Yankees Complete Comeback Over Indians to Advance to ALCS

The Cleveland Indians had a remarkable second half of the season, finishing with an American League best record of 102-60. They entered the playoffs with a healthy starting rotation, unlike last year, when they went all the way to Game 7 of the World Series before losing in extra innings to the Chicago Cubs.. The post season started off well, with the Indians taking a 2-0 lead in their best of five Division Series with the New York Yankees.

Then the whole thing went off the rails. After opening with a pair of victories at home, Cleveland lost the next two games in New York, and the series was tied 2-2. It returned to Cleveland for the decisive Game 5 on October 11th, and Corey Kluber, 18-4 during the regular season with a 2.25 ERA, took the mound for the Indians. But Kluber lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on a pair of homers by shortstop Didi Gregorius. The Yankees went on to win 5-2, and advance to face the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series.

It’s the second year in a row that the Indians were within one game of winning a series, but blew a big lead. They were up three games to one in the World Series last year before the Cubs reeled off three wins in row. Speaking of the Cubs, they face the Washington Nationals in Game 5 of their Division Series on October 12th. The winner will play the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.