The Cleveland Indians defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-0, at Rogers Centre in Game 5 of the American League Division Series to advance to the World Series for the sixth time in franchise history.
However, this season marks the first time the Indians are hosting the opener of the World Series. It’s their first trip to the the Fall Classic since 1997, when they were defeated in seven games by the then-Florida Marlins.
Cleveland has fallen short in each of their past three trips to the World Series. Prior to that, they were crowned champions in 1920 and 1948. Their first World Series title came at the expense of the Brooklyn Robins.
After sweeping the Boston Red Sox in the AL Division Series, the Indians jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the ALCS. Toronto managed to force a Game 5, but their offense was again held in check in the season-ending loss.
The Indians outscored the Blue Jays, 12-7, over the five games. Five of Toronto’s runs during the series came in Game 4.
Cleveland finished with a 94-67 record this season, a half-game back of the Texas Rangers for the top mark in the AL. The Indians had the fourth-best record in the Majors.
They’re led by manager Terry Francona, who won the World Series with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007. Francona has been lauded for his aggressive and at times, unconventional, use of his bullpen.
It’s a group that was bolstered by the acquisition of Andrew Miller in a five-player trade with the New York Yankees. Miller appeared in four games against the Blue Jays and was named ALCS MVP. He threw 7.2 scoreless innings with 14 strikeouts.
Overall this postseason, the vaunted left-handed reliever has thrown 11.2 scoreless frames, allowed five hits and amassed 21 strikeouts.
The Indians now await the Chicago Cubs or Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles enters play Wednesday night with a 2-1 lead in the NLCS. The Cubs last reached the World Series in 1945, and the Dodgers in 1988.
The Indians’ trip to the World Series is another bright sports moment for a city that isn’t far removed from the Cavaliers overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
It was Cleveland’s first major sports title since 1964, when the Browns won the NFL Championship (pre-Super Bowl Era).
World Series schedule and TV information:
Game 1: Tuesday, Oct. 25 @ AL (FOX)
Game 2: Wednesday, Oct. 26 @ AL (FOX)
Game 3: Friday, Oct. 28 @ NL (FOX)
Game 4: Saturday, Oct. 29 @ NL (FOX)
Game 5*: Sunday, Oct. 30 @ NL (FOX)
Game 6*: Tuesday, Nov. 1 @ AL (FOX)
Game 7*: Wednesday, Nov. 2 @ AL (FOX)
