hawaiitribune_herald
Petey Halpin celebrated the biggest hit of his young career by launching his bat high into the air. The Cleveland Guardians, however, reserved their most exuberant celebrations for after the final out.
Halpin's go-ahead, two-run home run in the fifth inning off Griffin Jax proved to be the decisive blow in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, as Cleveland defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 on Thursday afternoon. The Guardians now hold a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series.
With the next two games scheduled at home, Cleveland could clinch the pennant and secure a World Series berth without needing to return to Florida.
Halpin's first postseason home run traveled 385 feet over the right-field fence, bringing Patrick Bailey home and giving the Guardians a 3-2 lead. It was the first homer allowed by Jax since September 9, prompting Halpin's playful bat flip.
After Halpin provided the lead, Cleveland's pitching staff took control. Ace Gavin Williams and four relievers combined on a three-hitter, striking out 13 batters to raise their postseason total to 102—an MLB record through eight games.
Williams (2-0) struck out nine over five innings, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk. The right-hander leads all postseason pitchers with 33 strikeouts in just 16 2/3 innings across four appearances.
Cade Smith tossed a perfect final 1 1/3 innings to earn his second save of the series. Daniel Espino, Erik Sabrowski, and Hunter Gaddis also contributed as Cleveland began a three-game homestand in the series.
Jax (0-1) pitched four-plus innings, surrendering three runs on five hits. The right-hander struck out two and walked two, but was left ruing his lack of control on the sinker that Halpin sent over the fence.
Tampa Bay had taken a 2-1 lead in the fourth on Chandler Simpson's two-run triple to right. Yandy Diaz and Victor Mesa Jr. scored on the hit that landed just inside the foul line, making Simpson 3-for-6 in his career against Williams.
The Rays' three hits were their fewest in an ALCS game in three appearances. Their 2-1 series deficit is the first time they have trailed in the round after three games.
Williams, who carried a no-hitter into the sixth in Game 5 of the AL Division Series against the Chicago White Sox, retired the first nine batters before Diaz doubled leading off the fourth. Nathaniel Lowe doubled in the second, driving in Jo Adell to put Cleveland up 1-0. Adell had been called out on strikes by umpire Bill Miller, but challenged it and drew a walk.
Diaz appeared in his franchise postseason-record 31st game for the Rays. Jax, an Air Force Reserve captain, became the first pitcher to graduate from a United States service academy and start a playoff game.
Key Analysis
The Guardians' victory in Game 3 showcased their resilience and depth, with Halpin's timely hitting and a dominant pitching performance. Cleveland's staff has been historically effective, setting a postseason strikeout record. The Rays, meanwhile, must regroup to avoid falling further behind in the series. With the next two games at home, the Guardians are in a commanding position to advance to the World Series.
Originally reported by hawaiitribune_herald.