Brief

Gavin Williams strikes out nine as Guardians close in on World Series

Williams' nine‑strikeout performance helped Cleveland beat Tampa Bay 3‑2 and keep the ALCS lead alive.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:54:24 GMT

In Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams recorded nine strikeouts while allowing two runs and two hits over five innings, giving the Guardians a 3‑2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays and moving them within two wins of a World Series berth.

Williams, a 27‑year‑old right‑hander, entered the game aware that the Rays had posted the most disciplined lineup in the majors during the regular season, a factor that could limit strikeout opportunities. Despite that, he retired the first five batters in order and struck out five more through the first two innings. The only scoring came in the fourth inning when Yandy Díaz doubled, Victor Mesa Jr. walked, and Chandler Simpson hit a two‑run triple that accounted for the Rays' runs.

After the game, Williams said, "The punch‑outs are cool, but I think there’s a bigger goal than just the punch‑outs. I think it’s more of trying to help the team win and give the best possible shot throughout the game to get the win," as reported by the Associated Press via the Winnipeg Free Press.

Williams improves to 2‑0 with a 2.16 ERA in the postseason, having amassed 33 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings across four games. He previously tied a franchise postseason mark with 12 strikeouts in a single game against the Chicago White Sox in the AL Division Series and pitched a relief inning in Game 4 of that series.

The win keeps Cleveland within two victories of its first World Series appearance in ten years, maintaining the lead in the best‑of‑seven series against Tampa Bay.

Key facts

Gavin Williams struck out nine batters in five innings. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The Guardians defeated the Rays 3-2 in Game 3 of the ALCS. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Williams improved to 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA in the postseason. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The victory moved Cleveland within two wins of a World Series berth. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Williams became the first Cleveland pitcher with three straight postseason starts of at least nine strikeouts. (winnipegfreepress.com)