Sports
Rays Face Guardians in Game 6, World Series on the Line
By Tim Stebbins, Keegan Matheson, Adam Berry
CLEVELAND – The American League Championship Series Game 6 is being played at Tropicana Field, with the Tampa Bay Rays hosting the Cleveland Guardians. After a 3‑1 win in Game 5, the Rays are looking to extend their advantage and secure a spot in the World Series. The team’s defense has been solid, and the pitching staff has performed well, while the offense has been sufficient to support the effort.
Rays outfielder Yandy Díaz, who has collected five hits in the last two games, expressed confidence: “It’s a great opportunity. All of us are thinking of it. But it all ends tomorrow. We’re going to win tomorrow.” Díaz, a former Guardian, is a key part of the Rays’ lineup and is expected to spark the offense.
Cleveland will start right‑hander Shawn Armstrong as an opener, as the team’s ace Gavin Williams is not available. The Guardians will rely on a bullpen game after Armstrong’s short start in Game 4, with several relievers expected to pitch.
Tampa Bay’s starter will be right‑hander Freddy Peralta, who has gone 6‑0 with a 0.79 ERA in nine appearances since August 26. Peralta has been dominant at home, recording a 0.99 ERA in five starts at the Rays’ park.
The Guardians’ starting lineup will mirror the one used in Games 3‑5: Steven Kwan (LF), José Ramírez (3B), Chase DeLauter (RF), Jo Adell (DH), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Travis Bazzana (2B), Patrick Bailey (C), Petey Halpin (CF), and Brayan Rocchio (SS). The Rays will line up with Yandy Díaz (DH), Jonathan Aranda (1B), Liam Hicks (C), Junior Caminero (3B), Chandler Simpson (LF), Victor Mesa Jr. (RF), Jonny DeLuca (CF), Richie Palacios (2B), and Taylor Walls (SS).
The game will be televised on TBS and streamed on HBO Max. Spanish‑language broadcasts are available on UniMas for television and on Univision’s TUDN Radio.
Additional notes: Former Rays center fielder B.J. Upton will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Gates at Tropicana Field open at 5 p.m., with special drink promotions from 5‑7 p.m. Prepaid parking opens at 3 p.m. The Guardians’ pitcher José Ramírez has a 17‑game postseason on‑base streak, the longest in franchise history. Cleveland’s pitching staff has recorded 120 strikeouts in 10 postseason games, the third‑most by any MLB team in their first 10 postseason games.
The outcome of this game will determine whether the Rays advance to the World Series or if the Guardians force a Game 7 on Tuesday.