What time is the Guardians game vs the Rays in Game 1 of the ALCS?

Dan KadarAkron Beacon Journal
Updated Oct. 12, 2026, 2:14 p.m. ET

The Cleveland Guardians face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series, with a trip to the World Series on the line.

Cleveland reached the ALCS by winning three consecutive elimination games against the Chicago White Sox in the Division Series. Jose Ramirez came through with a series of big performances, helping the Guardians overcome an early 2-0 deficit.

The Rays enter the series after sweeping the New York Yankees. Tampa Bay led the American League in regular-season wins and will present a challenge with a deep pitching staff and a lineup built around putting the ball in play.

Here’s how you can tune in to watch Game 1:

How to watch Guardians vs Rays in Game 1 of ALCS on TV

Game 1 of the ALCS between the Guardians and Rays has a scheduled first pitch at 8 p.m. ET Monday, Oct. 12.

The game will be televised on TBS and truTV.

How to watch the Guardians vs. Rays game on streaming

In addition to the game being aired on TBS and truTV, streaming audiences can watch using the HBO Max app with a valid subscription login.

How can I listen to the Guardians on radio vs Rays?

The local radio broadcast of Guardians vs. Rays is set to air on WTAM (1100-AM), WMMS (100.7-FM) and WARF (1350-AM, Spanish broadcast).

What’s the pitching matchup for Game 1 of the ALDS between Guardians, Rays?

The Guardians are going with Foster Griffin to start Game 1. Acquired in August from the Washington Nationals, Griffin made nine regular-season starts for the Guardians, compiling a 3-3 record with a 3.54 ERA. He struck out 42 batters in 43⅓ innings. For the season, he finished 15-6 with a 3.96 ERA. Griffin only appeared in one game of the ALDS. He pitched 2⅔ innings in Game 3, striking out seven and allowing one run.

The Rays are going with Drew Rasmussen, a right handed pitcher. He started Game 1 of the ALDS against the Yankees. It was his only appearance in the series — a 3-0 sweep by Tampa Bay. In that game he pitched eight innings without allowing a run and just one hit.

What was the regular-season record between the Guardians and Rays?

The two ALCS foes played each other six times in the regular season, with Tampa Bay winning five of the matchups. Cleveland’s only win was a 3-1 game on April 29 in Cleveland. Gavin Williams started the game for Cleveland.

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