The Cleveland Guardians took control of the American League Championship Series on Thursday afternoon. Cleveland beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in Game 3 at Progressive Field and leads the best of seven series two games to one.

Nathaniel Lowe opened the scoring with a run scoring double in the second inning. Tampa Bay answered in the fourth when Chandler Simpson hit a two run triple off Gavin Williams and the Rays moved ahead 2-1.

The fifth inning decided it. Petey Halpin hit a go ahead two run homer off Griffin Jax, his first home run of this postseason, and Cleveland never gave the lead back. Williams earned the win with nine strikeouts over five innings, allowing two runs on two hits. He leads all pitchers this postseason with 33 strikeouts in 16 and two thirds innings.

Cade Smith recorded the final four outs for his second save of the series. Daniel Espino, Erik Sabrowski and Hunter Gaddis also worked scoreless relief as the Guardians bullpen combined for four shutout frames and Cleveland combined on a three hitter.

Game 4 is Friday night in Cleveland at 8 PM Eastern on TBS, truTV and HBO Max. Tampa Bay starts Nick Martinez and Cleveland opens with Shawn Armstrong in a bullpen game. The Guardians can move within one win of the World Series with another home win.

Key Facts

  • Final: Guardians 3, Rays 2. Cleveland leads the ALCS 2-1.
  • Winner: Gavin Williams, 9 strikeouts in 5 innings.
  • Decider: Petey Halpin two run homer in the fifth inning.
  • Save: Cade Smith, final four outs.
  • Next: Game 4, Friday 6 PM ET in Cleveland.

VIA Reuters, USA Today, theScore.

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