[jg2977]

Harry Doyle (Cleveland radio, audibly annoyed):
“Well… there it is again. Another day at the ballpark, another Rays batting practice session disguised as a playoff game. The Indians lose Game 2, 11–5, and now they’re heading home down two games to none. And folks, I don’t know how else to put this — the pitching staff just got torched. Absolutely torched.”
(sighs)
“Francisco Hernandez. Remember the name, because Cleveland sure won’t forget it. Two home runs, four trips on base, three runs driven in. Every time the Indians got a little momentum — bang — Hernandez sends it screaming into the seats. That fourth inning? That was the game right there. Solo shot, crowd erupts, and suddenly Tampa Bay never looks back.”
“And don’t let the box score fool you — the Indians hit the ball! Twelve hits! Hollander had a night, Alay had a night, but you leave eleven runners on base, you ground into double plays, and you give up four home runs to one pitcher… well, you’re gonna be packing your bags wondering what just happened.”
(pause)
“This was supposed to be a tight series. Instead, it’s starting to look like Cleveland brought a knife to a cannon fight.”
Colin Cowherd:
“Harry, let me jump in here — because this is exactly what I’ve been talking about all postseason. Cleveland is talented, but Tampa Bay is built for October.”
“Here’s the difference: Tampa Bay doesn’t just hit — they punish mistakes. You miss a location? Home run. You fall behind in the count? Extra bases. Hernandez, Mojica, Abrego — this lineup doesn’t let you off the hook. Cleveland does.”
“And look, Cleveland’s offense is fine. It’s solid. But solid doesn’t win you playoff series when the other team is explosive. Tampa Bay is explosive. Cleveland is methodical. And when things go sideways, Tampa Bay steps on your throat.”
Harry Doyle:
“Well, Colin, I hate to say it, but I can’t argue much with that. Cleveland keeps answering… and Tampa Bay keeps answering louder. Every time the Indians score, the Rays come right back with two or three. That’s demoralizing. That’s playoff baseball cruelty.”
“Now the series shifts to Jacobs Field, and thank goodness for that. Because if Cleveland doesn’t get its pitching straightened out immediately, this thing is gonna be over before the home crowd even has time to get mad.”
Colin Cowherd:
“And here’s the pressure point, Harry: Game 3 is a must-win. You go down 3–0? History says you’re done. No speeches. No vibes. No ‘we’ll figure it out.’ You win Game 3, or you’re watching Tampa Bay book a ticket to the World Series.”
Harry Doyle (dryly):
“Well… I guess that settles it. Indians fans, buckle up. Because this thing has officially gone from ‘series’ to ‘emergency.’”
(pause)
“We’ll see if Cleveland has an answer. Because right now… Tampa Bay has all of them.”