The Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians will continue their American League Championship Series on Thursday as the best of seven matchup shifts to Progressive Field for Game 3.
The series is tied 1-1 after Tampa Bay responded with a 3-1 victory in Game 2. Cleveland won the opener 7-3, but the Rays bounced back behind a strong performance from Freddy Peralta and a timely offensive rally.
Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m. ET after being moved earlier because of the forecasted rain in Cleveland. The game will air on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.
Griffin Jax Takes the Mound for Tampa Bay
The Rays will turn to right-hander Griffin Jax as they look to take the series lead.
Jax has been effective recently, allowing only two runs over his last four regular season starts and his relief appearance in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees.
Tampa Bay has relied heavily on its pitching staff throughout the postseason, using different combinations of starters and relievers to keep opposing offenses under control.
Manager Kevin Cash will need another disciplined performance from his pitching staff against a Cleveland lineup that has shown it can produce runs in important moments.
Offensively, the Rays will look to Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda to generate opportunities. Liam Hicks also delivered a key two-run single in Game 2, helping Tampa Bay turn a fourth-inning rally into the decisive advantage.
Gavin Williams Leads Cleveland
The Guardians are expected to start right-hander Gavin Williams, although the team had not officially announced its Game 3 starter in the latest MLB preview.
Williams was outstanding during Cleveland’s previous playoff series against the Chicago White Sox, recording 24 strikeouts over 11⅔ innings in the American League Division Series.
Manager Stephen Vogt will hope Williams can provide length and keep Tampa Bay’s lineup from building momentum early.
Cleveland’s offense will rely on star third baseman José Ramírez, who has been productive throughout the postseason. The Guardians will also look for contributions from Chase DeLauter and the rest of the lineup after struggling to capitalize on opportunities in Game 2.
A Pivotal Game in the ALCS
With the series tied, Game 3 represents an important opportunity for both teams to gain momentum.
Tampa Bay wants to carry its Game 2 success into Cleveland, while the Guardians will have the support of their home crowd as they attempt to regain the series advantage.
Strong starting pitching, timely hitting and bullpen execution could determine which team leaves Progressive Field with a 2-1 lead in the American League Championship Series.
