Cleveland Indians AL champions TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19: Cody Allen #37 and Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians celebrate after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays with a score of 3 to 0 in game five of the American League Championship Series at Rogers Centre on October 19, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

The city of Cleveland’s sporting luck continues – the Cleveland Indians are heading to the World Series following a 3-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 5 of the ALCS. The Indians took the series 4-1, claiming their first pennant since 1997.

Game 5 was a microcosm of the entire series – a dismal offensive performance from the Jays, just enough from the Indians offense, and a dominant performance from the Indians bullpen. The Indians got on the board in Game 5 following a first inning double from Mike Napoli, which brought home Francisco Lindor thanks to an Ezequiel Carrera error. The Indians added runs on the third and fourth innings on solo homers by Carlos Santana and Coco Crisp, and that would be a wrap.

On the mound, the Indians shut down the Jays. The lone extra base hit for Toronto came via a leadoff double from Jose Bautista in the ninth inning. Cleveland pitching struck out eight hitters, and didn’t walk one. Andrew Miller had yet another dominant, multi-inning relief outing, throwing 2 2/3 scoreless frames, striking out one, allowing one hit, and needing just 21 pitches to record those eight outs.

For the series, Miller threw 7 2/3 shutout innings, giving up three hits, striking out 14, and walking zero. That performance netted him the ALCS MVP award, but Lindor deserves a tip of the cap for hitting .368/.400/.579 in the five game series.

Two years ago, Lindor had a dream that he’d be in the situation he’ll find himself in next week.

The Indians await the winner of the NLCS between the Cubs and Dodgers. They’ll host Game 1 of the World Series at Progressive Field next Tuesday, October 25th. It’s the first time that the World Series will begin in Cleveland. The Indians also will look to end their championship drought and win their first World Series since the 1948 season.

I also want to give a nod to Indians manager Terry Francona, who has claimed his third pennant and is looking to claim his third World Championship as well. He’s come a long way from the guy who was 285-363 with the Phillies, huh?

However, I think this tweet from the Indians, mentioning all they’ve gone through this season, sums up just how incredible of a run this has been for the Tribe.

A World Series win would be the perfect way to end this season for the Indians. Congratulations, Cleveland.

About Joe Lucia

I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.