Lack of communication

The Cleveland Indians’ bullpen collapse Tuesday night can be chalked up to a case of mistaken identity.

After Cleveland starting pitcher Trevor Bauer dominated the Cincinnati Reds with 12 strikeouts over eight scoreless innings, the Reds scored seven runs off Cody Allen and Dan Otero — all with two outs — en route to a 7-4 road victory.

Allen hit a batter to lead off the ninth, then allowed two singles and a double that pulled the Reds within 4-3.

With two outs and the bases loaded after two more walks, Indians Manager Terry Francona wanted a new reliever to close the game.

There was just one problem. Francona said afterward there was a miscommunication. He requested “OP” — Oliver Perez — and it was understood as “OT,” Otero’s nickname, and Otero was told to warm up in the bullpen.

When the pitching change was made, Francona realized something had gone wrong.

“When I saw OT coming through the gate, it was not the guy I was expecting,” Francona told reporters.

Otero gave up a double to Reds slugger Joey Votto that cleared the bases and put the Reds up 6-4. Another single brought in the final run.

Pitching coach Carl Willis said he was responsible for calling the bullpen to warm up Otero instead of Perez.

Francona said that, ultimately, the mistake was his.

“That one lands squarely on me,” Francona said. “There’s no getting around it. I’ve got to be responsible for that.”