Rays get creative with pitching to pull even in ALCS against Guardians - Sportsnet.ca

CLEVELAND (AP) — In a season where Cleveland rookies helped propel to the Guardians to their third straight AL Central title, it was the team’s emotional spark plug that powered the Guardians to a pivotal victory in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series. Petey Halpin hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the fifth inning and followed with a majestic bat flip as the Guardians beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 Thursday for a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. “It’s the second time he’s kind of picked us up in a big spot this year. And a really fun moment for him, great swing,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. Halpin watched the ball clear the wall in right-center and then launched his bat over his head and into the sky before rounding the bases. The bat might have gone higher than the 25-degree launch angle on his homer. “I definitely threw it high. I think just the moment and that being for sure the biggest moment of my career, just the energy and the excitement, just kind of let it go,” Halpin said. The home run and the bat flip energized Cleveland’s dugout and the 30,101 fans in attendance at Progressive Field.

Extra rest has helped Gavin Williams dominate in the post-season for the Guardians. Thanks to his latest start and Petey Halpin's homer, Cleveland leads the ALCS, writes Shi Davidi.

A pair of Canadian relievers, Cade Smith and Erik Sabrowski, have been instrumental to the Guardians' post-season success. Shi Davidi has the story on the duo's bond from Cleveland.