Cleveland faces elimination Monday night against Tampa Bay in Game 6 of the ALCS. The Guardians must solve Freddy Peralta to keep their World Series hopes alive.

The Cleveland Guardians have spent much of October proving they can survive with their backs against the wall. They’ll need to do it again Monday night, or their pursuit of a World Series championship will come to an abrupt end.

Cleveland faces the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series at Tropicana Field, with first pitch scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET. The Rays lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 after winning consecutive games in Cleveland, including Sunday’s 3-1 victory.

For manager Stephen Vogt, the challenge is familiar.

“We don’t have another choice,” Vogt said of Cleveland’s elimination situation. “This is when this team thrives.”

The Guardians already demonstrated that resilience during the American League Division Series, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against the Chicago White Sox to advance.

But Tampa Bay presents a formidable obstacle, particularly with Freddy Peralta taking the mound.

Peralta has been outstanding since joining the Rays at the trade deadline. The right-hander owns a 0.79 ERA across nine appearances since August 26, including eight starts, and tossed six scoreless innings against Cleveland in Game 2.

The Guardians will counter with a bullpen-heavy approach. Shawn Armstrong is listed as Cleveland’s probable starter, although Vogt could deploy several pitchers, including Slade Cecconi, Joey Cantillo and Tanner Bibee, as the game unfolds.

Ace Gavin Williams isn’t expected to pitch on short rest.

That places additional pressure on Cleveland’s offense, which managed just one run against Drew Rasmussen and Tampa Bay’s bullpen Sunday.

José Ramírez remains central to the Guardians’ hopes. The veteran third baseman has reached base in 17 consecutive postseason games, establishing a franchise record.

Steven Kwan collected two hits Sunday, while rookie Chase DeLauter has provided another valuable offensive contribution throughout October.

Cleveland needs those players to produce early against Peralta rather than waiting until the late innings.

The Rays, meanwhile, are looking to reach their third World Series. Yandy Díaz has been particularly productive, collecting five hits over the past two games.

Tampa Bay also benefits from returning home, where it compiled one of baseball’s strongest records during the regular season.

The stakes couldn’t be clearer.

A Rays victory sends Tampa Bay to the World Series against Milwaukee. A Cleveland victory forces a decisive Game 7 on Tuesday night.

For the Guardians, the formula is straightforward: Get Peralta out of his comfort zone, generate early offense and give an exhausted pitching staff enough support to survive.

Cleveland has already pulled off one remarkable postseason comeback. Now the Guardians need another just to keep playing baseball.