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Here's where Rays, Guards stand as ALCS resets after Game 4

The American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians has reset to a fresh start after four games, with each team holding two wins apiece. The Rays secured a 7-3 victory in Game 4 on Saturday, evening the series at 2-2 and setting the stage for a potential Game 5 showdown on Sunday at Progressive Field.

The series now feels like a best-of-three, with both teams showcasing balanced strengths and resilience despite their contrasting paths to the postseason—Cleveland’s grueling Division Series route contrasting with Tampa Bay’s favored seeding.

The Rays’ lineup has found its rhythm after a slow start, with key contributions from Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero in Game 4, including a combined three extra-base hits. Their rotation also benefits from strategic rest, with ace Drew Rasmussen getting an extra day off before Game 5 and Freddy Peralta ready for a potential Game 6 start.

Meanwhile, the Guardians’ young aces, Parker Messick and Gavin Williams, face the challenge of managing fatigue after high innings loads, with Messick’s postseason workload among the highest for a rookie in recent years. Cleveland’s manager, Stephen Vogt, has adjusted the rotation to give Messick a Game 5 start, while Williams would be fresh for a potential Game 7 if needed.

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