The Cleveland Guardians showcased their offensive prowess in Game 1 of the 2026 American League Championship Series, scoring more runs than they did in their entire regular-season series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. After overcoming a two-run deficit, the Guardians secured a 7-3 victory, marking their fourth consecutive win. They aim to maintain their unbeaten postseason record on the road in Game 2 at 8 p.m. ET in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Key Players for the Guardians:

• Nathaniel Lowe and Jo Adell each contributed two RBIs.
• Chase DeLauter and Patrick Bailey hit solo home runs.

The Guardians have scored seven or more runs in three of their last four games, a significant turnaround from their earlier struggles against the Chicago White Sox in the AL Division Series.

On the other hand, the Rays, who recently swept the New York Yankees, look to even the series behind Freddy Peralta, who has struggled historically against the Guardians. The matchup features Parker Messick for Cleveland, who has a strong record against Tampa Bay but has yet to pitch five innings this postseason.

In the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres visit the Montreal Canadiens at 6:30 p.m. ET, seeking redemption after a playoff defeat last season. The St. Louis Blues face the Ottawa Senators at 7:30 p.m. ET, aiming for their fourth consecutive win against Ottawa.

Additionally, college football kicks off Week 7 with the FIU Panthers battling the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at 8 p.m. ET. The Gamecocks seek their fourth straight victory.

Betting Lines:

• Guardians vs. Rays: Rays -135 favorites
• Sabres vs. Canadiens: Canadiens -157 favorites
• Blues vs. Senators: Blues -114 favorites
• FIU vs. Jacksonville State: Gamecocks -3 favorites