The Cleveland Guardians had an unexpected hero step up on Thursday. While Gavin Williams was dominant on the mound once again and Cade Smith shut the door with a four-out save, outfielder Petey Halpin came through with a clutch two-run home run in the 5th inning to give Cleveland a 3-2 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Guards never looked back in their 3-2 victory in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series to take a 2-1 series lead. Halpin's moment was electric, and he added some spice with a memorable bat-flip
Video via MLB Camera Roll:
Halpin was asked about the moment after the game, via Mason Horodyski of News 5 Cleveland.
“I looked at it after, I definitely threw it high,” Halpin said. “Just the moment, and like, you know, that being for sure the biggest moment of my career, just the energy and excitement, just kind of let it go.”
Halpin has produced some big moments for the Guardians in the postseason. He also hit a crucial home run against the Chicago White Sox during the regular season.
The 24-year-old outfielder isn't the first guy you think of when it comes to the Guardians best hitters. In fact, many would consider Halpin to be a defensive-first player who can steal some bases for you as well. Halpin, though, has quietly been one of Cleveland's better offensive players in October this year.
Who knows what would have happened on Thursday if Halpin wasn't in the lineup. Manager Stephen Vogt likely won't change a thing when it comes to Halpin's playing time in Game 4 on Friday.