The Cleveland Indians are World Series bound.
Behind a gusty performance from rookie starter Ryan Merritt, the Indians beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-0, to win Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. They captured their first AL pennant since 1997.
In a formula which has worked all postseason, Cleveland struck early with home runs from Carlos Santana and Coco Crisp. After allowing two hits over 4.1 innings, Merritt handed the ball to a bullpen which once again locked down Toronto.
Andrew Miller shut the door with 2.2 scoreless innings before Cody Allen retired Toronto’s star sluggers for the save. Yet another improbable victory sends Cleveland to the World Series, where it will hold home-field advantage against the Los Angeles Dodgers or Chicago Cubs.
FINAL SCORE: Indians 3 – 0 Blue Jays
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