Rays Learn ALCS Opponent After Thrilling ALDS Game 5

Oct 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians outfielder Petey Halpin (0) makes it to second after hitting a double during the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox in game five of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Tampa Bay Rays made quick work of the New York Yankees in their ALDS matchup, sweeping them in three games.

The Tampa Bay Rays made quick work of the New York Yankees in their ALDS matchup, sweeping them in three games.

That has presented them with a massive edge heading into the ALCS, with a trip to the World Series on the line. With their final game being on Wednesday, Oct. 7, they will have four days off until the series begins.

That has presented them with a massive edge heading into the ALCS, with a trip to the World Series on the line. With their final game being on Wednesday, Oct. 7, they will have four days off until the series begins.

On the other side of the bracket, the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians were battling for the other spot in the ALCS. That series went five games, with the Guardians completing an impressive comeback to punch their ticket.

On the other side of the bracket, the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians were battling for the other spot in the ALCS. That series went five games, with the Guardians completing an impressive comeback to punch their ticket.

Cleveland won Game 5 by a score of 2-0, reeling off three straight wins after dropping the first two games against their AL Central rivals at home. They didn’t give up, going on the road and winning two games before clinching the series back on their home field.

Cleveland won Game 5 by a score of 2-0, reeling off three straight wins after dropping the first two games against their AL Central rivals at home. They didn’t give up, going on the road and winning two games before clinching the series back on their home field.

Jul 25, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Travis Bazzana (37) gets safe to first base during the fourth inning against Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (8) at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectTampa Bay should have a lot of confidence heading into the series. Not only does it have the edge with rest, enabling it to set up its pitching staff exactly how it want, but the Guardians have fought through a tough five-game series; the Rays also dominated in the regular season.

Tampa Bay should have a lot of confidence heading into the series. Not only does it have the edge with rest, enabling it to set up its pitching staff exactly how it want, but the Guardians have fought through a tough five-game series; the Rays also dominated in the regular season.

Tampa Bay and Cleveland faced off in two three-game series, and the Rays won five out of six contests. A sweep occurred at Tropicana Field, with Tampa Bay outscoring them 15-3 while recording two shutouts.

Tampa Bay and Cleveland faced off in two three-game series, and the Rays won five out of six contests. A sweep occurred at Tropicana Field, with Tampa Bay outscoring them 15-3 while recording two shutouts.

The last two games of that series were pitched by Nick Martinez and Drew Rasmussen. Both of them will be taking the mound at least once, if not twice, in this series.

The last two games of that series were pitched by Nick Martinez and Drew Rasmussen. Both of them will be taking the mound at least once, if not twice, in this series.

To Tampa Bay we go.#GuardsBall | #StandGuard pic.twitter.com/wqpaLz6zNd

Rasmussen, who threw eight shutout innings in Game 1 against the Yankees and took a no-hitter into his final frame of work, will be back on the mound to start the ALCS. Freddy Peralta started in Game 2 against New York, which is likely what will happen again, with Martinez taking the ball in Game 3, the first in Cleveland.

Rasmussen, who threw eight shutout innings in Game 1 against the Yankees and took a no-hitter into his final frame of work, will be back on the mound to start the ALCS. Freddy Peralta started in Game 2 against New York, which is likely what will happen again, with Martinez taking the ball in Game 3, the first in Cleveland.

Martinez and Rasmussen also pitched Games 2 and 3 of the first series of the season back on April 28 and 29, with Martinez coming away victorious. Rasmussen suffered a loss for the only time the Rays were defeated by the Guardians.

Martinez and Rasmussen also pitched Games 2 and 3 of the first series of the season back on April 28 and 29, with Martinez coming away victorious. Rasmussen suffered a loss for the only time the Rays were defeated by the Guardians.

It will certainly not be easy, but Tampa Bay has plenty of positive momentum and confidence heading into this ALCS matchup, looking to win the pennant for the third time in franchise history.

It will certainly not be easy, but Tampa Bay has plenty of positive momentum and confidence heading into this ALCS matchup, looking to win the pennant for the third time in franchise history.

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KENNETH TEAPEKenneth Teape is an alumnus of SUNY Old Westbury and graduated in 2013 with an Honors Degree in Media Communications with a focus on print journalism. During his time at Old Westbury, he worked for the school newspaper and several online publications, such as Knicks Now, the official website of the New York Knicks, and a self-made website with fellow students, Gotham City Sports News. Kenneth has also been a site expert at Empire Writes Back, Musket Fire, and Lake Show Life within the FanSided Network. He was a contributor to HoopsHabit, with work featured on Bleacher Report and Yardbarker. Previously, he is a reporter for both NBA Analysis Network and NFL Analysis Network, as well as a writer and editor for Packers Coverage. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @teapester725, or reach him via email at teapester725@gmail.com.