I know, I know. It’s too early for conspiracy theories. The Cleveland Indians and Corey Kluber had a one-hitter going into the seventh. After Corey Dickerson‘s double, followed by Desmond Jenning’s RBI single–should Tito have made the move to the bullpen? Or did he simply feel more confident with Kluber?
What’s clear is at that point, Francona felt better going back out in the eight with the former Cy Young winner on the mound. After starting the inning with a flyout and then a walk, Kluber struck out Hank Conger.