Full Breakdown
ALCS Game 3 Moved to Early Afternoon Amid Forecasted Rain
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Schedule Change for Thursday’s Contest
Major League Baseball announced that the third game of the American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians will start at 1 p.m. Eastern Time instead of the previously set 6 p.m. slot. The league said the adjustment reflects a forecast of rain in Cleveland later that evening. The change was communicated to fans and media earlier this week, and the broadcast arrangement remains unchanged: the game will air on TBS and stream on HBO Max.
Guardians Confirm Ticket Validity and Venue Details
The Cleveland Guardians issued a statement confirming that the game will be played at Progressive Field as scheduled, and that tickets purchased for the original 6 p.m. start time remain valid for the new 1 p.m. kickoff. The team also noted that additional tickets are still available for purchase.
Series Overview and Recent Performances
The ALCS is tied at one win apiece. In Game 1, the Rays defeated the Guardians 7–3 after a strong early lead; pitcher Drew Rasmussen delivered a solid outing before surrendering solo home runs in the sixth and seventh innings, and the Rays’ bullpen later faltered. Game 2 saw Tampa Bay win 3–1, with rookie Parker Messick allowing four hits over four innings and the Guardians’ offense limited to a single two-run single by Liam Hicks following a fielding error by José Ramírez. Freddy Peralta, who started for the Rays in Game 2, has allowed four runs in his last eight appearances and recorded a career-high fastball velocity of 96.9 mph. Griffin Jax is slated to make his first postseason start for Tampa Bay on Thursday, while the Guardians have not yet confirmed their Game 3 starter; right-hander Gavin Williams is a possible candidate.
Impact on Fans and Broadcast Viewership
The earlier start time is intended to avoid weather-related interruptions, allowing the game to conclude before any rain develops. Fans who planned to attend after typical work hours may need to adjust travel arrangements, but the continued availability of tickets and the unchanged national broadcast schedule aim to minimize disruption.