The Indians beat the Blue Jays four games to one in this year's American League Championship Series. It looks like the beating Cleveland gave Toronto on the field is spilling over into social networking sites, too.
Prior to Wednesday's Game 5, Toronto right fielder Jose Bautista said Cleveland rookie starter Ryan Merritt should be "shaking in his boots" at the thought of facing the Blue Jays' veteran lineup. Then Toronto lost and the baseball gods laughed. As did Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis.
"That's why you don't say dumb s—," Kipnis told reporters following the clincher. "Did he (Bautista) get a hit off him (Merritt)? He sure didn't. Pretty good for when you're shaking."
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The talk didn't end with Kipnis' comments. Cleveland starters Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer took to Twitter to lay into Bautista, too.
Shakin' in his boots pic.twitter.com/jYr6W4N6Xt
— Corey Kluber (@CKluber) October 20, 2016
When is that new drake single "circumstances" dropping? I bet it's 🔥🔥🔥 I'll be editing footage tonight. Video coming ASAP!! Stay tuned!
— Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) October 20, 2016
Happy birthday! Headed to the World Series!! #LetsGoTribe !!!! pic.twitter.com/wIf35qt2zK
— Trevor Bauer (@BauerOutage) October 20, 2016
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Even Indians catcher Roberto Perez got in on Bautista's birthday wishes, and he did it with a little third-period Spanish.
@JoeyBats19 como la estas pasando el dia de tu cumpleaños? 😶🤔🍾🍾🍾🍾
— Roberto Perez (@robperez2015) October 20, 2016
Merritt, for his part, didn't take the bait when asked after the game about Bautista.
"I heard it. But I didn't let it affect me or get to me," he told reporters. "I mean, that's a good lineup. I guess he's got the right to say it. It's my first (postseason) start. But the emotions out there were kind of crazy at first, a little nervous."
Still, the champagne must taste a little sweeter for Merritt, Kipnis and the rest of the Tribe. Maybe they should open up a few extra bottles after knocking off Bautista and the Blue Jays. The … circumstances certainly call for it.