Guardians Beat Rays 3-2, Take 2-1 ALCS Lead

The Cleveland Guardians beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven matchup. Petey Halpin’s two-run home run in the fifth inning put Cleveland ahead, and the team’s bullpen protected the one-run margin over the final four innings. The Rays had taken a 2-1 lead in the fourth after Chandler Simpson tripled with two outs, driving in Yandy Díaz and Victor Mesa Jr. Cleveland had scored first in the second inning, when Nathaniel Lowe’s hit brought Jo Adell home from first base. Halpin’s homer came after Patrick Bailey led off the fifth with an infield single against Tampa Bay starter Griffin Jax. The blast gave Cleveland its 3-2 advantage. Jax allowed three runs on five hits in just over four innings, while striking out two and walking two. Cleveland starter Gavin Williams worked five innings, allowing two runs on two hits and striking out nine. The Rays’ two-run fourth was their only scoring. Cleveland pitchers retired 16 of Tampa Bay’s final 17 batters, according to the game accounts. Daniel Espino and Erik Sabrowski each handled an inning, and Hunter Gaddis recorded two outs in the eighth....