Guardians take 2-1 lead over Rays in ALCS
The Cleveland Guardians beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3‑2 in Game 3 of the 2026 ALCS, moving ahead 2‑1 in the series after a rain‑shifted start.
Key points
- Petey Halpin hit his first postseason homer to give Guardians a 3‑2 win.
- Gavin Williams pitched five innings, striking out nine before being replaced in the fifth.
- The victory puts Cleveland two wins from their first pennant since 2016.
- Game 4 is set for Friday night, but rain could postpone it.
Guardians win Game 3, take 2-1 lead over Rays in ALCS
The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3–2 in Game 3 of the 2026 American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on Thursday, October 15.
The game, originally scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, was moved to a 1 p.m. ET start because of incoming rain.
Petey Halpin provided the decisive blow with a two‑run homer in the fifth inning, his first postseason home run.
Gavin Williams started for Cleveland, allowing two runs over five innings, striking out nine batters and delivering 70 pitches before being removed in the fifth inning.
Manager Stephen Vogt pulled Williams after his velocity slipped in the fifth inning.
The victory gave Cleveland a 2–1 lead in the best‑of‑seven series, putting the Guardians two wins away from their first pennant since 2016.
Game 4 is scheduled for Friday night, though rain may cause a postponement.
Your questions, answered
What was the score of Game 3 in the 2026 ALCS?
The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3‑2 in Game 3.
Who hit the decisive home run for the Guardians?
Petey Halpin hit a two‑run homer in the fifth inning.
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