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The Art Of The Out: Pitching And Defense Take Center Stage In Rays-Guardians ALCS

The American League Championship Series kicks off with a clash of two underdog teams that have thrived despite modest payrolls. The Tampa Bay Rays, who finished the regular season with a league-best 98 wins and swept the New York Yankees in the ALDS, will look to add their third pennant in franchise history.

Facing them are the Cleveland Guardians, who overcame a 0-2 deficit to defeat the Chicago White Sox in their playoff series. Both teams share a similar approach, emphasizing speed, contact hitting, and strong defensive play—qualities that have allowed them to punch above their weight despite spending far less than their opponents.

The Rays, who led the AL in batting average and struck out the fewest times in baseball, will rely on ace right-hander Drew Rasmussen, who dominated the Yankees in the ALDS opener with a no-hit bid into the eighth inning. Rasmussen, who returned from a year-long injury absence, finished with a 2.67 ERA and 0.91 WHIP this season.

Cleveland will turn to lefty Foster Griffin, acquired midseason from the Nationals, who will look to build on his strong international career before joining the Guardians. The series, set to begin at Tropicana Field, pits two teams that have thrived on fundamentals and late-game execution, with both squads making key offseason moves to bolster their rosters.

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