The Cleveland Guardians still have high hopes of winning the American League pennant and playing in the World Series. However, their chances absorbed a key blow as they dropped pivotal Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Rays and now face a 3-2 deficit in the series.
The Guardians have dropped two games in a row at home and if theya re going to be victorious, they are going to have to win two games on the road at the Tropicana Dome. The Rays pulled ahead in the series with a 3-1 victory behind the pitching of Drew Rasmussen in Game 5.
While the Guardians were unable to come up with the key win, centerfielder Steven Kwan made an amazing catch that robbed Tampa Bay outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. of a sure extra-base hit — and possibly a home run — that would have stretched the lead to three runs or more.
Mesa's drive was blasted deep to right center, and Kwan elevated with perfect timing. The ball appeared destined to hit the top of the wall and hit the yellow home run line.
That play gave the Guardians momentum as they headed into the bottom of the ninth. While leadoff hitter Chase DeLauter opened the inning successfully as he was walked by closer Bryan Baker, the Guardians were unable to take advantage. Baker retired the next three batters, giving the Rays the advantage in the series.
The ALCS will resume Monday night at the Tropicana Dome. Tanner Bibee will take the mound for the Guardians as they attempt to square the series, while Freddy Peralta will get the ball for the Rays in the potential clincher.