The Cleveland Guardians hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven ALCS after a 3-2 win in Game 3 at Progressive Field, where Petey Halpin’s fifth-inning two-run homer off Griffin Jax proved decisive and Gavin Williams struck out nine over five innings. The Rays, who posted the AL’s best regular-season record at 98-64 and swept the Yankees in the ALDS, took the season series 5-1 but have dropped two of three in the playoffs so far. Games 4 and 5 remain in Cleveland, giving the Guardians home-field advantage and a chance to close out the series without returning to Tropicana Field. Cleveland’s bullpen has limited damage in late innings, while Tampa Bay’s offense has been held to three hits or fewer in recent contests. Trader consensus reflects the narrow series edge and the immediate scheduling pressure on the Rays to win on the road.