Indians fans have waited nine years for another American League central division title. But this year, the Indians outlasted the Detroit Tigers to claim the central division crown. This year, the Indians are expecting more than just October baseball. The Indians dropped the regular season series to the Red Sox, losing 4 of their 6 games.
On Thursday, the Indians claimed game 1 despite a shaky start. In two of his first three innings, Bauer was unable to keep the Red Sox scoreless. After Bauer was pulled in the fourth inning everything started looking up for the Indians. In the third inning, the Indians hit three solo homeruns, by Roberto Perez, Jason Kipnis, and Francisco Lindor. Andrew Miller tossed two scoreless innings, then Bryan Shaw relieved Miller in and gave up a run, and Cody Allen closed the game with a 5 out save. The Indians outplayed the Red Sox decisively despite only winning 5-4.
Game two in Cleveland went exactly as the Indians wanted it to. The game ended 6-0 in favor of the Indians. Corey Kluber was on the mound for the first time in ten days, delivering a much needed start for the Indians. Kluber pitched seven shutout innings on only three hits. The Indians pitching staff also only allowed one combined hit from Mookie Betts, David Ortiz, and Hanley Ramirez. The Red Sox starter, David Price, pitched only three innings while allowing six hits and five runs. In this game, the Indians’ big bats and shutout pitching gave them a commanding two to zero series lead in a best of five series.
For game three in Boston, Josh Tomlin will be starting for the Indians. Tomlin will be opposed by Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz. Buchholz is a weak link in the Red Sox’s rotation. He has underperformed this season in comparison to his performances in previous years. Buchholz has pitched 139 innings so far this year, with he boasts a 4.78 ERA. Tomlin’s season hasn’t been superb, but since he was moved to the bullpen, he has shown improvement. In his past four starts, Tomlin has only allowed five runs, one home run, and no walks. This game is the most unpredictable pitching matchup in the series.
With a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Red Sox, the Indians now have three opportunities to advance to the American League Championship Series.