The Cleveland Indians went from being the hottest team in baseball and on their way to an ALCS berth to losing in the divisional round of the playoffs after choking away a 2-0 series lead to the New York Yankees.
Cleveland came out and dominated the Yankees 4-0 in Game 1 behind Trevor Bauer’s brilliant performance. They used a comeback to beat the Yanks 9-8 in extra innings in Game 2. The way they came back from down 8-3 to win made it seem like they had all the momentum up 2-0 in the series. But the Yankees didn’t quit and came back to win Games 3, 4 and 5 to take the series, beating likely AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber in the decisive Game 5.
The Yankees’ 5-2 win in Game 5 came as a shock to many and ripped the heart out of many Indians fans. It also brought out some ridicule from the Twitter community. Here’s a sample of some of the tweets:
Well, Cleveland, that was BRUTAL. Even for you.
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) October 12, 2017
The Cleveland Indians have had a chance to clinch their last two playoff series a total of six times. They are now 0-6 in those games.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 12, 2017
#Indians last 4 Postseasons:
1999: blown 2-0 ALDS
2001: blown 2-1 ALDS
2007: blown 3-1 ALCS
2016: blown 3-1 WS
2017: blown 2-0 ALDS#CHOKE pic.twitter.com/10ek22RDaw— Jeff D Lowe (@JeffDLowe) October 12, 2017
Cleveland, the City of Chokers, always and forever.
— Super Big Astros Fan (@spacemnkymafia) October 12, 2017
Trevor Bauer will have lots more time to play with his drones and be racist online now. Every silver lining has its cloud
— #Tanktober (@spacemnkymafia) October 12, 2017
2017 Indians: 22-game win streak, out in first round. Moneyball A's: 20-game win streak, out in first round.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) October 12, 2017
The Indians choke every 10 years. Choked in 1997 against the Marlins. Choked in 2007 against the Red Sox. Choked this year. Like clockwork.
— Dave Algonquin (@the_real_matt_m) October 12, 2017
The Indians are expert chokers.
Blow 3-1 lead in 2016 World Series
Blow 2-0 lead is 2017 ALDS— Jake Smith (@jksmth) October 12, 2017
It's OK #Indians fans. You only blew a 2-0 lead to the #Yankees and your season's over. pic.twitter.com/nFd3UNZUZg
— TJ the Yankees Fan (@tjbronxbomber) October 12, 2017
Hey Bron! How many games were your Indians up on the Yanks before they blew it? pic.twitter.com/Duxg5QwgTI
— TotalProSports (@TotalProSports) October 12, 2017
Surprise suprise, the Cleveland Indians lose 3 straight series clinching games …. real choke artists pic.twitter.com/5XfQv7tDUU
— ToneTone (@ballintone3) October 12, 2017
The life of being an Indians fan:
2016: blew a 3-1 lead in the World Series.
2017: blew a 2-0 lead in the NLDS. #RIP pic.twitter.com/PWfFi9NnTN— Cubs Live (@Cubs_Live) October 12, 2017
Unfortunately, a city whose sports teams are already known for choke jobs, can now add the 2017 Indians to their list.
