# Rays' Ruthless Efficiency Powers AL Pennant Run

> Tampa Bay Rays' fielding and contact offense silence Cleveland in ALCS.
- Title: Rays' Ruthless Efficiency Powers AL Pennant Run · Mlb
- Summary: Tampa Bay Rays' fielding and contact offense silence Cleveland in ALCS. Tampa Bay Rays' defensive precision and contact hitting secured a 3-1 ALCS lead over…
- Keywords: rays, alcs, cleveland, drew rasmussen, tampa bay, world series, contact offense, defensive runs saved, sports, Rays', Ruthless, Efficiency
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/rays-all-around-efficiency-powering-postseason-run
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rays, alcs, cleveland, drew rasmussen, tampa bay, world series, contact offense, defensive runs saved, sports
## Rays' fielding precision
Rays' middle infielders make three consecutive outs in ALCS Game 5.

> These [redacted] are magicians!
## Rays' contact offense
Rays hit two home runs in ALCS but neither mattered.
## Rays' low home run rate
Rays average 0.4 home runs per game in LCS round.
## Rays' defensive dominance
Rays rank second in MLB in defensive runs saved.
## Rays' infield shifts
Rays' extreme infield shifts force MLB to police positioning.
## Rays' strategic mindset
Rays' positive mindset and aggressive pitch selection boost performance.

> A positive mindset, that's the biggest thing.
## Rays' ALCS lead
Rays secure 3-1 ALCS lead with 23-for-71 team batting.
## Key takeaway

Tampa Bay Rays' defensive precision and contact hitting secured a 3-1 ALCS lead over Cleveland, with a 0.4 home run rate in the postseason.