ST. PETERSBURG — The Cleveland Guardians' postseason run came to an end Monday night with a 7-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series.
Cleveland, which had battled back from a 2-0 deficit to eliminate the Chicago White Sox in the ALDS, couldn't pull off another comeback. The Rays won the series 4-2, taking the final three games to advance to the World Series.
The Guardians fell behind early and spent much of the evening trying to catch up. They finally put together a late rally, but Tampa Bay's bullpen escaped a bases-loaded jam in the top of the eighth inning before the Rays put the game away with one final home run in the bottom of the inning.
Rays Take Control Early
Tampa Bay struck first in the second inning against Cleveland's bullpen.
With two runners in scoring position, Richie Palacios drove a two-run double to right field, giving the Rays a 2-0 lead. Tampa Bay added another run in the third when Jonny DeLuca hit a sacrifice fly that scored Junior Caminero.
With Cleveland facing elimination, the early 3-0 deficit put additional pressure on an offense that had struggled throughout much of the series.
The Guardians finally broke through in the sixth inning. Chase DeLauter doubled to center field, and after Jo Adell grounded out, Nathaniel Lowe followed with an RBI single that cut Tampa Bay's lead to 3-1.
It was a much-needed run, but Cleveland couldn't build on it. The Guardians managed just one run against Rays starter Freddy Peralta before Tampa Bay turned the game over to its bullpen.
Caminero Delivers a Crushing Blow
After the Guardians pulled within two runs, the Rays responded in the seventh.
Liam Hicks opened the inning with a walk against Erik Sabrowski, prompting Cleveland to bring in Cade Smith. Junior Caminero greeted Smith with a two-run home run to left field, extending Tampa Bay's lead to 5-1.
The home run was a major setback for Cleveland, which had finally begun to show signs of life offensively.
But the Guardians weren't finished.
In the eighth inning, DeLauter reached on an infield single, and Lowe followed with another hit. Travis Bazzana drew a walk to load the bases before Patrick Bailey worked another walk, forcing home Cleveland's second run.
Angel Martínez was then hit by a pitch, bringing in Lowe and cutting the deficit to 5-3.
With the bases still loaded and two outs, Brayan Rocchio stepped to the plate representing the go-ahead run. Tampa Bay reliever Kevin Kelly struck him out swinging, ending Cleveland's best opportunity to get back into the game.
Tampa Bay Finishes It Off
The Rays wasted little time restoring their four-run advantage.
Taylor Walls drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the eighth, and Yandy Díaz followed with a two-run homer to left field off Hunter Gaddis. The blast pushed Tampa Bay's lead to 7-3 and left Cleveland needing another late comeback.
There wouldn't be one.
Bryan Baker retired Steven Kwan, José Ramírez, and DeLauter in order in the ninth inning, ending the Guardians' season and sending Tampa Bay to the World Series.
For Cleveland, the loss was a disappointing finish to a postseason that had already provided some memorable moments. The Guardians overcame a two-game deficit against Chicago and took a 2-1 lead in the ALCS, putting themselves just two victories away from their first World Series appearance since 2016.
Instead, Tampa Bay won three straight, ending Cleveland's hopes of playing for a championship.
What's Next
The Guardians head into the offseason after falling two wins short of the World Series. Cleveland's pitching helped carry the team through October, but the offense struggled to produce consistently against Tampa Bay.
The Rays advance to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series, beginning Friday, October 23, but really, who cares.
