The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cleveland remains on a roll
Rookie Merritt, MVP reliever Miller help clinch pennant.
ALCS MVP Andrew Miller (middle) celebrates with his teammates after the Indians defeated the Blue Jays 3-0 Wednesday to clinch a berth in the World Series. For coverage of Game 4 of the NLCS, go to AJC.com.
TORONTO — A most unlikely pitching performance helped put a most unexpected team into the World Series.
Rookie Ryan Merritt coolly delivered a lead to the Andrew Miller-led bullpen, and the Cleveland Indians won their first pennant since 1997, blanking Toronto 3-0 Wednesday in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series.
Cleveland, which has never hosted a World Series opener, will play Game 1 at Progressive Field on Tuesday night against either the Chicago Cubs or Los Angeles Dodgers.
Manager Terry Francona’s team will try to boost what’s already been a magical year in Cleveland after LeBron James and the Cavaliers earned the city’s first sports championship since 1964. The Indians’ title drought dates to 1948.
“We always said if we could do it with this group it would be so special because this is as close to a family feel as you can get in a professional setting. So for that part of it, it is beyond feeling good,” Francona said.
With all of 11 major league innings under his belt, Merritt took the mound and looked just like a seasoned vet. The left-hander, 24, retired the first 10 batters and allowed only two hits before being pulled after 41/3 innings.
“I know they were counting on me,” Merritt said. “Before the game, they came and told me they had my back, everybody had my back, good or bad. So that takes some pressure off, and I just went out there and pitched and trusted my team.”
Merritt got taps on his heart and hat from teammates when he left the mound. Then it was up to Cleveland’s tireless relievers to hold a three-run lead against the wild-card Blue Jays.
Miller again did most of the heavy lifting, pitching 22/3 innings, and Cody Allen pitched the ninth for the save. Winner Bryan Shaw worked an inning before Miller came in.
Miller, acquired from the Yankees in a midseason trade, wound up as the ALCS MVP as the Indians took their sixth pennant.
“I feel like I’ve said the word ‘special’ a million times in the last 20 or 30 minutes. But it’s the truth. It’s a blast to be a part of,” Miller said.
Carlos Santana and Coco Crisp homered for the Indians, who have starting pitchers Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar and Trevor Bauer dealing with injuries.
Merritt — a Texas native drafted in the 16th round by Cleveland in 2011 — made only one start during the regular season, Sept. 30 against Kansas City.