The headline from a Cleveland Indians win over the Boston Red Sox in Game One of the American League Division Series was the unconventional bullpen usage by manager Terry Francona. In a move that harkened back to the old “fireman” days of the 1970s, the Tribe leaned heavily on its top relief arms to keep the top-scoring offense in baseball at bay and claim victory.
The performances of Andrew Miller and Cody Allen deserve all the attention they’ve gotten in the time since the final out was recorded, but they also overshadow a contribution that was every bit as critical to the win.