Rasmussen carries Rays past Guardians 3-1 for a 3-2 ALCS lead

Drew Rasmussen pitched seven innings of one-run ball, and the Tampa Bay Rays moved within one victory of the World Series by beating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday.

The Rays took a 3-2 series lead at Progressive Field and head home for Game 6 on Monday. Cleveland must win twice to advance. Tampa Bay needs one more win to join National League champion Milwaukee in the World Series.

Rasmussen gave up four hits, walked one and struck out six. He threw 95 pitches and kept Cleveland off the scoreboard until the sixth inning, giving the Rays room to protect the three runs they manufactured in the opening three frames.

Tampa Bay's first run came without a hit driving it home. Yandy Díaz opened the game with a double, and the Rays eventually loaded the bases before Jonny DeLuca drew a two-out walk from Parker Messick. The free pass brought Díaz home for a 1-0 lead.

Jonathan Aranda singled in Ben Williamson in the second inning. Chandler Simpson then doubled in the third, stole third base and scored on Liam Hicks's single to center. The Rays had a 3-0 advantage without hitting a home run.

That early work forced Cleveland to use its bullpen sooner than planned. Messick lasted two innings, allowing two runs and five hits while throwing 57 pitches. Tim Herrin surrendered Tampa Bay's third run after taking over in the third.

Cleveland finally reached Rasmussen in the sixth. Steven Kwan and José Ramírez singled, and Chase DeLauter's groundout brought Kwan home. Rasmussen prevented any further scoring, then finished his outing with a scoreless seventh that ended on Patrick Bailey's double play.

The Rays used three relievers to cover the final two innings. Cam Booser got the first two outs of the eighth, and Tyler Wells struck out Ramírez to strand a runner. Bryan Baker worked the ninth for his fifth save of the postseason, ending the game on Travis Bazzana's groundout.

The Guardians did enough defensively to keep a comeback possible. Kwan threw Taylor Walls out at home in the fourth inning, preventing Tampa Bay from adding another run. Cleveland still finished with only five hits and could not turn those defensive stops into a late rally.

The series has changed direction quickly. Cleveland led 2-1 after Game 3, but Tampa Bay won the next two games on the road. Sunday's win gives the Rays two potential opportunities at Tropicana Field to finish the series. Game 6 is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern on Monday, with Game 7 on Tuesday if needed.