Guardians 7, Rays 3
Despite falling behind early, the Cleveland Guardians came back against the Tampa Bay Rays to take Game One of the ALCS 7-3. The win is the Guardians’ fourth consecutive victory, with the team outscoring their opponents 27-11 in the process.
Game Summary
The Rays wasted no time on offense, taking a 2-0 first-inning lead on RBI singles from Junior Caminero and Jonny DeLuca. However, the Guardians slowly clawed back.
In the sixth inning, rookie Chase DeLauter’s 381-foot solo home run cut the Rays’ lead in half. The ensuing inning, Patrick Bailey launched a 436-foot solo home run of his own, tying the game 2-2. Nathaniel Lowe later gave the Guardians their first lead of the game, singling into center field and scoring both DeLauter and Jose Ramirez.
In the bottom frame, Cedric Mullins connected on his second career postseason home run, bringing the Rays to within a run. However, the Guardians responded with a three-run ninth inning. After Ramirez laced an RBI single into left field, trade deadline acquisition Jo Adell lined a two-run double past third base, putting the visitors in front 7-3.
What Went Right for the Guardians
Despite a slow start, the Guardians’ offense 14 fourteen hits, their most in a game this postseason. The team’s relief unit also held its own, allowing one run on two hits across five innings following starter Foster Griffin’s departure.
What Went Wrong for the Guardians
Even though the Guardians collected six hits through five innings, they failed to score any runs. They also turned to their relief corps early, using five different relievers by night’s end due to Griffin’s short start.
What Went Right for the Rays
Drew Rasmussen delivered once more on Monday, throwing six innings of two-run baseball. He struck out seven batters in the process, bringing his postseason ERA down to 1.29.
What Went Wrong for the Rays
The Rays’ relievers struggled mightily in Game One, allowing five runs on six hits in three innings. The team’s offense also went quiet after one frame, collecting three total hits after the first inning.
Manager Reactions
Despite dropping Game One, Rays manager Kevin Cash took the loss on the chin.
“It’s been a while since we’ve lost,” said Cash postgame. “That’s a good thing. I know the guys will come back and respond tomorrow.”
After his team’s statement win, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt credited two newcomers for their offensive contributions.
“It was a huge boost for us adding Jo and Nathaniel,” said Vogt postgame. “They thrive with runners in scoring position.”
Next Matchup
The Rays and Guardians will do battle in Game Two on Tuesday, with first pitch at Tropicana Field scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Eastern. Freddy Peralta and Parker Messick will start for the Rays and Guardians, respectively.
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