Words by Corey Copeland
In Game 1 of ALDS the Cleveland Indians proved why they were the team to beat, shutting to the New York Yankees 4-0.
Looking to maintain dominance Friday night in Game 2 would be a challenge as the Yankees Gary Sanchez showed his power in the first inning. Homering on a fly ball over center field, thus scoring Aaron Judge. The Yankees took a commanding 2-0 lead in rival territory.
The Twins reloaded with Carlos Santana hitting a single to left field which scored Francisco Lindor and allowed Edwin Encarnacion to round second base.
With the score tied 2-2, the next batter stepped to the plate, hitting a drive to Yankees SS, Didi Gregorius. As Encarnacion scrambled back toward second base, his right foot struck the bag causing him to roll his right ankle.
He immediately dropped to the field grimacing in pain. Unable to stand he waited for medical assistance before being helped off the field. The injury appears to be serious as he paused on his way back to the dugout. Indians training staff say he suffered a sprained ankle but further evaluations need to be completed. Encarnacion has been a key offensive player for the Twins during his tenure. With a three-year deal worth $60 million he hit 38 home runs with 107 RBI during his first year with the team.
No matter the sport, injuries to key players can swing momentum in an instant
If the defending AL champions hope to knock off the young eager Yankees off they will need to rely on someone else to get the big hits. The health of Emacarnacion is impactful to the entire series.However his team did fair considering hit totals,11-9, favoring the Yankees.
They dominated the third inning with Starlin Castro kicking off an offensive onslaught, hitting a single to right field scoring Sanchez thus tying the game at 3. Gary Hicks followed up with a home run over right field, scoring both Castro and Greg Bird. The Yankee bats were hot as Bird followed up by homering during the top of the fifth inning, scoring Gregorius making the score 8-3, New York.
Cleveland was down, in the bottom of the sixth inning, yet not completely out. Lindor unleashed a thunderous grand slam which scored Carlos Santana, Yan Gomes and Lonnie Chisenhall.
With the score now 8-7, Yankees leading, the Indians were hot on the Yankees heels.
Showing a resilient spirit, Indians Jay Bruce staggered the Yankees with a brutal home run over left center field with score knotted at 8 in the bottom of the eighth inning.
One inning left in regulation, the Yankees could not answer the call. Dawning a tense 10th inning both teams remained scoreless until a breathtaking 13th inning, ultimately concluding a historic electrifying game.
Gomes iced the comeback with a ground ball single which scored Austin Jackson. In the end,the scoreboard read, 9-8, Cleveland Indians.(2-0)
4 extra innings, three errors for the Yankees, two errors for the victorious Indians
No one was flawless.
With the New York Yankees(0-2) 2017 ALDS record representing a city who’s slogan could be “Add to the count or bust.”
Baseball low-key provides the foundation for the attitude of the people. Fans are indeed disappointed.
Here is a note for Girardi. Call Sway on this beautiful morning and ask for the answers when you have a moment. Cleveland hasn’t won a world series in 69 years. Basketball season is fast approaching. For a city who boast LeBron James and Derrick Rose… If they topple the mighty pinstripe, vintage-ring-wearing Yankees… the first D.Rose alley-oop pass to LBJ, we experience in MSG was dedicated to you.
#2017ALDS
#Ringsondisplay vs. #Thelostfiles
