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Rays-Guardians ALCS Game 5 (5 ET on TBS/HBO Max)

The American League Championship Series remains wide open as the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians head into a decisive Game 5 at Progressive Field, tied 2-2 after a dramatic Game 4. The Rays, buoyed by a 7-3 victory in Cleveland, will look to extend their momentum and force the series back to their home field for Game 6, where they’ve shown they can dominate.

Their offensive firepower, particularly from the trio of Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, and Jonathan Aranda, will be key after strong performances in Game 4. Meanwhile, the Guardians, who rallied to beat the White Sox in the ALDS, will aim to take control of the series in front of their passionate home crowd, with manager Stephen Vogt emphasizing their readiness for a three-game stretch.

Pitching will be the focal point, as Drew Rasmussen takes the mound for the Rays against Parker Messick, setting up a high-stakes matchup on the biggest stage. The game kicks off at 5 p.m.

ET Sunday on TBS and HBO Max, with clear weather expected after earlier weekend rain delays.

The Rays have already shown flexibility in their lineup, using Freddy Peralta out of the bullpen in Game 4 while keeping him available for future starts—a sign of their aggressive approach. For the Guardians, the pressure is on to capitalize on home-field advantage, though Vogt remains focused on execution rather than series outcomes.

With both teams playing their best baseball, Game 5 could swing the series either way, setting the stage for a potential World Series showdown in Tampa Bay if the Rays pull off the upset.

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