The Tampa Bay Rays face the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the 2026 American League Championship Series on Sunday, October 18, with the series tied 2–2. A Rays win puts Tampa Bay one victory away from the World Series. A loss leaves the Rays needing two consecutive wins to advance.
Neither team can clinch the ALCS in Game 5. The series is best-of-seven, meaning the first team to win four games advances. Series standings
What Happens If the Rays Win Game 5?
If the Rays beat the Guardians, Tampa Bay takes a 3–2 series lead.
The Rays would then need to win either Game 6 or, if necessary, Game 7 to secure the American League pennant and reach the 2026 World Series. Cleveland would have to win both remaining games to eliminate Tampa Bay.
Winning Game 5 gives the Rays two chances to finish the series, but it does not guarantee advancement.
What Happens If the Rays Lose Game 5?
If the Rays lose, the Guardians take a 3–2 series lead, putting Tampa Bay one loss away from elimination.
The Rays would need to win Game 6 to force a deciding Game 7. They would then have to win Game 7 to advance to the World Series.
A Game 5 loss therefore makes every remaining game a must-win for Tampa Bay.
Can Rays vs. Guardians Game 5 End in a Tie?
No. An MLB playoff game cannot end in a final tie. If the score is level after nine innings, the teams play extra innings until a winner is decided. MLB regulation-game rules
Postseason extra innings also begin without the automatic runner on second base used during the regular season. MLB postseason extra-innings rules
A tied score during the game does not change the series standings. The Game 5 winner takes a 3–2 lead.
Rays vs. Guardians Game 5 Scenarios
| Game 5 outcome | Series situation | What Tampa Bay needs next |
|---|---|---|
| Rays win | Rays lead 3–2 | Win Game 6 or Game 7 |
| Rays lose | Guardians lead 3–2 | Win both Game 6 and Game 7 |
| Tied after nine innings | Game continues into extra innings | Finish Game 5 with a win to take the lead |
Can Either Team Reach the World Series Today?
No. Both teams enter Game 5 with two wins, so today’s winner can reach only three victories.
Game 6 is the earliest either team can clinch the American League pennant. If the team trailing after Game 5 wins Game 6, the series goes to a winner-take-all Game 7.