What happened: Cleveland Guardians starter Gavin Williams retired all nine Tampa Bay Rays batters he faced to open Game 3 of the ALCS, recording five strikeouts across the first three innings. Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning while Williams held Tampa Bay without a baserunner.

Why it matters: Williams carries dominant postseason swing-and-miss stuff into the series after tying a Guardians record with 12 strikeouts in his Game 5 win on Oct. 11. Early efficiency from the right-hander gives Cleveland a chance to control the middle innings and preserve its bullpen.

What to watch: Williams enters the fourth inning facing the top of the Rays order for a second time protecting a 1-0 lead.