MLB2 hours ago1 minute read

Rays Beat Guardians 7-3 to Even ALCS at 2-2

The Tampa Bay Rays leveled the ALCS at two games each with a 7-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday night.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Rays capitalize on Cleveland mistakes

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 on Saturday night to tie the American League Championship Series at 2-2.

Cleveland had a tough night on defense. Travis Bazzana hit his first postseason home run for the Guardians, but he also committed a fielding error at second base. Chase DeLauter gave Cleveland an early 1-0 lead with an RBI single in the first inning, but he later allowed a ball to slip under his glove in right field.

Big hits spark the Tampa Bay offense

Junior Caminero put Tampa Bay ahead 2-1 in the sixth inning when he lined an RBI double off Daniel Espino.

The Rays extended their lead during a three run seventh inning. Richie Palacios and Taylor Walls reached on base hits and executed a double steal. Jonathan Aranda then hit a single past Bazzana. Palacios scored, and when DeLauter misplayed the ball in right field, Walls came home from second base. Aranda reached third and scored on a Chandler Simpson sacrifice fly. Aranda finished with three hits and two RBIs after going 0 for 10 earlier in the series.

Yandy Diaz provided extra insurance with two hits and two RBIs, including a two run homer in the ninth inning off Matt Festa. Nick Martinez earned the win on a 46 degree night, allowing one run and two hits over five and a third innings.

Series schedule moving forward

Game 5 takes place Sunday in Cleveland before the series moves back to St. Petersburg, Florida on Monday. There is no off day for travel after rain postponed Friday's game.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Guardians (MLB, Sun, 18 Oct): Cleveland Guardians win 45%, Tampa Bay Rays win 55%; projected score Cleveland Guardians 3, Tampa Bay Rays 4. Our safest pick: Guardians +3.5.

Cleveland Guardians at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Tue, 20 Oct): Tampa Bay Rays win 47%, Cleveland Guardians win 53%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 4, Cleveland Guardians 4. Our safest pick: Rays +2.5.