Guardians Beat Rays 7-3 in ALCS Opener Despite Mullins Homer

The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3 in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on October 13, 2026, overcoming an early two-run deficit and using late offensive production to secure the victory. According to a game report from ClutchPoints, Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Rays trailed 4-2 entering the bottom of the eighth inning before Cedric Mullins hit a solo home run that briefly brought Tampa Bay within one run.

However, the Guardians responded with additional runs in the eighth and ninth innings to establish the final margin. Cleveland extended its advantage in the eighth when Nathaniel Lowe delivered a single that drove in two runs, according to the ClutchPoints game report. The rally strengthened the Guardians' position before Mullins provided Tampa Bay's response.

Mullins entered the game in the sixth inning as a pinch runner for Ryan Vilade and stole second base before taking his first at-bat. He connected on a hanging slider from Cleveland reliever Erik Sabrowski, sending the ball over the fence for a solo home run that cut the deficit to 4-3.

Despite allowing the homer, Sabrowski retired the next three batters in succession, preserving Cleveland's lead heading into the ninth inning, according to ClutchPoints. The Guardians added insurance runs in the ninth after Angel Martinez advanced to second base on a balk. Jose Ramirez followed with an RBI single, increasing Cleveland's advantage.

Jo Adell then delivered a two-run double after Chase DeLauter drew a walk, completing Cleveland's late scoring surge. The additional runs secured the Guardians' 7-3 win and gave them an early advantage in the ALCS, according to the game report.