Cleveland Guardians Make a Stunning Comeback
The Cleveland Guardians were facing elimination, and it seemed dire for a moment.
Yet, in an incredible turnaround, they now find themselves just four wins away from the World Series.
After dropping the first two games of the ALDS to the Chicago White Sox, the Guardians rebounded impressively, winning three consecutive games to clinch the series and secure their place in the ALCS. They’re now set to face the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays in the American League playoff bracket.
Here’s what you should know about the upcoming ALCS in 2026.
Below is the complete schedule for the ALCS matchup between the Guardians and the Rays. All times are in Eastern Standard Time.
ALCS Game 1: Monday, October 2
Guardians at Rays, 8:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max
ALCS Game 2: Tuesday, October 13
Guardians at Rays, 8:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max
ALCS Game 3: Thursday, October 15
Rays at Guardians: 6:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max
ALCS Game 4: Friday, October 16
Rays at Guardians, 6:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max
Note: If the NLCS concludes in a sweep, then ALCS Game 4 will shift to 8:00 p.m.
ALCS Game 5: Saturday, October 17*
Rays at Guardians, 8:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max
ALCS Game 6: Monday, October 19*
Guardians at Rays, 8:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max
Note: If the NLCS wraps up after six games, ALCS Game 6 will move to 8:00 p.m.
ALCS Game 7: Tuesday, October 20*
Guardians at Rays, 8:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max
How Did the Regular Season Unfold?
Looking back at the regular season, the matchups between Cleveland and Tampa Bay were rather lopsided.
The teams clashed in six games, starting with a three-game series in Cleveland in April, followed by another three-game set in Tampa Bay in July.
In their first series, Tampa Bay won the first two, beginning with a close 3-2 victory, and then a tight 1-0 win, primarily helped by a strong performance from Nick Martinez. The game’s only run came from Jonathan Aranda, who hit a single in the fifth inning to drive in Taylor Walls.
When they met again in July, Tampa Bay continued their dominance, winning by a considerable margin in the first game at 11-3, buoyed by home runs from Ryan Vilade and Richie Palacios. The second game was a tighter contest, but the Rays secured a 3-0 win, with Martinez again turning in a stellar start before handing the ball to the bullpen after six scoreless innings.
In the final encounter of that series, the Rays closed it out with a 1-0 victory, limiting the Guardians to just one hit, thanks to the combined efforts of Drew Rasmussen, Garrett Cleavinger, and Bryan Baker.
Overall, the Rays claimed five of the six meetings during the season.
For the Rays, the timing couldn’t be better.
In contrast, the Guardians had a grueling five-game series against the White Sox, which stretched their pitching staff thin and left their manager, Stephen Vogt, with difficult choices for the Game 1 starter. Gavin Williams will likely hold off until Game 3, while Parker Messick may not be ready until Game 2.
On the flip side, the Rays are coming off a sweep against the New York Yankees and have their ace, Rasmussen, primed to start Game 1 with extra rest. He may also pitch again in Game 4, providing the Rays with the opportunity to utilize him in potentially three games, if necessary. Additionally, they have Junior Caminero poised to shine as one of the breakout stars of the league.
