[Nick Soulis]

Series #11
Preliminary Round



1920 Cleveland Indians
Record: 98-56
Finish: World Champions
Manager: Tris Speaker
Ball Park: League Park
WAR Leader: Jim Bagby (9.5)
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1920.shtml

2013 New York Yankees
Record: 85-77
Finish: 3rd in AL East
Manager: Joe Girardi
Ball Park: Yankee Stadium
WAR Leader: Robinson Cano (6.6)
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/2013.shtml
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Historic Upset: 2013 New York Yankees Stun 1920 Cleveland Indians in Five-Game Playoff Series

In a stunning turn of events, the 2013 New York Yankees have pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating the 1920 Cleveland Indians in a best-of-seven playoff series. The Yankees managed to clinch the series in just five games, showcasing their tenacity and skill against the formidable champions of yesteryears. Let's break down the key moments and performances that led to this historic upset.

The series kicked off at League Park, and it was a classic pitchers' duel. Stan Coveleski, the 1920 Indians' ace, delivered a stellar performance, going the distance and allowing just three runs. Curtis Granderson and the 2013 Yankees' bats couldn't muster enough offense to counter Coveleski's brilliance.
Tris Speaker played the hero for the 1920 Indians, delivering a walk-off single in the ninth inning, propelling his team to a 4-3 victory.

In Game 2, it was the 2013 Yankees' turn to shine. Hiroki Kuroda took the mound and delivered a masterful nine-inning performance, limiting the 1920 Indians to just one run.
The 2013 Yankees' offense, led by Brett Gardner's two RBIs, managed to score five runs, securing a 5-1 win to even the series at 1-1.

As the series shifted to Yankee Stadium, Curtis Granderson stepped up as the hero. In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the game tied at 2-2, Granderson delivered a dramatic walk-off home run, giving the 2013 Yankees a crucial 3-2 victory.
Stan Coveleski continued to be a force on the mound for the 1920 Indians, but their offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities, leaving a staggering 18 men on base.

Game 4 proved to be another nail-biter, with the contest extending to 12 innings. The 2013 Yankees' resilience was on full display as they secured a 5-4 victory in extra innings.
Lyle Overbay became the hero with a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning, setting the stage for Francisco Cervelli's walk-off single in the 12th inning.

In the final game at Yankee Stadium, the 2013 Yankees completed their historic upset with a 5-4 victory over the 1920 Indians. Michael Pineda, who had struggled in the opening game, redeemed himself with a solid nine-inning performance.
Curtis Granderson added another home run to his impressive series tally, while Tris Speaker managed to hit one for the 1920 Indians. However, it wasn't enough to prevent the upset.

The undoubted star of the series was Curtis Granderson, who not only showcased his power with two home runs but also delivered two clutch walk-off hits. Granderson's contributions were instrumental in the Yankees' triumph.

Stan Coveleski, who was stellar in Game 1 but faced challenges in subsequent games, symbolized the inconsistencies that can occur in high-stakes playoff series.
Tris Speaker, despite being a legendary figure in baseball history, struggled at the plate in this series, hitting just .158.
In the end, the 2013 New York Yankees making a debut for the legendary franchise, made history by upsetting the champion 1920 Cleveland Indians in five gamest is the first championship club to fall at the Field of Dreams.

2013 New York Yankees Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.350, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R, .650 SLG, 2 walk off hits in series)