Guardians Took Game One of ALCS
The Cleveland Guardians secured a victory over the Tampa Bay Rays to lead the American League Championship Series 1-0.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Baseball
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The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of the American League Championship Series. Cleveland now holds a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Why it matters
The victory maintains momentum for the Guardians after their comeback series win against the Chicago White Sox in the American League Division Series. This game also highlighted key performances from players including those who attended Oregon State University.
Drew Rasmussen allowed 8 hits and 2 runs across 6 innings pitched in the opening loss. Travis Bazzana is currently batting .150 during the 2026 postseason.
The players
Cleveland Guardians
This is a professional baseball team based in Cleveland that competes in the American League Central Division.
Tampa Bay Rays
This is a professional baseball team based in St. Petersburg that competes in the American League East Division.
Drew Rasmussen
He is a professional baseball pitcher who serves as a starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Steven Kwan
He is a professional baseball player for the Cleveland Guardians known for his defensive skills and plate discipline.
Travis Bazzana
He is a professional baseball player and a former Oregon State University athlete competing in the postseason.
The details
Cleveland secured their two runs off eight hits against Tampa Bay starter Drew Rasmussen. Steven Kwan recorded a crucial single in the third inning, while Travis Bazzana also contributed a hit in the effort.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in game one.
October 13, 2026: Game two of the American League Championship Series is scheduled.
Season Trajectory
This win establishes an early advantage for Cleveland in the American League Championship Series as they seek to continue their deep postseason run. The victory builds upon the momentum generated by their comeback against the Chicago White Sox in the division round.
The 1-0 series lead gives Cleveland the opportunity to pressure Tampa Bay heading into the second game. Travis Bazzana remains in the lineup as he looks to improve upon his current .150 postseason batting average.
The takeaway
The Guardians have successfully opened the series with a win, putting immediate pressure on their opponents. Fans should monitor game two to see if the offense can continue to generate run support against Tampa Bay pitching.
What happens next
Game two of the American League Championship Series is scheduled for October 13, 2026. Drew Rasmussen is projected to start for Tampa Bay in game five of the series.
Further reading
For more information on the team's postseason progress, see Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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