With the Milwaukee Brewers sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers to claim their first National League pennant since 1982, attention now turns to the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays.
Cleveland holds a 2-1 series lead following Thursday’s 3-2 victory. The Guardians are looking for their first World Series appearance since 2016 and their first championship since 1948, while the Rays hope to return for the first time since 2020 and capture their first title.
Tampa Bay will turn to Nick Martinez, who posted a 3.10 ERA during the regular season, including 13.0 scoreless innings against Cleveland. The veteran right-hander relies on excellent command and a six-pitch mix featuring a sinking fastball, fading changeup and cutter.
Cleveland will use Shawn Armstrong as an opener. Armstrong has thrown 5.1 scoreless innings this postseason, primarily using his four-seamer, sweeper and cutter. Left-hander Joey Cantillo could follow to handle the bulk of the innings, bringing a low-90s fastball, looping curveball and changeup.
Another night of October baseball is upon us. Enjoy the game and join us in the comments!
Tampa Bay Rays (1-2) at Cleveland Guardians (2-1) — 6:00 p.m. MDT
Pitching matchup: RHP Nick Martinez (4.91 ERA) vs. RHP Shawn Armstrong (0.00 ERA)
SB Nation sites: DRaysBay | Covering the Corner
Radio: ESPN Radio
TV: TBS/HBO Max
Lineups
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