MLB playoffs: Francisco Lindor gives Indians lead over Astros in Game 2 with home run

The Cleveland shortstop struck a blow against Gerrit Cole and the Astros in ALDS Game 2

By Dayn Perry

Oct 6, 2018 at 5:41 pm ET • 1 min read

In Game 2 of the ALDS between the Indians and Astros on Saturday, Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor struck an early blow against Gerrit Cole ...

Mr. Smile sparks the @Indians. #ALDS pic.twitter.com/prYl8ma9Ei
— MLB (@MLB) October 6, 2018

Cole's slider caught a bit too much of the plate, and Lindor made him pay to the tune of 386 feet and 103 mph off the bat. Lindor may be a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop, but he's also got plenty of pop (71 home runs over the last two seasons).

Given 2018 postseason trends, this could be a critical run for the Tribe ...

Francisco Lindor's 3rd-inning HR gives the #Indians a 1-0 lead. So what does that mean?

So far in this postseason, teams that score first are 8-0. And there hasn't even been a lead change!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 6, 2018

The Indians need the win in order to send this series to Cleveland even at one game apiece.