ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
For the first time since 1997, the Cleveland Indians are headed to the World Series.
The Indians sealed the deal in Game 5 last night when they beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 to clinch the American League Championship Series.
Indians on the Mound
After unexpectedly being called upon this series, left-hand pitcher Ryan Merritt performed at his best when it mattered. The 24-year old pitched last night in only the second start of his MLB career. Merritt said that despite nerves to begin the game, he quickly relaxed after the first inning and even more when his offense got their bats moving from the very beginning of the game.
He may have also been put at ease with a some pregame video games on his iPad. Perhaps the animated game helped Merritt prepare to take the mound; he stuck out three hitters watching and allowed just three hits and no runs.
Shortly before the biggest start of his life, we caught this moment:
Ryan very calmly playing his favorite video game. #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/JjPUddGfio
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 20, 2016
Miller Time
In addition to Merritt’s performance, relief pitcher Andrew Miller was key to the Indians’ defense the entire series. Out of the 26 hitters he faced over the course of four games, the Gainesville native struck out 14 of them.
Bringing him to Cleveland in a trade deal with the Yankees, the team decided to use him in a different way. They would not just use Miller as a closer or in the eighth inning alone, but instead they would be more lenient with his role.
The leniency has proven to work well in much of Miller’s recent success. After last night’s win, Miller received the series MVP award. He said that although he was happy playing in New York, there is something different about playing for this Indians ball club.
https://twitter.com/a_miller48/status/788970229397352448
Cleveland will play Game 1 of the World Series at home on Tuesday. They will face either the LA Dodgers or Chicago Cubs.
