Halpin, Guardians Edge Rays to Take ALCS Lead

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

October 15, 2026

Guardians 3, Rays 2 — ALCS Game Three

(Editor’s Note: The article has been updated to reflect the Rays announcing their Game Four starting pitcher, which they had not done when this article went live.)

The Cleveland Guardians notched a 3–2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. The Guardians took a 2–1 lead in the ALCS with the help of a two-run homer by Petey Halpin in the fifth inning. The Rays will aim to even the series in Game Four, which will get underway Friday at 6 pm Eastern at Progressive Field. As of press time, the Guardians had yet to announce their starting pitcher for that game, but the Rays will start right-hander Nick Martinez (0–0, 4.91 ERA in 2026 playoffs).

Guardians – Rays Game Summary

The Guardians drew first blood in the bottom of the second with righty Griffin Jax on the mound. After an unsuccessful ABS challenge by Rays catcher Liam Hicks, Jo Adell trotted to first with a leadoff walk. He was brought home a moment later on a sharp double to right by Nathaniel Lowe.

The Rays took a 2–1 lead in the top of the fourth off right-hander Gavin Williams. Yandy Diaz opened the frame by lining a double to left. Williams struck out Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero, both swinging, before allowing a free pass to Victor Mesa Jr. On deck was Chandler Simpson, who plated Diaz and Mesa with a standup triple that barely stayed fair upon rolling into the right-field corner.

The Guardians reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Patrick Bailey set the table with an infield single to short to lead things off. That brought up Halpin, who belted a two-run blast to right before releasing a sky-high bat flip as he began his victory lap around the bases.

Cade Smith, in a relief role, closed out the game for the Guardians. He tossed a scoreless inning and a third.

What Went Right for the Guardians

The Guardians held the lead for most of the afternoon on Thursday. More importantly, they took an early lead in the second inning on the RBI double by Lowe. The rest of their offense came in the fifth on the two-run shot by Halpin. Bailey also delivered with his single prior to Halpin’s plate appearance.

The Guardians’ pitching staff did a nice job as well. They held the Rays to a 1-for-6 clip with runners in scoring position and combined for 13 strikeouts between the five pitchers they used.

What Went Wrong for the Guardians

The Guardians faced a hiccup in the fourth when the Rays grabbed the lead on the triple by Simpson. Diaz and Mesa did their part by reaching on a double and a walk, respectively.

Pitching Notes

Williams picked up the win for the Guardians on Thursday. He pitched five innings, surrendering two runs, both earned, on two hits along the way. He walked one and struck out nine to improve his postseason record to 2–0 with an ERA of 2.16.

Smith earned his second save of the playoffs after striking out two over his inning and a third.

Jax shouldered the loss, bringing his October record to 0–1 with an ERA of 6.00. He allowed three runs, all earned, on five hits, one of which was the Halpin bomb. Jax also walked two and struck out two.

Vogt’s Postgame Comments

After the game, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt reflected on Halpin’s big at-bat. “That’s really cool,” he said. “I’m really happy for Petey. It’s the second time he’s picked us up in a big spot this year. And a really fun moment for him, great swing. He’s had great at-bats this series. I really like the way he’s approaching it, and he’s getting some hits. It’s a lot of fun to watch.”

Williams’ Postgame Comments

Guardians starter Gavin Williams discussed the strikeouts their pitching staff piled up on Thursday. “The punch-outs are cool,” he remarked. “But I think there’s a bigger goal than just the punch-outs. I think it’s more of trying to help the team win and give the best possible shot throughout the game to get the win.”