There is something magical happening in Cleveland right now as the Guardians are only two wins away from making it to the World Series. It hasn’t been an easy road, but this team is holding its own in the ALCS with the Tampa Bay Rays. After Thursday’s 3-2 victory over Tampa Bay, the Guardians now hold a 2-1 lead in the series.
Recently on 92.3 The Fan, Ken Carman discussed how quickly the outlook has changed with this team.
“I went from down 0-2 to going, well, this is going to be an ugly, ugly day the day after they lose their series. Now, it’s like, I really think they can do this. I really think they can get to the World Series. I think a lot of people have gone through that rollercoaster of emotions where they are at a 50,000-foot cliff right now at 2-1,” Carman said.
“I really think they can do this. I really think they can get to the World Series.”
➡️ @KenCarman on how quickly the outlook has changed with the Guardians holding a 2-1 ALCS lead.#Guardians pic.twitter.com/1VqQz3FzgA
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 16, 2026
The Guardians will continue the series with Game 4 in Cleveland on Friday night. It might not feel like it, but this team is close to making the World Series for the first time since 2016. The last time Cleveland made it to the World Series, they lost to the Chicago Cubs in Game 7.
This 85-win team is now only two wins away from playing the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. This team has come a long way and is giving the nearly 100-win Rays a great series. The Guardians have a chance to clinch the World Series while still at home. The next two games are in Cleveland before possibly heading back to Tampa Bay for Games 6 or 7.
This team does feel different than years past. Right now, the Guardians are getting help from everyone on the team. The Guardians got a huge lift from rookie Petey Halpin in Game 3. Halpin blasted the go-ahead two-run home run to give the Guardians the lead during Thursday’s win. This team is playing as one unit, and when you do that, it makes it a lot easier to win baseball games.
The fans in Cleveland are conditioned for heartbreak after years of watching their sports teams. However, this Guardians team might be the real deal.
There’s still more work to be done, but after Game 3, this feels like a team that could truly go the distance.
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