Cleveland Guardians Rally late to beat Tampa Bay Rays in game 1 of the ALCS

The Cleveland Guardians produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3 on the road, taking a 1-0 lead in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) after scoring seven runs across the final four innings.

Having won three consecutive games to eliminate Chicago in the American League Division Series (ALDS), Cleveland carried that momentum into the opening game against Tampa Bay. Despite falling behind early, the Guardians once again demonstrated their resilience, overturning a two-run deficit before pulling away with a decisive ninth-inning rally.

The 2026 ALCS features two of Major League Baseball’s smaller-market franchises, but both teams have shown they belong among the league’s best. Tampa Bay finished the regular season with 98 victories and entered the series full of confidence after a convincing performance against the New York Yankees.

With strong pitching and disciplined lineups expected to play a major role, Game 1 initially followed that script before Cleveland’s bats came alive late.

Tampa Bay Takes Early Control

The Rays wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, striking twice in the opening inning to put Cleveland under immediate pressure.

Junior Caminero opened the scoring with an RBI single following a sacrifice bunt, giving the home crowd an early reason to celebrate. Jonny DeLuca then followed with another run-scoring single, extending Tampa Bay’s advantage to 2-0.

The early breakthrough put the Rays in a strong position against Cleveland starter Foster Griffin, while Tampa Bay pitcher Drew Rasmussen looked to maintain control of the contest.

Both pitchers settled into a rhythm after the opening inning, with neither side able to score in the second, third, fourth or fifth innings.

However, the Guardians eventually found a way through, setting the stage for a comeback that would change the complexion of the game.

Home Runs Bring the Guardians Back Into the Game

Cleveland had relied on its power hitters during its comeback in the ALDS, particularly José Ramírez, but Game 1 against Tampa Bay saw other players step forward.

After managing just five hits through the first five innings, the Guardians finally broke through in the sixth when Chase DeLauter launched a solo home run. His shot cut the deficit to 2-1 and gave Cleveland renewed belief.

Rasmussen managed to get through the remainder of the inning, but the pressure continued to build.

At the start of the seventh, Patrick Bailey delivered another crucial blow, connecting for a solo home run on the first pitch he faced to level the score at 2-2.

The home run brought Rasmussen’s night to an end after six innings, during which he allowed eight hits and two runs. Griffin, meanwhile, had completed four innings for Cleveland.

With the score tied and the momentum shifting, the Guardians sensed an opportunity to take control of the series opener.

Nathaniel Lowe Gives Cleveland the Lead

Cleveland moved ahead in the seventh inning by combining timely hitting with effective baserunning.

A single and a double put the Guardians in an excellent position to take the lead, and Nathaniel Lowe, a former Rays player, delivered the decisive hit.

Lowe lined a two-run single up the middle, bringing both runners home and giving Cleveland its first lead of the night at 4-2.

Having scored in three consecutive innings, the Guardians had turned the game around and placed Tampa Bay under considerable pressure.

With Cleveland’s bullpen waiting to protect the advantage, the visitors appeared well positioned to take Game 1 on the road.

However, Tampa Bay was not ready to surrender.

Cedric Mullins Keeps the Rays in Contention

The Rays responded in the bottom of the seventh when Cedric Mullins launched a solo home run, reducing Cleveland’s lead to 4-3.

The third solo homer of the game gave Tampa Bay fresh hope and ensured that the contest remained close heading into the final innings.

With just one run separating the teams, the ninth inning became a crucial moment for both sides. A victory would give Cleveland an early advantage in the series and move the Guardians closer to a potential World Series appearance.

Yet the visitors had one more offensive surge in store.

Guardians Explode for Three Runs in the Ninth

Cleveland delivered the decisive blows in the ninth inning, adding three insurance runs to put the game beyond Tampa Bay’s reach.

José Ramírez started the rally with a two-strike hit into left field, extending the Guardians’ lead to 5-3 with two outs.

The visitors were not finished, however. Jo Adell followed with another important two-strike hit to left field, bringing home additional runs and stretching Cleveland’s advantage to 7-3.

The late offensive burst gave the Guardians some much-needed breathing room before closer Cade Smith took the mound to finish the job.

Cade Smith Closes the Door on Tampa Bay

With a four-run cushion, Smith faced a difficult section of the Rays’ lineup but made quick work of the challenge.

The Cleveland closer recorded a groundout, another groundout and a pop-up in just six pitches, shutting down Tampa Bay’s final hopes of a comeback.

The emphatic finish confirmed a 7-3 victory for the Guardians and handed them a 1-0 lead in the ALCS.

Cleveland’s ability to recover from an early deficit, overcome a strong performance from Rasmussen and produce decisive hits in the late innings will give the team confidence heading into the next game.

Although the series is far from decided, the Guardians have secured the opening advantage on the road. After another comeback victory in the postseason, Cleveland will look to build on its momentum as the battle for a place in the 2026 World Series continues.