Francisco Lindor re-energized the Cleveland Indians with a massive grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 2 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees on Friday night.
The Indians trailed throughout the game and were down 8-3 entering the sixth. Yankees manager Joe Girardi pulled starter CC Sabathia after two batters in the inning. Chad Green, who entered with a runner on and one out, got the second out but then allowed a double and hit by pitch to bring up Lindor.
The slugging shortstop then pounded one off the foul pole:
"Santa Maria!"
Watch the rest of #ALDS Game 2 on MLB Network! Visit https://t.co/tmrbR6Aud6 for channel info. pic.twitter.com/1Ebg7YIi1G
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 6, 2017
For unknown reasons, Lindor didn’t immediately smile, maybe because his team was still trailing even after the big blow.
Slam from Mr. Smile?
It is #WorldSmileDay, after all. pic.twitter.com/9lGVy0547K
— AL Central champs! (@Indians) October 6, 2017
Two innings later, Jay Bruce delivered his second home run of the series to tie the game, leading to eventual extra innings.
Lindor broke out with 33 home runs during the regular season — more than any other shortstop in the game. He’s also getting it done in the postseason in a big way.
