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Smith tosses latest round of calm perfection with 4-out save in Game 3

Cleveland Guardians reliever Cade Smith delivered another flawless performance in the postseason, securing a four-out save in Game 3 of the ALCS to preserve a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Smith entered the eighth inning with the game tied and retired all four batters he faced, including a strikeout of leadoff hitter Yandy Díaz on a 98 mph fastball.

His dominance extended into the ninth, where he struck out Randy Arozarena and Victor Mesa Jr. to close out the game, showcasing his elite postseason form.

Smith has been a cornerstone of the Guardians' bullpen this year, earning his first All-Star selection and tying for the MLB lead with 41 saves before the playoffs. Manager Stephen Vogt has leaned on Smith heavily in October, using him in high-leverage situations beyond the ninth inning, a strategy that has paid off as Cleveland pushes toward a World Series berth.

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