Rays Suffer First Postseason Loss as Guardians Take ALCS Game 1
· Yahoo Sports
The Tampa Bay Rays Fall for the first time in the postseason as they lose Game 1 of the American League Championship Series 7-3 against the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field
Visit rouesnews.click for more information.
Pitching stumbled, and the bats couldn't stay hot as the Guardians had a late push to get the early lead in the ALCS.
Here is what you need to know from the contest.
Pitching loses momentum.
For the second straight playoff series, Drew Rasmussen got the start for Game 1 for the Rays. However, it wasn't another flawless start, as we have seen over the last few appearances.
Rasmussen went six innings strong but allowed two home runs across his time on the mound. Chase DeLauter hit a solo shot in the sixth inning, as well as Patrick Bailey in the seventh, against the Rays' ace.
Rasmussen finished with seven strikeouts and eight hits allowed in the contest. Kevin Cash went with five different relievers following his starter on Monday night, and it was a mixed bag of performances. Tyler Wells officially picked up the loss after allowing two earned runs on only six pitches. And Cole Sulser allowed the other three earned runs in the top of the 9th when the Guardians pushed the lead further, diminishing a potential rally.
Bats started strong, went cold quickly.
The Rays got things going started quickly, with the top of their order picking up some big hits to begin the game. Yandy Diaz began the game with a Lead off double, And was quickly moved to third base after a sacrifice bunt by Jonathan Aranda. Junior Caminero came in and took care of business with an RBI single to bring Diaz in against Guardian starter Foster Griffin.
The damage kept coming when Jonny Deluca came up as well in the first inning and blooped an RBI single in the shallow center field, bringing in Caminero. The Rays got out to an early 2-0 lead after the first frame.
But that was basically all the Rays' offense was able to come up with, as they were held scoreless with the exception of a late solo home run by Cedric Mullins in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Monday night was the first time all postseason that the run support wasn't enough because the pitching stumbled.
All eyes on Junior
Everyone will be paying attention to the status of Junior Caminero, as he collided with Johnny Deluca towards the end of the ball game on Monday night. Caminero was holding his shoulder and remained in the game, but obviously his availability may be in question for game 2.
Freddy Peralta will get the start for the Rays on Tuesday as they look to even the series with the Guardians. First pitch is scheduled for 8 pm Eastern.