The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3 in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Monday night, October 12, 2026, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Cleveland rallied late behind clutch hitting from Nathaniel Lowe, José Ramírez and Chase DeLauter to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The victory extended Cleveland’s postseason winning streak to four games after the Guardians recovered from an 0-2 deficit against the Chicago White Sox in the American League Division Series. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays suffered their first postseason loss after sweeping the New York Yankees.
Cleveland Guardians vs Tampa Bay Rays: Final Score
The Cleveland Guardians secured a 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in the opening game of the ALCS.
Game result:
- Cleveland Guardians: 7 runs
- Tampa Bay Rays: 3 runs
- Status: Final
- Series score: Guardians lead 1-0
- Venue: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
- Attendance: 35,361
Tampa Bay initially controlled the game, taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. However, Cleveland gradually found its rhythm at the plate and produced a decisive eighth-inning rally before adding insurance runs in the ninth.
Did the Rays Win Last Night?
No, the Tampa Bay Rays did not win last night. The Rays lost 7-3 to the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on October 12.
Tampa Bay started strongly, scoring twice in the opening inning, but Cleveland’s offense responded with timely hits and two home runs. The Guardians took the lead in the eighth inning and added three more runs across the final two innings to complete the comeback.
Despite the defeat, Tampa Bay will have another opportunity to even the series in Game 2 at Tropicana Field.
Chase DeLauter and José Ramírez Lead Cleveland’s Offense
Chase DeLauter and José Ramírez played important roles in Cleveland’s victory, helping the Guardians overcome Tampa Bay’s early advantage.
DeLauter finished a triple short of the cycle and delivered a key home run in the sixth inning. His opposite-field shot to left-center field cut the Rays’ lead to 2-1 and gave Cleveland renewed momentum.
Patrick Bailey followed with a towering home run to center field to open the seventh inning. The blast, projected at 436 feet, tied the game at 2-2 and ended Tampa Bay starter Drew Rasmussen’s outing.
Ramírez collected three hits and continued to demonstrate why he is one of Cleveland’s most important postseason players. His eighth-inning infield single helped start the decisive rally, while his ninth-inning RBI single added another run to the Guardians’ advantage.
Nathaniel Lowe Delivers the Decisive Hit
Nathaniel Lowe provided the biggest offensive moment of the game with a two-run single in the eighth inning.
After Ramírez reached base and DeLauter doubled to right field, Cleveland threatened to take control. Tampa Bay turned to Ian Seymour, but Lowe lined an 0-2 pitch up the middle to score two runners and give the Guardians a 4-2 lead.
The hit was particularly meaningful for Lowe, who made his major league debut with Tampa Bay in 2019 and later won a World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
Cleveland’s rally changed the game’s momentum and put pressure on the Rays’ bullpen. Tampa Bay responded with a solo home run from Cedric Mullins in the bottom of the eighth, but the Guardians maintained their advantage.
Tampa Bay Rays Start Fast but Cannot Hold the Lead
The Rays appeared ready to continue their impressive postseason run after scoring two early runs.
Junior Caminero and Jonny DeLuca delivered RBI singles in the first inning, giving Tampa Bay a 2-0 advantage. The Rays’ defense also made several strong plays to support Rasmussen, including an excellent diving stop by second baseman Ben Williamson.
Rasmussen pitched six-plus innings and recorded seven strikeouts. He held Cleveland scoreless through the first five innings before DeLauter’s home run changed the game’s direction.
Tampa Bay’s offense, however, struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Shortstop Taylor Walls went hitless in three at-bats and left six runners on base, including a bases-loaded opportunity in the first inning.
The Rays finished the game with three runs, unable to match Cleveland’s late offensive surge.
Guardians Bullpen Helps Secure the Victory
Cleveland’s pitching staff played a crucial role in keeping the game within reach after the Rays jumped ahead early.
Starter Foster Griffin allowed two runs and five hits over four innings. The Guardians then relied on their bullpen to limit Tampa Bay’s offense during the middle and late innings.
Hunter Gaddis worked a scoreless seventh inning to earn the win, while Cade Smith delivered a perfect ninth inning to close out the game. Cleveland’s relievers combined for five innings of one-run, two-hit baseball.
Manager Stephen Vogt praised his team’s ability to recover from an early setback and stay competitive until the offense came alive.
The Guardians’ pitching performance proved essential against a Tampa Bay team that had allowed only 12 hits throughout its entire Division Series against the Yankees.
Cleveland Guardians vs Tampa Bay Rays: Game 2 Preview
The Guardians and Rays are scheduled to meet again Tuesday night, October 13, at Tropicana Field for Game 2 of the ALCS.
Cleveland will send rookie left-hander Parker Messick to the mound, while Tampa Bay is expected to start right-hander Freddy Peralta.
Messick finished the regular season with a 12-9 record and a 2.56 ERA. He also recorded 11 strikeouts across his two appearances in the Division Series against Chicago.
Peralta joined Tampa Bay at the trade deadline and went 5-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 10 starts for the Rays. He limited the Yankees to one run and three hits over 4 2/3 innings in Game 2 of their Division Series.
Game 2 represents an important opportunity for Tampa Bay to level the series before it shifts forward. Cleveland, meanwhile, will look to build on its four-game postseason winning streak and move closer to a World Series appearance.
What the Guardians’ Game 1 Win Means
The Cleveland Guardians‘ 7-3 victory demonstrated their ability to win with timely power hitting, aggressive baserunning and effective relief pitching. After falling behind early, Cleveland remained patient and took advantage of its opportunities in the final innings.
For Tampa Bay, the loss is a setback rather than a series-ending result. The Rays won 98 games during the regular season and swept the Yankees in the previous round, giving them reason to remain confident heading into Game 2.
The opening matchup has given Cleveland an early advantage in the ALCS, but the series remains far from decided. Both teams will be looking to make adjustments as the postseason pressure intensifies.
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