The Indians were not able to take Game 2 against the Blue Jays in Toronto as they fell by a score of 2-1 in extra innings.
Justin Smoak put his mark on the game. Smoak launched a solo home run off of Brad Hand in the bottom of the ninth to force extras. In the 10th Smoak drove in the game winning run as the Blue Jays won 2-1. This was Brad Hand’s second blown save of the season and the first loss for Tyler Olson. Hand has given up a home run in three of the past four outings. This is not a good trend and further amplifies the Indians need for another dependable reliever.
Trevor Bauer got the start and pitched well. Bauer pitched 7.2 innings, allowing three hits, struck out nine while walking three. Trevor Bauer kept Toronto hitless until the bottom of the fifth when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a leadoff double. Bauer pitched good enough to earn a win but it was just not meant to be.
The Indians lone run came in the top of the third. Greg Allen reached on a single with two outs in the inning. Allen would steal second with Francisco Lindor at the plate. Lindor would drive in Allen with a single as the Indians took a lead in the third.
Allen and Lindor combined for three of the Indians six hits. The other Cleveland batters with hits were Oscar Mercado, Carlos Santana and Roberto Perez. Mercado went 1-5 while Santana and Perez both went 1-4. Jason Kipnis, Jose Ramirez, Jake Bauers and Mike Freeman went a combined 0-14. This is not necessarily the recipe for success and will need to change if the Indians are going to win Game 3.
