The ALCS will get back underway Thursday afternoon instead of Thursday night, with MLB moving Game 3 between the Rays and Guardians up to 1 pm ET because of forecasted inclement weather in Cleveland. The game had originally been set for 6 pm ET.
That change matters, but so does the bigger picture: the series is tied after two games, and the next three will be played in Cleveland. Tampa Bay heads north after evening things up with a 3-1 win in Game 2, while Cleveland opened the series with a 7-3 victory after what looked like a strong night for the Rays in Game 1.
Game 1 had Tampa Bay in position early, with a 2-0 lead and Drew Rasmussen cruising before Cleveland’s offense took over and flipped the game. The Guardians finished that one with the 7-3 win. The Rays answered in Game 2, getting a strong outing from Freddy Peralta to keep the series from slipping away.
Now the focus shifts to Game 3, where Tampa Bay is turning to Griffin Jax instead of Nick Martinez. That was a bit of a surprise, considering Martinez was a strong pitcher for the club during the regular season, but Kevin Cash is apparently keeping him in reserve, presumably for Game 4.
Jax has already worked in relief against the Yankees and threw two innings in that appearance, so the Rays’ approach on Thursday will be worth watching. Cash and Tampa Bay have never been shy about mixing and matching, and Game 3 could easily turn into a bullpen-heavy night.
Cleveland, meanwhile, will counter with Gavin Williams. The right-hander has been sharp in the postseason, and he gives the Guardians a tough edge in a game Tampa Bay badly needs to find a way to steal.
With the series tied and home-field advantage now on Cleveland’s side, the Rays are looking to grab at least one of the next two and send this thing back to Tropicana Field with momentum. Game 3 is their first chance, and it comes in the kind of spot where a win can change everything.
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Rays Fans Just Got Hit With A Brutal ALCS Game 3 Change
The ALCS is heading into a pivotal Game 3 with the series tied at one win apiece, but the start time has taken a sharp turn. Major League Baseball has pushed first pitch from 6 p.m. EDT to 1 p.m. EDT, with the matchup between the Rays and Guardians still set to air on TBS and related platforms.
Forecasted rain in Cleveland prompted the adjustment, a move MLB made to keep the series on schedule and reduce the risk of weather complications. For Tampa Bay, it means a much different rhythm for a game that suddenly has even more weight, with the next swing in the series now coming in the middle of the day instead of under the lights. [Read more 🡒]