Halpin's Two-Run Homer Gives Guardians 2-1 ALCS Lead

Petey Halpin delivered the decisive blow with a two-run homer that put the Guardians ahead for good in a 3-2 victory over the Rays. The win gives Cleveland a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven series. Halpin drove an elevated sinker 385 feet into the right-center stands on a 2-2 count for his first postseason home run. The blast came after Patrick Bailey reached on a misplayed chop and marked the first homer allowed by the Rays pitcher since Sept. 9.

Williams Sets the Tone

Gavin Williams struck out nine over five innings and allowed just two runs. He improved to 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA and has recorded 33 strikeouts across 16 2/3 innings in four postseason appearances. The Guardians bullpen then retired 16 of the final 17 Rays batters, with Daniel Espino, Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith combining to allow only one baserunner over the last four frames.

Rays Offense Limited Late

Tampa Bay took a brief lead on Chandler Simpson's two-run triple in the fourth but managed little else. Rays hitters struck out 13 times and were retired in order in seven innings. Smith stranded a runner at third in the eighth by striking out Yandy Diaz in a 10-pitch at-bat before closing with a 1-2-3 ninth. Game 4 is set for Friday with rain possible.