The Rays Just Won Cleveland's Must-Win Game

It was one of those special October days in Cleveland. A few hours before the Guardians took on the Rays in a pivotal Game 5, the Browns had a stunning come-from-behind victory against their AFC rival, the Baltimore Ravens.

Over 36K fans filed into Progressive Field hoping the Guardians would take control of the series as it shifts back to Tampa for Game 6, and possibly 7. Despite the ambition of the Cleveland faithful, the Rays, and particularly their ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen, had other plans.

Rassmussen took the ball and delivered another playoff gem; he went 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 6 Ks. The Rays got timely hitting from Jonathan Aranda and Liam Hicks, and won the game 3-1.

The series now shifts back to Tampa, with the Rays one game away from the World Series. The Guardians are very tough with their back against the wall, and that is exactly the position they are in.

The Rays will start Freddy Peralta on Monday night — the Guardians have not named their starter. If the Guardians need bulletin board look no further than a win guarantee from the Rays’ Yandy Diaz. “It's a great opportunity.

All of us are thinking of it,” Díaz said through interpreter Kevin Vera. “But it all ends tomorrow. We're going to win tomorrow.”