The Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays will begin their American League Championship Series tonight at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
Here’s everything fans need to know about the series, including how to watch Game 1 for free tonight:
How can I watch Game 1 for free without cable?
Tonight’s Game 1 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on TBS and TruTV, with streaming options available through DirecTV Stream, Sling and HBO Max. New DirecTV Stream customers can start with a five-day free trial and take $30 off the first month of their subscription.
Who’s pitching tonight?
Foster Griffin is scheduled to start for the Guardians in Game 1, and Drew Rasmussen will be on the mound for the Rays.
What’s on the line?
The winner of this best-of-seven series will advance to represent the American League in the 2026 World Series. Either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Milwaukee Brewers will represent the National League.
The first two games of the ALCS will be played in St. Petersburg, and then the series will move to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4.
ALCS GAME 1
Cleveland Guardians (0-0) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (0-0)
When: Monday, Oct. 12, 2026
Where: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Channel: TBS/TruTV
