Game 2 Takeaways

First, Yan Gomes has to feel better than he did last year at this time.   His confidence looked like it was building toward the end of the regular season and this game can only help.   His defense was great and his hitting was timely.  I was screaming at the TV for the Indians not to give up....Gomes never did.

Second, Tito hardly ever makes a mistake.  Letting Brantley DH was trying to catch lightning in a bottle.  Well, I have seen Brantley for more than a week now and he is absolutely no help to this team right now. Chisenhall should have been the DH when Encarnacion got hurt.  Hopefully that will be the way it is on Sunday.  Brantley should be saved for the Kirk Gibson moment in a game.

Third, regarding Encarnacion he had not looked good this series up to the time of his injury.  He looked, frankly, like he did in April and May.  I mean EXACTLY like he did in those months.   Losing him, and I am sure we have lost him for the rest of this series and most likely the next if we get that far.  Losing him on paper is a huge loss but losing the April Encarnacion would not be that big of a loss.

Fourth, Kluber looked so bad.  Mental note: Starting him on 5 days rest might not have been that good an idea and it makes me wonder what Carrasco will look like on, what is it, 8 days rest.

Fifth, the bullpen, except for Clevinger, looked good again.  Tomlin really gutted it out.   Just like last year, getting more out than his tools would suggest he has to give.  And he gets a victory.

Sixth, Jose Ramirez really looks mad.  Unfortunately usually lost follow mad which, eventually, is followed by a hot streak.   Can we skip over the remaining mad and completely skip the lost and go right into the hot streak?  We need the hot Jose now more than ever.  If I have to watch another AB like his bases loaded one tonight I think I am going to puke.

Seventh, I am really glad for Lindor.   He could be Ramirez part deux right now if not for that grand slam off the fair pole. 

Eighth, is that Austin Jackson or is that Rajai Davis wearing Austin Jackson's uniform?

Nineth, we need Chisenhall to be the April-May version now more than ever.  Right now he just looks like a HB above Brantley....a lot like Gomes looked pre-injury last year.

Tenth, and final.   Bruce.   Doesn't he just epitomize what a post-season veteran should play like?   I wish Encarnacion had not gotten hurt because I think watching Bruce play might have elevated Edwin's game.  Hopefully it elevates everyone's game.  I am pretty sure it has helped Lindor and some of the other players elevate their games already.  What a great pickup by us.