(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND-For the second year in a row, the Cleveland Indians are heading home after the ALDS.
Since Game 2 of last season's ALDS, the Indians have lost 6 straight postseason games and nothing worked for Terry Francona's team.
The Indians offense struggled as they only hit .144 against the Astros this series.
There was hope at the start of game 3 as Michael Brantley had a RBI Sac Fly in the 3rd to bring home Yan Gomes. George Springer followed in the 5th with his first of two homers to tie the game.
Then Francisco Lindor hit a deep solo homer in the bottom of the frame that was so strong, it hit the stadium clock.
The Indians were unable to keep the game under control as they were outscored 10-1 in the last three innings including a six run 8th inning that broke the game open and effectively ended the 2018 Indians season in stunning fashion.
For the Indians, the 2016 World Series and the 22 game win streak in 2017 is in the far rear view mirror and they go into the offseason with many questions and disappointments. And baseball's longest World Series championship drought of now 71 years still belongs to this team.
They will have no choice but to regroup and make some tough offseason decisions for a 2019 championship run. Whie this team should have no problem winning the AL Central for the 4th straight season, this ALDS has proven that the Indians have a long way to go before they are considered championship contenders again.