Cleveland Indians: 3 takeaways from series win over the Texas Rangers

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Apr 4, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Carlos Santana (41) hits a home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Indians fans entered the season excited about the top five of the starting lineup, but the entire lineup saw success in the opening series.

Players like Yandy Diaz, Austin Jackson, Tyler Naquin and Abraham Almonte thrived in the bottom part of the order, helping to generate RBI opportunities for the guys at the top. And with Carlos Santana going 5-for-12 with 4 RBI in the leadoff spot, the bottom of the lineup can have a great impact on the offense’s success all season.

The Indians managed to push across 21 runs in the first three games, with eight of those coming in the ninth inning. This stat is what is sticking in fans’ minds, as the Indians won two of the first three games thanks to big ninth innings.

Monday’s opener saw the offense score three runs in the ninth to take a commanding 8-5 lead, while Wednesday’s game saw the Indians add five, going from a 6-4 deficit to a 9-6 lead in a matter of minutes.

It gives us all the sense that it is never appropriate to turn off a game this season, no matter how many runs the Indians are down. Baseball is the one sport where massive comebacks can be mounted rather quickly, and the Indians have the star power in the lineup to bat around the order and have no one be shocked by it happening.

It becomes easier to do when Sam Dyson is pitching, but I digress. Speaking of Dyson, his season is now directly tied to a great moment from one of the young stars of the game.

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