Both ‘pens could write different story Friday

CLEVELAND — The Indians won the battle of the bullpens, 5-4, Thursday night to take Game 1 of their American League Division Series over the Red Sox. Now they have to figure their path to win the series.

After 40 pitches each from Andrew Miller and Cody Allen following Trevor Bauer’s fifth-inning exit, even manager Terry Francona admits they probably can’t do that again in Game 2 on Friday, 4:30 p.m. ET on TBS.

“We’ll take inventory of what we got,” Francona said. “You’re certainly not going to see the same exact way tomorrow. But we wanted to win the game tonight and we did. Tomorrow might have to be a little bit different design.”

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 6   CLE 5, BOS 4 Gm 2 Oct. 7 4:30 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS Gm 3 Oct. 9 4 p.m. CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 4 Oct. 10 TBD CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 5 Oct. 12 TBD BOS @ CLE TBS *- If necessary | All times listed ETShop for postseason gear: Red Sox | Indians • Complete Postseason coverage

That’s not to say Miller or Allen will be spectators for Friday afternoon. A 40-pitch relief performance would garner a couple days’ reset in the regular season, but in October, it earns a pitcher the right to hit the snooze button on the alarm clock in the morning without guilt.

“I think at this point, we’re all ready to go every day,” Miller said. “We’ll find a way.”

To expect long outings on back-to-back days, however, might be a bit much, even at this time of year. Thus, the most formidable pitcher in the series might be saved for a shorter situation. …

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