The ALCS continues to heat up as we head into Game 5 from Cleveland. These teams have traded wins, taking us to a 2-2 split. After Friday’s weather postponement, we are also in a spot where these teams will play four days in a row, if necessary. As that goes further on, it will raise some serious bullpen issues -- but, for now, expect this game to be an all-hands-on-deck approach. If either starter gets into trouble, there could be a quick hook. Speaking of starters, it looks like we will see Drew Rasmussen (Game 1 starter) vs Parker Messick (Game 2 starter). How should we play this game? I am going with the Rays to win Game 5.
Both Messick and Rasmussen had terrific regular seasons. Rasmussen will be throwing on regular rest, and Messick will be on slightly shorter rest. I have concerns with the way Cleveland keeps bringing back Messick and Williams over and over, and at some point it will backfire. Right now, though, I like what we saw from the Tampa Bay bats in Game 4 -- especially the top of the order. TB has kept the pressure on opponents all season, and I think they will close out this series that way. It is a three-game race at this point. I like the combination of Rasmussen, the visitors' bullpen and their offense to pull ahead in Game 5.
Rays vs Guardians prediction: Rays ML (-125) available at time of publishing. Playable to -135.
