Extra batting practice by the Indians before this series pays off, as Cleveland's bats were humming in a three game sweep of California. It's on to Boston next for a very tough AL championship matchup.
Game One: Cleveland pounds out 16 runs on 17 hits and annihilates California ace Nolan Ryan en route to a 16-6 win. Vic Power, who had a great series, went 5 for 6 to pace the Indians, while Cleveland ace Cal McLish went nine.
Game Two: The Indians offense doesn't let up against California's Frank Tanana, scoring six runs off him in the 9-1 win. Gary Bell pitches masterfully for the Indians, shutting down the Angels on three hits. Mickey Vernon, another red-hot batter, drives in three and hits a towering home run.
Game Three: The only close game of the series. California's Dave Frost and Cleveland's Mudcat Grant duel, with Grant constantly
avoiding serious trouble while yielding five walks. Frost starts off strong but exits after five innings as the Indians score three in the frame to take the lead, 5-3. Grant continues to gut through eight innings, while Indians closer Hoyt Wilhelm has a 1-2-3 ninth to save the 5-3 win.
Cleveland will need to keep the hits coming if it expects to match Boston's powerful lineup in the next round.
Joe P.
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