# Rays Win ALCS Game 5, One Step Closer to World Series

> Tampa Bay Rays defeat Cleveland Guardians in ALCS Game 5 to advance to World Series with 3-2 series lead.
- Title: Rays Win ALCS Game 5, One Step Closer to World Series · Mlb
- Summary: Tampa Bay Rays defeat Cleveland Guardians in ALCS Game 5 to advance to World Series with 3-2 series lead. Tampa Bay Rays secure 3-2 ALCS lead after Game 5…
- Keywords: rays, guardians, alcs, world series, tampa bay, cleveland, mlb, al east, division series, yanks, al wild card, al ds
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/rays-all-around-effort-alcs-game-5-win-2026
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rays, guardians, alcs, world series, tampa bay, cleveland, mlb, al east, division series, yanks, al wild card, al ds
## Rays Win ALCS Game 5
Tampa Bay Rays defeat Cleveland Guardians in ALCS Game 5 to advance to World Series with 3-2 series lead.
## Rays' Season Success
Tampa Bay achieved 98 regular-season wins, an AL East championship, and swept Yankees in AL Division Series.
## Timely Offense
Rays scored a run in each of first three innings for fourth time in franchise history.
## Strong Defense
Ben Williamson made diving stop at second base to rob José Ramírez of hit in fourth inning.
## Pitching Excellence
Drew Rasmussen delivered seven-inning one-run gem in ALCS Game 5.
## Bullpen Reliability
Bryan Baker recorded fifth save over six scoreless postseason appearances.
## Key takeaway

Tampa Bay Rays secure 3-2 ALCS lead after Game 5 win over Cleveland Guardians, one win from World Series.