How to Watch Guardians vs. Rays in the 2026 ALCS on DIRECTV: Schedule, Channels and Streaming
The Cleveland Guardians lead the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 in the 2026 American League Championship Series, and Game 2 is Tuesday, October 13, at 8 p.m. ET from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Every game airs on TBS (DIRECTV channel 247) and truTV (channel 246), streams on HBO Max and has Spanish-language coverage on UniMás (channel 408), with channel numbers as of Oct. 13, 2026.
Cleveland won Game 1 on Monday night, 7-3, after trailing 2-0 into the sixth inning. Chase DeLauter and Patrick Bailey homered to tie it, Nathaniel Lowe's two-run single in the eighth put the Guardians ahead, and Jo Adell's two-run double capped a three-run ninth. Freddy Peralta starts Game 2 for Tampa Bay against Cleveland's Parker Messick, according to MLB.com.
The Rays are the American League's top seed, so Tampa Bay hosts Games 1 and 2 and, if needed, Games 6 and 7. Games 3, 4 and 5 are at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
2026 ALCS schedule, results and DIRECTV channels
Schedule and results from MLB as of October 13, 2026. Times are Eastern, and MLB says game times are subject to change. * If necessary.
| Game | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) or result | TV (DIRECTV channel) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mon., Oct. 12 | Guardians at Rays | Final: Guardians 7, Rays 3 | TBS (247), truTV (246), UniMás (408) |
| 2 | Tue., Oct. 13 | Guardians at Rays | 8 p.m. | TBS (247), truTV (246), UniMás (408) |
| 3 | Thu., Oct. 15 | Rays at Guardians | 6 p.m. | TBS (247), truTV (246), UniMás (408) |
| 4 | Fri., Oct. 16 | Rays at Guardians | 6 p.m. | TBS (247), truTV (246), UniMás (408) |
| 5* | Sat., Oct. 17 | Rays at Guardians | 8 p.m. | TBS (247), truTV (246), UniMás (408) |
| 6* | Mon., Oct. 19 | Guardians at Rays | 5 p.m. | TBS (247), truTV (246), UniMás (408) |
| 7* | Tue., Oct. 20 | Guardians at Rays | 8 p.m. | TBS (247), truTV (246), UniMás (408) |
Every game also streams on HBO Max. The winner meets the National League champion, either the Brewers or the Dodgers, in the World Series starting Friday, October 23, on FOX.
Where to find each ALCS channel on DIRECTV
DIRECTV channel numbers as of Oct. 13, 2026.
| Network | DIRECTV channel | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| TBS | 247 | Included with the ENTERTAINMENT package and up |
| truTV | 246 | Check your package; call us if you don't see it in your guide |
| UniMás (Spanish) | 408 | Spanish-language broadcast |
| MLB Network | 213 | Pregame and postgame studio shows, not the game itself |
| HBO Max (streaming) | App | Simulcasts every game on its Standard and Premium plans; DIRECTV PREMIER includes HBO Max Standard |
To find a game fast, press Guide and search “ALCS,” “Rays” or “Guardians.” The DIRECTV app streams TBS and truTV live on phones, tablets and streaming devices. Our guides to TBS on DIRECTV, truTV on DIRECTV and HBO Max on DIRECTV have more detail.
Not sure your package has TBS and truTV? Call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll check before Game 2.
How the Guardians and Rays got here
- Guardians: Cleveland lost the first two Division Series games at home to the Chicago White Sox, then won three straight, clinching with a 2-0 win in Game 5 at Progressive Field on Saturday, October 10. Monday's Game 1 win made it four in a row. It's Cleveland's second ALCS in three seasons, after a loss to the Yankees in 2024. Look back at White Sox vs. Guardians in the ALDS.
- Rays: Tampa Bay won 98 games and the AL East, then swept the Yankees 3-0 in the Division Series, winning 1-0, 5-2 and 4-3. It's the Rays' first ALCS since 2020 and their third ever; they reached the World Series both previous times, in 2008 and 2020. See Yankees vs. Rays in the ALDS.
- History: Cleveland swept the Rays 2-0 in the 2022 Wild Card Series, including a 1-0 win in 15 innings, the longest scoreless game in postseason history.
Follow the rest of the postseason in our 2026 ALCS hub, the 2026 NLCS guide and our MLB on DIRECTV guide.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Guardians vs. Rays on DIRECTV?
Every ALCS game airs on TBS (channel 247) and truTV (channel 246) on DIRECTV, as of Oct. 13, 2026. UniMás (channel 408) has the Spanish-language broadcast, and HBO Max streams every game.
When is ALCS Game 2?
Game 2 is Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on TBS, truTV, UniMás and HBO Max. The Guardians lead the series 1-0.
Is the ALCS on FOX or ESPN?
No. TNT Sports has the ALCS on TBS, truTV and HBO Max. FOX and FS1 have the NLCS.
Can I stream the ALCS with DIRECTV?
Yes. The DIRECTV app streams TBS and truTV live. HBO Max also simulcasts every game, and DIRECTV PREMIER includes HBO Max Standard.
Where are the Guardians-Rays games played?
Games 1 and 2, and Games 6 and 7 if needed, are at Tropicana Field. Games 3, 4 and 5 (if needed) are at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
Need TBS and truTV in time for Game 2? Call 1-855-690-9884 to compare DIRECTV packages at your address.
Details reviewed October 13, 2026. Game times and broadcast details are set by MLB and TNT Sports and may change. Channel lineups and package availability vary by address. MLB, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, UniMás, MLB Network, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.