NRT briefing
Rays bullpen suffers embarrassing late meltdown as Cleveland bullies Tampa Bay in Game 1
Based on reporting by Fox News.
The Brief
The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3 in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night at Tropicana Field, rallying with five runs over the final two innings. José Ramírez delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the ninth inning, and Jo Adell followed with a two-run double to seal the win.
The Rays took an early 2-0 lead on RBI hits from Junior Caminero and Jonny DeLuca in the first inning. Tampa Bay starter Drew Rasmussen allowed two runs over six-plus innings, striking out seven. Cleveland tied the game on solo home runs by Chase DeLauter and Patrick Bailey.
In the eighth, Nathaniel Lowe's two-run single gave Cleveland a 4-2 lead, but Cedric Mullins answered with a solo homer for Tampa Bay. The Guardians' bullpen, led by Cade Smith, closed out the game. Cleveland collected 14 hits against six Rays pitchers.
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night at Tropicana Field. Fox News reported the outcome, noting the Rays had swept the Yankees in the previous round.