Indians In The Postseason: Tribe Wins Game 1 Against The New York Yankees

CLEVELAND, OH — The Tribe launched its pursuit of a World Series crown on Thursday, easily defeating the New York Yankees 4-0 in Game 1 of an American League Divisional Series. Pitcher Trevor Bauer, who last postseason never made it out of the fifth inning in four starts, cruised through six innings with a vicious curve ball to collect the win.

Bauer also got some help with strong offense, led by left fielder Jay Bruce, who went 2-3, collecting two runs, and three RBIs, including a two-run homer in the fourth.

But the story of the night was Bauer and the Tribe's dominant pitching. Bauer collected eight strikeouts while spotting two hits over 6.2 innings. Lefty Andrew Miller finished the seventh and collected two more outs in the eighth before closer Cody Allen came in and collected the save. Miller and Allen each had three strikeouts.

The trio of Tribe pitchers shut down the Yankees offense, keeping them to a mere three hits. Rookie phenom Aaron Judge went 0-4. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Cleveland Patch, or click here to find your local Ohio Patch. Also, if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

For the Yankees, pitcher Sonny Gray took the loss. He went 3.1 innings, giving up three hits, including Bruce's two-run shot.

Prior to the game, people doubted manager Terry Francona's decision to start Jason Kipnis in center field, a position he started just 11 times previously in his career. Kipnis dispelled any doubts in the third, when Yankees' Chase Headley led off with a fly to deep left-center. Kipnis dashed to his right and made an outstanding diving catch.

The Indians host the Yankees for Game 2 of the Division Series. Tribe ace Corey Kluber (18-4) will face Yankees veteran — and former Indian — CC Sabathia (14-5)

Lead Photo by Phil Long/Associated Press; Second photo by David Dermer/Associated Press