The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series in Cleveland on Sunday night to take a 3-2 series lead, The Associated Press and Sports Illustrated reported.

Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over seven innings, the AP reported. He gave up four hits, walked one and struck out six, and he is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three postseason starts, the AP reported.

Tampa Bay scored one run in each of the first three innings, the AP reported. Yandy Díaz scored when Parker Messick walked Jonny DeLuca with the bases loaded in the first. Jonathan Aranda singled in Ben Williamson in the second, and Liam Hicks singled in Chandler Simpson in the third. Messick lasted two innings, the shortest start of his career, the AP reported.

Cleveland's only run came in the sixth inning, according to the official MLB box score. Cleveland's Steven Kwan threw out a runner at home plate and made a leaping catch at the center-field wall, the AP reported. Bryan Baker pitched the ninth for his 35th straight successful save chance, the AP reported.

The Rays can win their third AL pennant, and their first since 2020, in Game 6 on Monday at Tropicana Field, the AP reported. A Game 7 would be Tuesday, and the World Series starts Friday in Milwaukee.

The AP said that since the ALCS went to seven games in 1985, road teams that won Game 5 for a 3-2 lead have won the series four of five times. The AP also said Cleveland has never won an ALCS after trailing 3-2.

Sports Illustrated said the winner of Game 5 goes on to win the series 67% of the time. SI noted that Rasmussen was traded to the Rays by the Milwaukee Brewers for Willy Adames after the 2021 season.

What we know: The Rays lead the series 3-2 and need one more win to reach the World Series.
What we don't: Whether Cleveland can force a Game 7 on Tuesday.