As far as Yandy Diaz is concerned, the ALCS is over.
“It's a great opportunity. All of us are thinking of it,” Díaz said through interpreter Kevin Vera following Sunday's Game 5 victory by the Tampa Bay Rays. “But it all ends tomorrow. We're going to win tomorrow.”
The Rays took a 3-2 series lead with their 3-1 road win over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. Now, with the series shifting to Tampa Bay, the Rays will have two chances to clinch at home.
Tampa Bay has all the momentum after taking three of the last four games, including Games 4 and 5 in Cleveland. With one more win, the Rays will earn their first American League pennant since 2008.
Tampa Bay will send Freddy Peralta to the bump on Monday, who's allowed just one run in 11 1/3 postseason innings this fall. The Guardians will counter with Shawn Armstrong and his 0.00 playoff ERA, but they need their bats to wake up if they want to keep their season alive. Over the last four games, they've managed just eight runs against the Rays' dominant pitching staff.