The Cleveland Guardians delivered a thrilling postseason victory Wednesday night, edging the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series in Cleveland.
With the win, the Guards took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series, as they continue their push toward the World Series.
The hero of the night was center fielder Petey Halpin, who delivered the biggest swing of the game and his career with a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 5th inning and added an epic bat flip as he began his homer trot.
Nathaniel Lowe also came through at the plate, driving in a run with a double in the bottom of the 2nd inning to help provide the offensive support the Guardians needed against the Rays.
On the mound, Gavin Williams earned the win, going 5 innings, striking out 9 and giving up only 2 hits and 2 runs.
The Guardians relied on their pitching to protect the narrow lead, with the bullpen stepping up in the late innings to preserve the advantage. Cade Smith handled the pressure in the 9th inning, recording the save and closing the door on Tampa Bay’s comeback hopes.
The 3-2 victory gives Cleveland a 2-1 advantage in the ALCS and puts the Guardians 2 wins away from advancing to the World Series.
Game 4 of the ALCS is scheduled in Cleveland for Friday night at 8 PM weather permitting.
