Guardians Gain Unexpected Advantages in ALCS

Given the different entry points to the ALCS, it always felt like Game 1 was going to belong to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Cleveland Guardians had played two games — and three days — longer in the last round. Their pitching wasn't as fresh. They had to go on the road. They also had to start Foster Griffin, with both Parker Messick and Gavin Williams still recovering from their ALDS outings in coming back to beat the Chicago White Sox.