Deep dig: Indians face familiar 2-0 hole in ALDS vs. the Astros

CLEVELAND – The Indians are very familiar with the postseason hole they’re currently stuck in. They saw one just like it last October – from above. At least they know it can be scaled. But Cleveland’s climb in this AL Division Series seems much steeper than just the 2-0 deficit they’re facing after dropping the first two games in Houston. The defending World Series champion Astros have shown their exceptional pitching and extraordinary depth while outplaying the swing-and-miss Indians in every facet of the game.

“They’ve played pretty much perfect baseball to this point,” Indians third baseman Josh Donaldson said following Saturday’s 3-1 loss.

“We have had a couple mistakes the first couple games, and now, it’s our time to respond.”

Or another Cleveland baseball season will end before the leaves change colors.

Houston’s in complete control.

Astros aces Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole dominated Cleveland’s hitters in Games 1 and 2 as Houston’s pitchers combined on consecutive three-hitters. The Astros piled up 24 strikeouts against one of the league’s most balanced lineups, which is batting a combined .100 in this ALDS.

“We had good at-bats,” Lindor said. “I know we struck out a lot. We had good at- bats, but the hits haven’t fallen. We’ll be fine.”

But as bleak as things appear for the three-time AL Central champions, who will start Mike Clevinger in Game 3 on Monday against Dallas Keuchel, only have to look back to last October for inspiration.

As painful as that might be.

The Indians jumped out to what appeared to be a commanding 2-0 lead in the ALDS before New York stormed back and won three straight to advance, denying Cleveland a return trip to the World Series and extending the club’s title drought to 70 years.

The Yankees paved the comeback trail. It’s up to the Indians to follow it.