3 Biggest X-Factors For Guardians to Force Game 7 in ALCS vs Rays

After taking a 2-1 series lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series, the Cleveland Guardians now find themselves on the brink of elimination.

Cleveland has dropped the last two games of the series, now seeing the Rays hold a 3-2 series advantage. The scene shifts back over to Tampa Bay for the final two games, and the Guardians will have to win both in order to advance to the World Series.

The Guardians were able to win two straight road games in the ALDS against the Chicago White Sox, giving this team some confidence that it can happen again. However, Tampa Bay is a much stronger team than Chicago, giving the Guardians a challenge ahead of Game 6.

So, for now, all the Guardians can do is take things one game at a time, starting with Game 6 tonight. Cleveland will be sending veteran right-hander Shawn Armstrong out as the opener in the game, looking to him to deliver strong results again.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for Cleveland to force Game 7 against the Rays:

1. Shawn Armstrong Sets the Tone

Armstrong has delivered for the Guardians in this series so far, throwing four scoreless innings against the Rays. The veteran right-hander opened Game 4 for Cleveland, setting the tone for the contest.

In this win-or-go-home contest, Cleveland is going to be relying on Armstrong once again to put up zeros against Tampa Bay. If he is rolling after one inning, the Guardians may want to allow him to pitch into the second, giving some extra rest to the bullpen.

2. Jose Ramirez Delivers Again

It seems like whenever the Guardians have need him, star Jose Ramirez has come through. In Game 5 of the ALDS, Ramirez hit a massive three-run home run to help Cleveland advance past the White Sox.

Against Tampa Bay, Ramirez hasn't hit a home run in five games, so he is due for one. If Cleveland is going to force a Game 7, this team is going to need Ramirez to come up massive once again for them.

3. Jo Adell Breaks Out of Slump

Adell, one of the big trade deadline acquisitions for the Guardians. has struggled against the Rays in this playoff series. So far through the first five games, Adell has gone two-for-18, with six strikeouts, giving Cleveland virtually nothing at the plate.

Against the White Sox, Adell hit .263, driving in six runs en route to the Guardians taking the series victory. In Game 6, Cleveland will have to hope that Adell can get his bat going, giving this team some extra firepower to work with.