Tito doesn’t hesitate to summon Miller early

CLEVELAND — There was no confusion when the bullpen door swung open and Andrew Miller emerged. Indians starter Trevor Bauer was fine. He even doffed his cap in response to a roaring standing ovation, despite exiting his Thursday start before the end of the fifth inning.

No, this is October. This is when a win-or-go home mentality is imperative and Indians manager Terry Francona has been through it plenty. During Game 1 of the American League Division Series, Francona threw out the book, asked more than most would of a bullpen and pulled off a 5-4 victory over the Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field.

“Nobody ever said you have to be conventional to win,” Francona said.

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

Conventional has not been an adjective applied to Francona in quite some time. Cleveland fans are well versed in Tito’s affinity for leveraging his relievers, but a national audience was treated to an extreme example in the opener of this best-of-five series. After decent enough effort from Bauer, and an offensive outburst that will be remembered around these parts for years to come, Francona asked his bullpen to record 13 outs.

The Indians manager joked that ace Corey Kluber, who is slated to take the ball in Game 2 on Friday (4:30 p.m. ET on TBS) will have a pitch count of 165-170 for his start. Kidding aside, knowing that the durable Kluber was on deck, and an off-day loomed Saturday, made pushing his bullpen a little more feasible for Francona.

Two …

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