ALCS 2016: Three takeaways from Indians' shutout of Blue Jays in Game 1

Joe Rodgers

ALCS 2016: Three takeaways from Indians' shutout of Blue Jays in Game 1 image

For the second time this postseason, Corey Kluber and the Indians have pitched a home shutout against one of the most potent offenses in the major leagues. They did it to the Red Sox in the AL Division Series. Friday night in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series, they did it to the Blue Jays, 2-0.

Kluber worked 6 1/3 innings, striking out six, before giving way to Andrew Miller (1 2/3 innings, five strikeouts) and Cody Allen (a perfect ninth) in what has become manager Terry Francona's patented unconventional approach this postseason to holding a lead. 

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Francisco Lindor provided the only runs of Game 1 with two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth, scoring Jason Kipnis, who had his bat kissed by Francona before reaching on a walk. 

Three takeaways from Cleveland's win.

1. Indians pitchers frustrate Blue Jays batters.  Toronto suffered its first loss and shutout in October as the club struck out 12 times. On three of the strikeouts, Jays batters were visibly upset with home plate umpire Laz Diaz's calls. Jose Bautista, Melvin Upton Jr. and Edwin Encarnacion had words with Diaz and even manager John Gibbons walked out to "chat" with Diaz after Encarnacion's called strikeout in the eighth inning. 

2. The Blue Jays couldn't convert with runners on base.  Toronto had two runners on base in each of the first three innings against Kluber. Russell Martin and Devon Travis combined to leave eight runners on base as they continue to struggle this postseason (2 for 33). Travis could potentially miss time after exiting in the bottom of the fifth inning with an apparent re-injury of his right knee. Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney took his place at second base following the injury. 

3. Marco Estrada gave the Jays what they needed.  The Toronto starter hurled his first complete game, scattering six hits and striking out six over eight innings. Unfortunately, he made one mistake, with a 78 mph changeup to Lindor in the sixth. Estrada suffered the bad-luck loss but also gave the Jays' makeshift bullpen the extra rest it needs as the club deals with injuries to Francisco Liriano and Joaquin Benoit. 

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Highlight

Lindor's home run is just the fourth by an Indians shortstop in the franchise's postseason history. 

What's next

ALCS Game 2: Blue Jays at Indians, 4 p.m. ET Saturday, TBS — Toronto will send 20-game winner J.A. Happ to the mound looking to tie the series. The Indians ranked second among playoff teams in runs scored against left-handed pitching during the regular season and led the majors in doubles against southpaws. The Tribe lit up Red Sox ace David Price in the ALDS. Josh Tomlin (13-9, 4.40 ERA) takes the mound for the Indians, replacing Trevor Bauer, who cut the outside of his right pinky while repairing his drone .

Joe Rodgers