American League Championship Game" Ace Rasmussen's 7 quality innings of good pitching, the Rays won 2 consecutive games and took the lead in drawing

In Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, Rays ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen surrendered 1 run in 7 innings today, helping the Rays defeat the Guardians 3-1 on the road. The Rays had a draw advantage in the series with 3 wins and 2 losses.

The starter's left-hander Parker Messick was unstable. The Rays relied on 2 hits and 1 walk in the first inning, with the bases loaded with 2 outs. Rays batter Jonny DeLuca picked up a walk to squeeze in 1 run. In the second inning, Rays batter Jonathan Aranda scored an additional run on a timely hit, and in the third inning, Rays catcher Liam Hicks added another run on a timely hit.

Rasmussen only got one hit in the first five innings. After one out in the sixth inning, he got two hits in a row to capture first and third base. The Guardians used a ground ball to score one run. Rasmussen pitched 95 pitches in 7 innings, allowing only 4 hits and 1 run, striking out 6 and giving up 1 walk; Rays closer Bryan Baker held on to the victory with no runs in 1 inning.

According to Major League Baseball data expert Sarah Langs on social media

Rasmussen got 2 wins in 3 starts in the playoffs this year, with an ERA of only 1.29, 23 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched, a batting average of only 0.178, and a WHIP of 0.76.

After the Rays win, they will return to their home court at Tropicana Field tomorrow for Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. The Rays will compete for their first World Series since 2020.