Sports · October 19, 2026
Rays ride early runs, Rasmussen's strong outing to Game 5 win
The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Behind a dominant performance by starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen, who allowed only one run over seven innings, the Rays took a 3-2 series lead. Tampa Bay established an early lead by scoring single runs in the first three innings. The series now moves to St. Petersburg for Game 6 on Monday, where the Rays have the opportunity to clinch their third AL pennant and advance to the World Series to face the Milwaukee Brewers.
Read the original coverage
- ESPNSports network
Rays ride early runs, Rasmussen's strong outing to Game 5 win
Read at ESPN ↗ - CBS SportsSports network
2026 MLB playoff bracket: Schedule and scores as Rays take ALCS lead, Guardians facing elimination in Game 6
Read at CBS Sports ↗ - Yahoo SportsSports network
Rasmussen shines as Rays beat Guardians in Game 5 to take 3-2 ALCS lead
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗ - Fox NewsMainstream
Tampa Bay Rays move one win from World Series after Drew Rasmussen dominates Cleveland Guardians
Read at Fox News ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Drew Rasmussen dominates Guardians in Game 5 to move Rays win away from World Series
Read at New York Post ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5.
- The Rays lead the ALCS 3-2.
- Drew Rasmussen pitched seven innings, allowing one run and four hits.
- Tampa Bay scored one run in each of the first, second, and third innings.
- Cleveland's starting pitcher Parker Messick was removed after two innings.
- Bryan Baker earned the save in the ninth inning.
- The winner of the series will face the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series.
- Game 6 will take place in St. Petersburg on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Reported by only some outlets
- Steven Kwan threw out Taylor Walls at home plate in the fourth inning and made a leaping catch in the eighth.
- Bryan Baker has converted 35 straight save chances, including 5 this postseason.
- Drew Rasmussen has a 1.29 ERA across three postseason starts.
- Road teams winning Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead have won the series four of five times since 1985.
- The Brewers swept the Dodgers in the NLCS to advance.
- Yandy Diaz had three hits during the game.
Confirmed
- Tampa Bay Rays won Game 5 3-1.
- Tampa Bay Rays lead the ALCS 3-2.
- Drew Rasmussen started and pitched seven innings.
- The Milwaukee Brewers have already advanced to the World Series.
- Parker Messick started for Cleveland and lasted two innings.
Reported
- Bryan Baker has converted 35 consecutive save opportunities. (New York Post)
- The Cleveland Guardians looked 'flat' from start to finish with no rhythm at the plate. (Fox News)
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