CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians have returned home with the American League Championship Series tied at one game apiece, and they'll have one of their hottest pitchers on the mound Thursday afternoon when they face the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3.

Gavin Williams will start for Cleveland against Tampa Bay right-hander Griffin Jax, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at Progressive Field. Major League Baseball moved the game from its originally scheduled 6 p.m. start because of rain expected in the Cleveland area later Thursday.

The Guardians earned a split in Tampa Bay, winning Monday's opener 7-3 before dropping Tuesday's game 3-1. With the next three games scheduled for Progressive Field, Cleveland has an opportunity to take control of the best-of-seven series.

Williams Returns After Dominating Chicago

Williams was instrumental in Cleveland's remarkable comeback against the White Sox in the American League Division Series, recording 24 strikeouts and a 1.54 ERA across 11? innings.

His most impressive performance came in the decisive Game 5, when he struck out 12 Chicago hitters over 5? innings to help Cleveland advance with a 2-0 victory. That outing came on just one day's rest after Williams pitched in relief during Game 4, making his performance even more remarkable.

The right-hander finished the regular season 14-8 with a 3.76 ERA and 248 strikeouts. His ability to generate swings and misses should be particularly valuable against a Tampa Bay lineup that can produce runs throughout the order.

Williams also has a strong history against the Rays, carrying a 2-1 record and 1.80 ERA across five career starts against Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay Counters With Griffin Jax

The Rays will send Griffin Jax to the mound after the right-hander completed the regular season with an 8-10 record and a 3.53 ERA.

Jax was particularly effective late in the season, allowing only two runs across his final four regular-season starts and a relief appearance against the Yankees in the Division Series. During that stretch, he struck out 19 batters in 20 innings.

Unlike Williams, Jax hasn't been working deep into games recently. His last regular-season start came September 26, and his only postseason appearance was a two-inning relief outing against New York.

That could provide an opportunity for Cleveland to force Tampa Bay into its bullpen early, particularly if the Guardians can work deep counts and avoid giving away quick outs.

Cleveland Needs More Consistent Offense

The difference between Cleveland's first two ALCS games was striking. The Guardians collected 14 hits and scored seven runs Monday, including five runs over the final two innings, but managed just one run against Freddy Peralta and the Tampa Bay bullpen Tuesday.

Chase DeLauter has been one of Cleveland's most productive hitters in the series, collecting three hits, including a home run, in Game 1 before driving in the team's only run with a double in Game 2. José Ramírez also opened the series with three hits, although his fourth-inning defensive error Tuesday helped Tampa Bay score three unearned runs.

The Guardians will need more production throughout the batting order rather than relying on a handful of contributors. Working Jax into difficult situations early could also help Cleveland avoid another game in which a strong pitching performance goes unrewarded.

Defensively, the Guardians cannot afford mistakes like the one that changed Tuesday's game. Williams has been effective enough to keep Cleveland competitive, but giving Tampa Bay extra opportunities could quickly negate that advantage.

Home Field Could Make the Difference

Progressive Field provided the setting for Cleveland's dramatic ALDS comeback after the Guardians fell behind Chicago two games to none. Cleveland won three consecutive elimination games to advance, with Williams delivering the finishing touch in Game 5.

The Guardians won't face elimination Thursday, but taking a 2-1 series lead would put them in an excellent position with Games 4 and 5 also scheduled for Cleveland.

Tampa Bay won 98 games during the regular season and took five of six meetings against the Guardians, so there is little reason to expect an easy afternoon. However, Cleveland has already demonstrated its ability to defeat the Rays and has a favorable pitching matchup with Williams taking the mound.

The Guardians have accomplished the first part of their objective by splitting the opening two games on the road. Now they'll try to make their home-field advantage count.