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TAMPA BAY – For the second time in three seasons, the Cleveland Guardians have reached the American League Championship Series, moving within one step of the World Series. The Guardians clinched their spot by winning three straight elimination games against the Chicago White Sox, fueled by standout performances from Jose Ramirez and Gavin Williams. Now they face the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays, who await them in the ALCS.
During the regular season, the Rays held a commanding edge over the Guardians, taking five of six meetings and outscoring Cleveland by a combined 20-8 margin. Game 1 of the ALCS is set for Monday, October 12, at 8 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field.
Beacon Journal sports writers Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich have offered their predictions for the series.
Lewis: Rays over Guardians 4-2
Lewis notes that given their payroll constraints, the Guardians' repeated presence among the final four teams is a remarkable achievement. While their comeback against the White Sox—highlighted by memorable performances from Ramirez and Williams—was impressive, Lewis points out that the Rays now hold the upper hand. Tampa Bay is well-rested and has its pitching rotation perfectly aligned for the series.
The Guardians used both Parker Messick and Williams in the ALDS, a necessary move, but it leaves them scrambling for starters in Games 1, 4, and possibly 5. The Rays stifled Cleveland's offense during the regular season, limiting them to eight runs in six games. However, Lewis acknowledges that the Guardians' lineup is currently in its best form all year, and as long as Ramirez continues his otherworldly play, Cleveland remains a threat. Still, the Rays have too many factors working in their favor, even though the Guardians have proven difficult to eliminate.
Ulrich: Rays over Guardians 4-2
Ulrich credits the Guardians for their resilience in overcoming a 2-0 series deficit against the White Sox to win the ALDS. Nevertheless, he points out that the top-seeded Rays are a far superior team to the White Sox. Several factors favor Tampa Bay, especially early in the series.
The Guardians won't have their one-two punch of Messick and Williams available until Games 2 and 3. Meanwhile, the Rays have been resting since completing a 3-0 sweep of the New York Yankees in the ALDS on Wednesday, October 7. Ulrich sides with rest over rust in that debate. Additionally, the Rays won 13 more regular-season games than the Guardians and took five of six head-to-head matchups. Both writers predict a Rays victory in six games.
Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached at [email protected]. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians-Rays predictions. Who wins 2026 ALCS?
Originally reported by yahoo.