Cleveland Indians: The inevitable happened to Cody Allen last night

Cleveland Indians closer Cody Allen hadn’t blown a save all season, but that changed last night in a weird game against the Cincinnati Reds.

If the Cleveland Indians lose a game and no one is in the stands to see it happen, does it still count? Unfortunately, yes, yes it does.

Fans had to deal with a two-hour rain delay last night, only for the Indians to end up losing the game when Cody Allen gave up two runs in the top of the ninth, blowing his first save of the season.

In fact, it was his first blown save in quite a long time.

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It was such a rare occasion that it nearly didn’t even happen, as instant replay showed that Billy Hamilton beat out a throw at first that allowed the game to continue. And as would be fitting, the Reds capitalized.

Some hot takes were shared last night, yet Allen still remains one of the best relievers in baseball.

Last night’s game was just the fourth game in which he allowed at least one run, making his 2.29 a bit deceiving considering he entered last night’s game with a mark of 1.45.

This post is not trying to ignore the fact Allen blew the save, but rather point out that since this is the first time he has done this all season, there is no reason to panic.

The usual takes of wanting Andrew Miller to move into the closer role always come up when Allen struggles, but Miller works best as the guy who can come in when needed the most, with that often being earlier around the seventh or eighth inning. Terry Francona understands the game can be won or lost at any point, so Miller comes in when the situation arises.

There may even come a point this season when Miller loses a game, as it happens to even the greatest of relief pitchers.

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Allen was bound to blow a save eventually. It was incredibly frustrating, as losses are, but he is a great enough pitcher that no one should be worried about his confidence, or Francona’s confidence to call upon his closer.