The Cleveland Indians had no problem matching the Boston Red Sox for power in the first game of the ALDS between the two teams. In game 2, both sides are hoping that David Price and Corey Kluber do a better job in terms of starting pitching than the first set of pitchers did.
Both teams showed some quality relief pitching in the first game, and perhaps this might make the difference in this series, unless the Red Sox quality in the lineup eventually starts showing. For now, it looks like the Indians have the firepower to keep up.
Previous game: The Indians won 5-4, escaping a loss when Dustin Pedroia struck out on the mound, which led to a lot of Red Sox complaining in the end. The Indians hit 3 home runs in the 3rd inning to come from behind and take a two-run lead, adding to it in the 5th with another RBI for Jason Kipnis off a single. Both Rick Porcello and Trevor Bauer didn’t do a very good job as starters, but Andrew Miller was terrific (Earning the win) in his bullpen appearance, and despite allowing two hits in the ninth, Cody Allen did well to get the save, striking out 4 in 1.2 innings to save.
Pitching: David Price will start game 2 for the Boston Red Sox. Price started in an AL-high 35 games this season, posting a 3.99 ERA, his worst since 2009. No one threw more innings than him (230, 3rd consecutive season of more than 200), and he also gave up more hits than before, 8.9 per nine innings. He pitched just once against the Indians this season, back in April, striking out 10 through six innings. He’s had the number of Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis for a while, but getting past Carlos Santana might be difficult for him.
The Indians are sending Corey Kluber to the mound, coming off his first All-Star season (which is weird, considering he won the Cy Young award in 2014). He had two shutout performances out of his three complete games this season, posting a 3.14 ERA. He pitched twice against the Red Sox this season, once doing poorly, the second time doing a lot better. There are number of Red Sox hitters he’s had trouble with, especially Mookie Betts, batting .400 against Kluber.
Hot bats: Despite the loss, the Red Sox did get some offense going, including three home runs. They finished with 10 hits, including 3-for-4 from Brock Holt, while Hanley Ramirez and Andrew Benintendi had a couple of hits each. On the Indians side, Jason Kipnis was the hot hand, getting 3 hits and a home run. Jose Ramirez and Roberto Perez (home run too) had a couple of hits each.