After coming up short in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians, fans around the MLB world wondered how the Tampa Bay Rays would respond in Game 2 in what could end up being the final game of the series at Tropicana Field.

Would the Rays rally, coming together to prove why they are a World Series-caliber roster? Or would they take another loss and have to try to figure things out north of the Mason-Dixon line from a 0-2 hole?

Talking to MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM after the Game 2 win, Chandler Simpson reveals Tampa's mindset heading into the game and how they were able to learn from a close Game 1 to secure a Game 2 victory.

“Yeah, just to keep fighting. We're not dead,” Simpson said. “We got to keep going. We're still alive. We're down 1-0, but we can definitely even a series up and everything is in our hands.”

The Rays take Game 2 and the ALCS is even at 1 heading to Cleveland.

Chandler Simpson after the win:#Postseason #RaysUp
📻 #ALCS Postgame with @DaniWex
🔗 https://t.co/iXax8hx4iO pic.twitter.com/jSe5hFvJ12

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) October 14, 2026

Article Continues Below

Asked how it felt to get to leave Tampa Bay with a 1-1- record heading to Cleveland for Game 3 of the ALCS on Thursday, Simpson noted it feels great as, after coming up short in Game 1, the Rays were able to punch back and retake momentum before the show heads on the road.

“Yeah, it feels great,” Simpson said. “They laid a first punch yesterday with a great game. And the fact that we were able to counter back today and get it even going back to their place feels good.”

Sitting even at 1-1, the Rays and Guardians effectively find themselves in a new best-of-5 series with a World Series berth on the line. But after taking that Game 1 L, the Rays punched back in Game 2 and now have the momentum heading into Game 3.