Petey Halpin's first postseason homer and a lockdown Cleveland bullpen powered the Guardians to a 3-2 Game 3 win over Tampa Bay.
Petey Halpin picked the perfect time for his first playoff home run. His go-ahead two-run shot on Thursday carried the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, and Cleveland now leads the best-of-seven set 2-1.
Gavin Williams set the tone on the mound, striking out nine across five innings and keeping Tampa Bay under pressure. He handed the game to the bullpen at a tight moment, and the relievers did the rest.
The Cleveland relief corps was close to flawless, retiring 11 of the final 12 Rays batters. Tampa Bay never found a way to break through against that late-game wall, and the one-run margin held.
The Guardians now sit two wins from the World Series, but the schedule could throw a curveball. Game 4 is set for Friday, though rain is in the forecast, so the next chapter of this series may be delayed.
