Rays open ALCS at home for first time in 18 years

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WWSB) - The Tampa Bay Rays host Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians tonight at Tropicana Field.It is the Rays’ first home game in the ALCS in 18 years. The team first reached the ALCS in 2008.Unlike 2008, the Rays enter this series as favorites. The team holds the number one record in the American League and the second-best record in baseball.The Rays had sellout crowds in both home games during the ALDS. Organization members in charge of ticketing and attendance said they do not yet have a definitive number for tonight’s game, and tickets remain available online. They anticipate a sellout crowd.Nic Nemeth set to defend his TNA World Championship on Sunday night against former X Division champ Leon SlaterDrew Rasmussen, the Rays’ starting pitcher for tonight’s game, said criticism of the team’s fan support is exaggerated.“We got to see it last week, just how much the game of baseball means to this community, but also j