Halpin’s homer lifts Guardians over Rays for 2-1 ALCS lead

Petey Halpin’s two-run homer gave Cleveland the lead as the Guardians beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.

Nathaniel Lowe put Cleveland ahead with an RBI double, but Chandler Simpson’s two-run triple gave Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead in the fourth.

Gavin Williams struck out nine over five innings for Cleveland, allowing two runs and one walk.

The Guardians’ bullpen held the Rays to one baserunner over the final four innings, retiring 16 of Tampa Bay’s final 17 batters.

Cleveland now leads the best-of-seven series 2-1, after winning five of its last six playoff games.

Game 4 is scheduled for Friday, with rain in the forecast.