Cleveland Indians: Breaking down the insanity in the ALDS Game 2 victory

Just as we all predicted, Corey Kluber lasted 2.2 innings and allowed six runs. Brutal.

Kluber was replaced by Tyler Olson in the third inning, beginning one of the world-famous “bullpenning” games for the Indians.

The only bullpen pitcher to allow a run was Mike Clevinger, who allowed two, but Olson, Bryan Shaw, Andrew Miller, Joe Smith, Cody Allen and Josh Tomlin didn’t allow a run and combined for just three hits.

Allen went two innings which is rare for him, but never faltered. Tomlin came in to start the 12th inning, surely an odd feeling for the starting pitcher, but responded with three strikeouts in two perfect innings.

Danny Salazar was the only member of the bullpen not to pitch in the win, as Francona is likely saving him for a potential Game 4 start if the series makes it that far. Salazar wouldn’t have to go more than a few innings, as having guys like Tomlin and Clevinger in the bullpen allows for Francona to get creative. But once again, the series has to make it that far.

The Yankees were supposed to be the team with the dominant bullpen, yet their group couldn’t hold the 8-3 lead once CC Sabathia left the game.

And now down 2-0, the Yankees will get a healthy dose of Carlos Carrasco and the rest of the bullpen on Sunday in New York. Best of luck to them. That lineup will need it.