The Cleveland Indians have advanced to the 2016 World Series for the first time in 19 years. Here’s a look at the updated ALCS playoff bracket for the 2016 postseason.
With a commanding performance in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, the Cleveland Indians move on to the 2016 World Series for the first time since 1997.
The last time the Tribe won the World Series was 1948, so they’re looking to bring home a title this year. The 2016 motto “Believeland” in Cleveland will keep the team going strong into the World Series.
The Indians came out strong in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series with a 2-0 win over the Blue Jays in Cleveland. They continued that dominant play in Game 2 with a 2-1 win, and then they took Game 3 with a 4-2 win. That set a franchise record for Cleveland with 6 straight wins in the postseason.
The sweep was averted when the Blue Jays won Game 4 5-1 in a game where the Indians suddenly played like deer in the headlights. The first seven batters went 0-23, managing only one run in the whole game.
Game 5 saw the Indians playing more like they did early in the postseason. Ryan Merritt had the start for the Tribe with only 11 career innings under his belt. This didn’t stop him from coming out strong against the Blue Jays, holding Toronto to one hit in his impressive 4.1 innings of work. The Indians held the Blue Jays scoreless, winning 3-0 and advancing to the World Series.
Pitcher Andrew Miller won the ALCS MVP award. Miller came in for relief in 4 of the 5 ALCS games, working 7.2 innings and allowing only 3 hits with 14 strikeouts.
Related Story: ALCS 2016 Game 5 recap: Cleveland Indians blank Blue Jays, advance to World Series
The Indians await the winner of the National League Championship Series. They’ll face either the Dodgers or the Cubs on Tuesday, October 25, in Game 1 of the 2016 World Series.