Halpin homers as Guardians beat Rays 3-2 to take 2-1 ALCS lead

CLEVELAND — Petey Halpin hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 on Thursday in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field.

Cleveland leads the series 2-1.

Cleveland scored first in the second inning when Nathaniel Lowe doubled home Jo Adell.

Tampa Bay went in front in the fourth on Chandler Simpson's two-run triple, which scored Yandy Díaz and Victor Mesa Jr.

Halpin's home run in the fifth scored Patrick Bailey ahead of him and put Cleveland back in front. Halpin drove in two runs, José Ramírez had two of Cleveland's six hits, and Tampa Bay was held to three hits.

Gavin Williams (2-0) earned the win, allowing two runs on two hits over five innings with one walk and nine strikeouts. Daniel Espino, Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith combined for four scoreless innings of relief, with Smith recording the final four outs for his second save of the postseason.

Griffin Jax (0-1) took the loss, allowing three runs on five hits over four innings with two walks and two strikeouts. Tyler Wells and Steven Matz each threw two scoreless innings in relief for Tampa Bay.

Game 4 is Friday in Cleveland, with first pitch at 4 p.m. MT. Nick Martinez starts for Tampa Bay. Cleveland has not announced a starter.

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