The Guardians won Game 1 of the ALCS on Monday, defeating the Rays 7–3 in Tampa Bay. Foster Griffin earned the win for Cleveland. The Rays, who led the AL East with a 98–64 record, entered the series having won consecutive games against the Yankees before the Guardians' victory halted their momentum.
Cleveland announced Monday that Parker Messick will start Game 2 on Tuesday. Messick, a Tampa Bay area native per ESPN, compiled a 12–9 record this season with a 2.56 ERA across 186.1 innings—the most innings thrown by any Guardians starter. His 193 strikeouts led the staff. The left-hander's 2.56 ERA represents the team's best mark among qualified starters, putting him in position to extend the Guardians' lead in the series.
The Guardians enter Game 2 riding momentum after a 7–3 victory, their second consecutive win. Cleveland won 2–0 against the White Sox on Saturday and 9–5 on Thursday before taking down the Rays on Monday. The club finished the regular season 85–77 atop the AL Central, and the early playoff success suggests the roster has turned a corner from its regular-season pace.
The Rays will counter with the starting pitcher from Game 1: Drew Rasmussen took the loss Monday after allowing the Guardians' runs. Rasmussen finished the 2026 season 16–5 with a 2.67 ERA across 172.0 innings—a stronger regular-season record than Messick's—but will face a Cleveland lineup that scored seven runs in the series opener.
Tue, Oct 13, 8:00 PM ET
First pitch on Tuesday is scheduled for 7 p.m. central time, with the game broadcast available via Fox/FS1.
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