Gavin Williams allowed two runs on two hits in five innings while striking out nine and walking one to pick up a win in Game 3 of the ALCS.
Williams was cruising early in this one, keeping the Rays off the scoreboard for the first three innings and striking out five of the first nine batters he faced. He allowed a leadoff double in the fourth but then struck out the next two batters and seemed close to getting out of the jam before a walk and a Chandler Simpson triple plated two runs. Williams would rebound to retire the side in order in the fifth but was then removed from the game at just 70 pitches. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt made it clear that Williams was healthy but had just started two games and made one relief appearance in a six-game stretch, so they wanted to save his arm in case they need him later in the series. Williams has now allowed four runs on eight hits in 16 2/3 innings this postseason while striking out 33 and walking six. He could likely start Game 7 if the series gets that far.
