field in St.
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