Former Mets Outfielder Jay Bruce Gives Indians Offensive Jolt in ALDS Game 1

Yankees manager Joe Girardi sent Sonny Gray to the mound to open the American League Division Series in Cleveland against the Indians Thursday night. Gray, who the Yankees acquired from the Oakland A’s prior to the MLB Trade Deadline, was good enough to win, but the Yankees offense was unable to score against Trevor Bauer and the Cleveland bullpen.

The one thorn in Gray’s side Thursday was former New York Mets outfielder, Jay Bruce. The Indians acquired Bruce prior to the trade deadline in hopes he would provide some additional power to their lineup. Bruce is known as a power guy that has the ability to carry a team when he gets on a hot streak.

Bruce was involved in every run in the Indians 4-0 victory.

In the second inning, Bruce doubled high off the left field wall against Gray. After advancing to third, he would score on a double-play grounder hit by Roberto Perez, giving the Indians a 1-0 lead.

The biggest blow came in the fourth, again off Gray. After a leadoff walk to DH Edwin Encarnacion, Bruce hit his third career postseason home run, increasing Cleveland’s lead to 3-0.  The homerun was one of the big keys to the Indians taking the early series lead.

Bruce added an insurance run in the fifth against Jaime Garcia, hitting a sacrifice fly that scored Jose Ramirez from third base.

Bruce is a veteran that enjoys the big game, yet humble enough to know he’s just a piece to the larger puzzle. Ironically enough, Bruce almost became a Yankee before the Mets decided instead to agree to the deal with Cleveland.

The Yankees, due in large part to Bruce, now must face AL Cy Young Award favorite, Corey Kluber in Game 2 and try to even the series. CC Sabathia will start for the Yankees.