Friday, October 14, 2016

ALCS Game 1: Indians take opener behind Francisco Lindor's home run

Francisco Lindor celebrates his two-run home run with Jason Kipnis during ALCS Game 1. (AP)
Francisco Lindor celebrates his two-run home run with Jason Kipnis during ALCS Game 1. (AP)
The Cleveland Indians struck first in the American League Championship Series, winning the series opener 2-0 over the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field.
With the starting pitchers throwing up zeroes all night, this game felt like it could come down to one big swing. Francisco Lindor provided it, launching a two-run homer in the sixth inning to break the scoreless tie. The offense came in support of Corey Kluber, who fired 6 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Once Kluber left the hill, Cleveland’s bullpen took it home, with Andrew Miller and Cody Allen combining to record eight outs on six strikeouts.
Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada shouldn’t hang his head too long though. He was excellent all night, making just that one costly mistake to Lindor. The Blue Jays powerful offense will have about 18 hours to regroup and refocus before an important Game 2 on Saturday afternoon.

• Francisco Lindor was the offensive star of the game based on his go-ahead home run. He also added a single to give him five hits and 12 total bases through four postseason games.
• It wasn’t always easy for Corey Kluber, but he managed to weave in and out of traffic to keep Toronto’s offense off the scoreboard. Toronto’s best scoring chances against him came in the first three innings, but each time Kluber stranded two runners, which kept the game scoreless. Over 6 1/3 innings, Kluber allowed six hits and two walks while striking out six. He’s now up to 13 scoreless innings to begin the postseason.
• Once Kluber settled in, Terry Francona barely had to break a sweat when it came to pitching decisions. He rolled with Andrew Miller in the seventh and eighth inning, before turning it over to closer Cody Allen in the ninth. As noted, they combined to strike out six batters over the final eight outs. Miller racked up five of those strikeouts giving him 12 in 5 1/3 innings this postseason. That’s flat out dominance.

• Russell Martin had a chance to be a game-changer for Toronto, but ended up going 0-for-4. His rough night included leaving two runners on base in both the first and third innings. He grounded out to end the first-inning threat before striking out to end the third.
• This isn’t so much about Devon Travis’ play (though he was 0-for-2) but rather his injury situation what it means for Toronto. Travis was forced to leave game after his bulky right knee flared up as he fielded Tyler Naquin’s ground ball in the fifth inning. Given the discomfort he was clearly in, his status for the series should be considered highly questionable. That’s a big concern for the Jays.

There wasn’t a lot of margin for error in this well-pitched and overall well-played game. With that in mind, it all comes right back around to Lindor’s home run. Without it, these teams may have played deep into the night without a winner.

• How will the Blue Jays bounce back after a rough night offensively? It wasn’t just Corey Kluber and Cleveland’s bullpen that had them frustrated, they let off some steam at home-plate umpire Laz Diaz as well, which perhaps showed they were wound a little too tight for this game. They won’t face as tough a pitcher in Josh Tomlin, but a calmer demeanor might go a long way in helping them rebound.
• Of course, Blue Jays fans will continue talking about the strike zone of Laz Diaz. While we understand the frustration to some extent, it seemed Edwin Encarnacion in particular didn’t have much to complain about.
About the current crop of young shortstops currently playing for contenders: They’re pretty good.
These teams will turn around right away to play Game 2 at 4:00 p.m ET on Saturday afternoon. The Indians had planned to start Trevor Bauer. However, a bizarre injury has pushed him back until Game 3 on Monday. That opens the door for Josh Tomlin (13-9, 4.40), who pitched what he described as the game of his life in their ALDS clincher against Boston. The Blue Jays will counter with veteran left-hander J.A. Happ (20-4, 3.18).
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