The Tampa Bay Rays are one win away from reaching the World Series after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday. Behind another outstanding postseason performance from starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen and timely hitting throughout the lineup, Tampa Bay took a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series.
The Rays entered the matchup looking to build on Saturday's 7-3 victory, which evened the series at two games apiece. They delivered another strong performance in Cleveland, putting themselves in position to clinch the American League pennant on their home field.
Rasmussen was the biggest difference-maker Sunday, holding Cleveland to one run on four hits across seven innings. He consistently kept the Guardians' hitters off balance, limiting scoring opportunities and giving Tampa Bay's offense time to build an advantage.
The outing continued Rasmussen's impressive postseason run. His performance helped the Rays control the game from the early innings and put pressure on Cleveland to find answers against Tampa Bay's pitching staff.
Rasmussen's ability to work deep into the game also protected the bullpen, allowing the Rays to turn the final two innings over to their relievers with a lead.

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