Cleveland Indians: 3 takeaways from a roller-coaster win in Minnesota

After looking as though they would cruise to an easy win, the bullpen tripped up the Cleveland Indians once again before Francisco Lindor played hero.

On a night highlighted by Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Cleveland Indians still had a game in Minnesota, and it was a wild one.

After jumping out to a quick and early 8-0 lead, Shane Bieber had his feathers ruffled a bit before he was pulled and the bullpen went back to their usual tricks of doing anything and everything in their power to not do their job.

The Twins surged all the way back, tying the game at 8-8 before Francisco Lindor did his best LeBron impression by putting the team on his back and hitting the go-ahead home run as the Tribe would hold on for the 9-8 win.

Here are some takeaways from the exciting win.

Shane Bieber’s debut

One of the Indians top prospects, Shane Bieber, made his MLB debut in the game. Bieber has been shining in the minors this season and getting better with each outing.

He got the start on the bump and dazzled early. Working quick and efficiently, he only needed 19 pitches to get through the first two innings.

But as the game progressed, the Twins got more and more comfortable at the plate against the Biebs.

Ultimately, for his first career start, it was a very promising outing for Bieber and he certainly looks like the best option for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Francisco Lindor, you beautiful man

I have such a large man crush on Francisco Lindor. This guy is special and everyone should make sure they don’t take him for granted.

On National Smile Day, Mr. Smile went off. He had two doubles and two home runs, one of which was the deciding solo shot in the top of the eighth.

It was Lindor’s second game this season where he posted two doubles and two homers, joining some elite company in the obscure stat.

There was certainly some help from the other eight guys in the lineup, but there’s no question the Indians don’t pull this one out without Frankie.

Bailed out bullpen

After a stretch of games where the bullpen seemed to finally find their footing, they had another ultimate collapse.

After Bieber’s exit, Dan Otero came in and quite quickly and succinctly helped blow the four-run lead. He was on the hook for two earned runs on just one hit in two-thirds of an inning.

Soon after he was pulled, Jeff Beliveau came in to do literally nothing but hurt his team. He recorded no outs but threw one pitch, giving up a hit to the only batter he faced and as well as a run to leave the game with an ERA of infinity on the night.

But, not to be outdone and have his title of “worst reliever on the team” be taken from him, Zach McAllister relieved Beliveau as Miguel Sano came to the plate.

He tossed Sano just two pitches, the second, of course, being a fastball right down the middle. Peak Zach McAllister. Sano took it deep, because he’s Miguel Sano and was given a fastball right down the middle, tying the game up at eight.

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The rest of the bullpen held its own but it is frustrating to see at least some in the bullpen fluster after showing promise over the past few games.