MLB POSTGAME

Halpin's homer puts Cleveland back in front

Victory Pulse · October 16, 2026 · Edition prepared before Friday’s games

October 15 | ALCS Game 3 | Cleveland 3, Tampa Bay 2

Petey Halpin's two-run homer in the fifth inning supplied the difference as Cleveland edged Tampa Bay 3–2. Gavin Williams and four relievers held the Rays to three hits and combined for 13 strikeouts, giving the Guardians a 2–1 series advantage.

The Victory Pulse takeaway: Cleveland paired one timely swing with pitching that left almost no margin for a response. Tampa Bay now needs to create more consistent offensive pressure to regain control of the series.