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The Tampa Bay Rays led the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 as of the sixth inning of Game 6 of the ALCS, on a day when former Twins catcher AJ Pierzynski had an outlandish comment on DH Yandy Diaz. An MLB insider shared his Rays-focused prediction ahead of Game 6 as fans awaited a potential series clincher.
The long-awaited fan frenzy at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg came true as Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson turned on the jets for an exciting display of speed on a ridiculous bunt single. It took him just 3.78 seconds to reach the bag, setting a mark not seen since 2023.
3.78 seconds for Chandler Simpson on this
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That’s the fastest home-to-first time on a postseason base hit since the start of 2023 https://t.co/4hlNvoR0n5
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 20, 2026
Manager Kevin Cash’s team continued to try and hold off the Guardians, who pushed a run across the plate in the sixth inning to finally get on the board in a 3-1 game. Simpson’s exciting play showed Tampa Bay wasn’t ready to relinquish their lead for the rest of the series, as the Rays continued to move forward in an emotional Game 6 matchup.
Diaz made a bold Game 6 guarantee, one that he and his teammates backed up through 6 1/2 innings as ‘The Trop’ came to life. Diaz didn’t have a hit to his name in two at-bats as the action continued, but his teammates racked up five hits through just under six innings in a hotly contested game between the two American League powers. Liam Hicks, Junior Caminero, and Simpson all had one hit, while second baseman Richie Palacios had two hits.
Starter Freddy Peralta went 5.1 innings for Cash’s team, striking out three and walking three as the Rays sought to close out the series in style against the Guardians.
Related: Rays reliever Kevin Kelly saves the day after Guardians load the bases in the 8th inning
Related: Rays’ Junior Caminero hits epic celebration after huge ALCS Game 6 home run