MLB PREGAME

ALCS Game 5: Saturday's stakes depend on Friday's answer

Victory Pulse · October 16, 2026 · Edition prepared before Friday’s games

Saturday, October 17 | Rays at Guardians | Scheduled for 8 p.m. ET

Game 5 will be either a Cleveland clinching opportunity or a battle to break a 2–2 tie. If the Guardians win Friday, they can capture the pennant at home Saturday. If Tampa Bay wins Friday, both clubs will enter Game 5 two victories from the World Series.

What we're watching: Bullpen workload from Game 4 and the quality of each team's early scoring opportunities. This preview deliberately leaves pitching assignments open until they are confirmed. Weather changes to Friday's game could also alter Saturday's plans.