CLEVELAND — The Guardians will finally get their chance to take a commanding lead in the American League Championship Series Saturday night.

After Friday's game was postponed by rain, Cleveland returns to Progressive Field holding a 2-1 series lead over the Tampa Bay Rays. A victory would put the Guardians one win away from their first World Series appearance since 2016.

The extra day off hasn't changed either team's pitching plans.

Manager Stephen Vogt will still send Shawn Armstrong to the mound as an opener, with Joey Cantillo, Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi, and possibly Foster Griffin available to follow. Armstrong has allowed just one hit over 5? scoreless innings in four postseason appearances.

Tampa Bay will counter with Nick Martinez, who presents a difficult challenge for Cleveland's lineup. Martinez went 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA during the regular season and was particularly effective against the Guardians, throwing 13 scoreless innings across two starts.

Cleveland enters the game with momentum after Thursday's 3-2 victory. Petey Halpin delivered the decisive blow with a two-run homer, while Gavin Williams struck out nine batters over five innings before the bullpen finished the job.

José Ramírez has also been outstanding this postseason, batting .367 with eight RBI. His production will be important against Martinez, who has already shut down Cleveland twice this year.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is still looking for its offense to get going. The Rays have scored no more than three runs in any of the first three games, with Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, and Jonathan Aranda struggling to produce consistently.

Game Information

The rainout also eliminates the scheduled day off between Games 5 and 6. Game 5 will now be played Sunday at 5:08 p.m. in Cleveland, with Games 6 and 7, if necessary, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Tampa Bay.

For the Guardians, that makes taking advantage of Saturday's opportunity even more important. Cleveland has leaned heavily on its pitching staff throughout the postseason, and a shorter series would help keep those arms fresh for a potential World Series matchup with Milwaukee.

Prediction

Martinez has been outstanding against Cleveland this season, and I expect another low-scoring game. But the Guardians have found ways to win close games throughout October, and their bullpen has been a major reason why.

I expect Armstrong and the pitchers behind him to keep Tampa Bay's struggling offense under control. If Ramírez and the middle of Cleveland's lineup can produce a few timely hits, the Guardians should have enough to take another step toward the American League pennant.

Guardians 4, Rays 2