The key facts

  • Tampa Bay leads 3-2 in the best-of-seven series and is one win from the World Series
  • Drew Rasmussen: 7 innings, 1 run, 4 hits, 6 strikeouts
  • Brian Baker — 35th consecutive save; Game 6 — Monday at Tropicana Field

Rays one win from the World Series

The Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday defeated the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 and took a 3-2 lead in the American League best-of-seven series. The win the day before allowed the team to even the series, and now it needs just one victory to reach the World Series — for the third time in its history after losses in 2008 and 2020. Tampa Bay remains one of five MLB teams that have never won the title.

Rasmussen set the tone

Starter Drew Rasmussen delivered an outstanding outing: seven innings, one run, four hits and six strikeouts. Catcher Liam Hicks called him an ace after the game: “He rises to the level of the moment, and no moment is ever too big for him. I don’t think we would want to see anyone else on the mound.”

Early offensive activity

Tampa Bay took advantage of early opportunities. In the first inning, Yandy Diaz opened the game with a double, Cleveland starter Parker Messick loaded the bases and forced Johnny DeLuca to walk — 1-0. In the second inning, Jonathan Aranda drove in Ben Williamson, after which Messick was pulled, having thrown 57 pitches, and the Guardians turned to their bullpen. In the third inning, Hicks singled off reliever Tim Herrin — 3-0.

Cleveland failed to come back

The Guardians got on the board only in the sixth inning, when outfielder Steven Kwan reached home after Chase DeLauter’s groundout. In the ninth inning, Rays closer Brian Baker began with a walk, but held the lead and recorded his 35th consecutive save.

Game 6 at home

Game 6 of the series will take place on Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. “There’s no place we’d rather play a must-win game than at home,” Hicks said. “So that’s huge.”