CLEVELAND — Drew Rasmussen delivered seven strong innings and the Tampa Bay Rays maintained offensive pressure to defeat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 on Sunday night, taking a 3-2 lead in the American League Championship Series (ALCS).

Rasmussen allowed just one run on four hits, struck out six, and walked one as he secured his second postseason victory. The Rays scored single runs in each of the first three innings off Guardians pitchers Parker Messick and Tim Herrin. Cleveland managed to score in the seventh inning but was unable to capitalize on subsequent scoring opportunities, leaving runners stranded in both the eighth and ninth innings.

Tampa Bay’s win marks their second consecutive victory in the series, putting them within one game of their third AL pennant and first since 2020. The Rays will host Game 6 on Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Should the series extend to a decisive Game 7, it is scheduled for Tuesday. The World Series between the AL champion and the National League champion Milwaukee Brewers is set to begin Friday in Milwaukee.

Rays manager Kevin Cash praised Rasmussen’s performance, highlighting his ability to find rhythm with his fastball and the effectiveness of his changeup, which the pitcher threw 27 times with 21 strikes, a significant increase from Game 1. “The way he limited anything was really, really impressive,” Cash said.

Rasmussen, who is 31 years old, limited the Guardians to minimal baserunners after allowing a two-out single in the first inning. He retired nine consecutive batters following that hit and allowed only one additional baserunner through six innings. He now holds a 2-0 record with a 1.29 ERA in three postseason starts, having struck out 23 batters while walking three.

Outfielder Jonny DeLuca emphasized the importance of momentum, saying, “Momentum is big in this sport and we have it — and we’re going to keep it.”

Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting the Rays’ strong home record and the difficulty of overcoming a 3-2 deficit in the ALCS. “We know we’ve got our work cut out for us. It’s a really good team and a really good team when they play at home,” Vogt said. The Guardians last won a World Series title in 1948 and have yet to win an ALCS when trailing 3-2.

In relief, Cam Booser and Tyler Wells maintained the lead, with Wells striking out José Ramírez to leave a runner stranded in the eighth inning. Bryan Baker secured the save in the ninth, converting his 35th consecutive save opportunity and his fifth of the postseason. The Rays closed out the game when Travis Bazzana hit a groundout with Jo Adell on second base.

Tampa Bay plans to start right-hander Freddy Peralta (1-0, 0.79 ERA) in Game 6. The Guardians have yet to announce their starting pitcher.