The Cleveland Guardians head into Game 2 of their series against the Tampa Bay Rays holding a 1-0 lead after Monday’s win, which also gave them home-field advantage going forward.
Third baseman Jose Ramirez, long considered Cleveland’s most consistent hitter, led the way in Game 1, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI.
Rookie Chase DeLauter, who hit .287 with 16 home runs and 67 RBI during the regular season, has continued to produce in October. He recorded a hit in five of the Guardians’ six postseason games so far, and in Game 1 he scored three runs while collecting three hits, including a home run and a double.
Catcher Patrick Bailey also contributed, hitting a game-tying home run as part of a two-hit night that helped swing momentum toward the Guardians.
Tampa Bay had its own bright spots despite the loss. Cedric Mullins entered as a pinch runner and homered in his only at-bat, briefly cutting the Guardians’ lead to one run. Outfielder Johnny DeLuca went 2-for-4 with an RBI, though he did not score. The game included a scary moment when DeLuca and Junior Caminero collided while chasing a foul ball.
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Florida. The game will air on TBS and stream on truTV.
