The Cleveland Guardians grabbed a 2-1 lead in the American League Championship Series on Thursday courtesy of a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3.
Petey Halpin delivered the go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth inning and Cleveland never relinquished the lead. Halpin, who hit four home runs during the regular season, punctuated his postseason blast with an emphatic bat flip.
"I looked at it after. I definitely threw it high," Halpin said postgame. "I think just the moment and that being for sure the biggest moment of my career, just the energy and the excitement, (I) just kind of let it go."
Cade Smith recorded the final four outs, including two strikeouts, to seal the victory.
Right-handed starter Gavin Williams earned the win for Cleveland, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out nine over five innings.
Williams surrendered Tampa Bay's only runs before turning the ball over to a Guardians bullpen that combined for four shutout frames, punctuated by Smith's save.
"Cade's been nails all year," Williams said of his teammate. "We know what he's going to do. We know what to expect from Cade. Honestly, nothing fazes Cade; shows no emotion. And I love that from him. But he's special in every aspect of his life."
Rays righty Griffin Jax ended up with the loss. The 31-year-old coughed up three runs on five hits and a pair of walks in four innings of work. Jax allowed three consecutive batters to reach base to start the fifth inning, including Halpin's homer, before being relieved by Tyler Wells.
Game 4 is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Friday at Progressive Field.
