The Tampa Bay Rays moved a step closer to the World Series on Sunday, defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven matchup.
Right-hander Drew Rasmussen was the standout, working seven effective innings and largely shutting down the Guardians' lineup, while Tampa Bay provided three runs of support. Outfielder Jonny DeLuca had predicted a quiet night for the outfielders with Rasmussen on the mound, and the pitcher's performance lived up to that expectation.
Tampa Bay's pitching staff stymied Cleveland's offense long enough for the Rays' runs to hold up, leaving the Guardians with limited opportunities to rally. The victory gives Tampa Bay a chance to clinch the American League pennant in one of the next two games.
Cleveland now faces elimination and must win Game 6 to extend the series to a deciding Game 7. The result leaves the Rays on the verge of returning to the World Series, while the Guardians must regroup and respond on short notice as the ALCS shifts toward its conclusion.