Petey Halpin Powers Guardians to Game 3 Victory Over Rays in ALCS

The Cleveland Guardians came away with a narrow 3-2 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the ALCS. 

The Guardians got on the board in the bottom of the 2nd, as Jo Adell reached on a walk and scored on a Nathaniel Lowe double to take a 1-0 lead. Cleveland had luck on their side as the ball ricocheted, allowing Adell to go first-to-home.

However, the Rays battled back, as Chandler Simpson hit a two-run triple to right, giving Tampa Bay a 2-1 advantage. Center fielder Petey Halpin played hero for the Guardians. In the bottom of the 5th, Halpin crushed a two-run home run to right center, with a bat flip on top, to give Cleveland a 3-2 lead.

Halpin has provided a spark for the Guardians lineup since they put him in over Angel Martinez. Martinez had struggled in the postseason, going 1-for-18 with 10 strikeouts. Halpin has been much better for Cleveland, as he entered Game 3 hitting 3-for-9 with two extra-base hits.

He added to that with his clutch home run, which led to Cleveland's win and a 2-1 series lead. Halpin wasn't particularly impressive in the regular season, slashing .225/.268/.326 with four home runs, four doubles, a triple, 14 RBIs, 27 runs, and a .594 OPS.

Despite his regular-season struggles, the 24-year-old is now a playoff hero and will look to continue his hot streak in Game 4.

Halpin's home run was all the Guardians needed as the bullpen shut down the Rays' lineup. Tampa Bay made some noise in the top of the 8th when Richie Palacios doubled off Hunter Gaddis and advanced to third on a groundout by Taylor Walls.

This brought Stephen Vogt out, and he called on his closer, Cade Smith, to get the final out of the inning. Smith won the 10-pitch battle with Yandy Díaz and struck him out.

Smith then shut down the Rays in the top of the 9th, getting Jonathan Aranda and Victor Mesa Jr. to fly out while striking out Junior Caminero.

The Guardians didn't need much offense as their bullpen didn't allow a run after a strong start from Gavin Williams, who went five innings, allowing two hits, a walk, and two earned runs while striking out nine. It was another stellar start from Williams, who continues to have a great postseason.

Cleveland hosts Game 4 at home on Friday with a chance to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.