Roberto Perez Just the Latest Player to Step Up

Baseball fans around the country may not know much about the Cleveland Indians, but Roberto Perez provided them with a glimpse at how this team has been winning all year.

The Cleveland Indians pitching staff has been spoiling fans all postseason.

This remained true last night during Game 1 of the World Series, as Corey Kluber, Andrew Miller and Cody Allen combined to throw a shutout against a Chicago Cubs team known for their power. Oh, they are also known for not winning a World Series since 1908, in case you haven’t heard.

Lost in all the pitching dominance is how the Indians have been able to go to players all throughout the lineup for runs, never panicking if a few key players aren’t hitting.

The Indians didn’t get a hit from Mike Napoli, Jason Kipnis or Carlos Santana last night, but Jose Ramirez, Francisco Lindor and Roberto Perez all had big days to lead the team to a 6-0 victory.

But Perez’s performance is most notable, as casual fans around the nation may have no idea who he is.

The focus surrounding the catcher position for the Indians in the latter half of the season dealt with Jonathan Lucroy vetoing a trade to come to Cleveland, but it looks like everything turned out well for the Tribe.

After finishing the season with a .183 batting average, Perez, who was never supposed to be in this situation, has done a bit better in the postseason with an average of .222. He has assumed the starting role over Yan Gomes, who just came back from injury at the start of the postseason, and who may only see time if Perez is hurt or needs some rest at the end of a game.

But his average has not mattered so far, as Perez has stepped up in two particular instances. The first was Game 1 of the ALDS, when he hit a solo home run which ultimately proved to be the difference in a 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Related Story: Breaking Down Pitching Matchup Between Indians and Cubs

He then struggled in the ALCS, only recording two hits in five games, but he made up for it last night with two home runs that drove in four runs. This performance is just the latest example of a different player stepping up each night, as others filled the void when Perez was struggling in the ALCS and at the end of the ALDS.

The Indians are now 8-1 in the postseason, and the thought of a loss just seems foreign at this point. With the pitching continuing to dominate and different players stepping up on offense each night, this team seems destined for a championship.