CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians will have to wait another day for their chance to take a commanding lead in the American League Championship Series.
Friday night's Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Rays was postponed because of rain at Progressive Field. The game has been rescheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, with Game 5 moving to Sunday at 5 p.m.
Cleveland leads the best-of-seven series 2-1 after Thursday's 3-2 victory, when Petey Halpin's two-run home run in the fifth inning gave the Guardians a lead they wouldn't surrender.
The postponement also gives both teams another day to rest their pitching staffs, although Cleveland isn't changing its plans for Game 4.
Manager Stephen Vogt will still use Shawn Armstrong as the opener Saturday, with several pitchers expected to follow in what is essentially a bullpen game. Tampa Bay will counter with Nick Martinez, who had been scheduled to start Friday.
The additional day could have a greater impact on Game 5. Foster Griffin, who allowed two runs over five innings in Cleveland's Game 1 victory Monday, would have another day of rest available if Vogt chooses to use him.
The rainout also eliminates the scheduled day off between Games 5 and 6. If the series goes that far, Cleveland and Tampa Bay could play four consecutive days, with Game 6 scheduled for Monday in St. Petersburg and a potential Game 7 on Tuesday.
Fans planning to attend the remaining games in Cleveland should also note an important ticket change.
Tickets for Friday's postponed Game 4 will now be honored for Sunday's Game 5, scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Fans holding tickets for Saturday's originally scheduled Game 5 will use those tickets for Saturday's Game 4. No ticket exchanges are necessary.
The revised schedule gives Cleveland two more opportunities to win at home and reach its first World Series since 2016. With the Guardians leading the series 2-1, another victory Saturday would put Tampa Bay one loss away from elimination.
Game 4 will be televised on TBS and truTV, with streaming available on HBO Max.
