The Cleveland Guardians are 2-1 up on the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series, and they have an unlikely hero in Petey Halpin to thank. The rookie center fielder came up with a clutch two-run home run to give the Guardians the lead and the win in Game 3. He also added an epic bat flip to cap off the magical moment.

In the post-game press conference, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt shared his delight that Halpin got to have such a big postseason moment. He also praised the young player's performance thus far in the series.

“That's really cool. Really happy for Petey. It's the second time he's picked us up in a big spot this year. Really fun moment for him. Great swing. He's had great at-bats this series. I really like the way he's approaching it. He's getting some hits. It's a lot of fun to watch,” Vogt said about Halpin.

In his first full season in the majors, the 24-year-old Halpin hit .225 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 83 regular season games for the Guardians.

Meanwhile, his addition has coincided with Cleveland's change in fortunes this postseason. Since his first appearance in Game 3 against the White Sox, the Guardians have gone 5-1 over the last six games. He also contributed two doubles in the decisive Game 5 win against Chicago.

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But aside from Halpin's heroics to put his team ahead, the story of the ALCS thus far has been the Guardians' bullpen, which has shut down the Rays' bats. Led by their dominant closer Cade Smith, Guardians relievers have given up just one run in 13 innings of work over the first three games of the championship series.

The Guardians will be aiming to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the Rays in Game 4 on Friday.