Rasmussen, Rays Win ALCS G5 vs. Guardians, Box Score Stats, Highlights, Updated MLB Playoff Bracket

The Tampa Bay Rays are one win away from reaching the World Series.

The Rays downed the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday behind a strong performance from starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen.

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It was all Tampa Bay through the majority of the game.

The Rays got on the board in the top of the first inning when Jonny DeLuca drew a bases-loaded walk against Parker Messick. Tampa Bay added another in the top of the second when Jonathan Aranda singled to left field to drive in a run.

Liam Hicks made it a 3-0 game in the top of the third, and the Rays nearly added another run in the fourth inning, but a tremendous throw from Steven Kwan prevented further damage.

After five shutout innings from Drew Rasmussen, Cleveland finally got on the board on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the sixth to cut the deficit to two runs.

In the top of the ninth, the Rays had the chance to do more damage, but Kwan came through with another outstanding defensive play to prevent extra bases.

The Guardians had the heart of the order up in the bottom of the ninth as they tried to either win it or force extra innings, and Chase DeLauter drew a walk to get the tying run to the plate.

Jo Adell then grounded it to the shortstop, Taylor Walls, who got DeLauter at second but couldn't get Adell out at first. Nathaniel Lowe's foul ball was caught for the second out, and Travis Bazzana grounded out to end the game.

The Rays, who are seeking their first World Series appearance since 2020, will have the chance to close out the series at home on Monday.