Miller takes responsibility for Indians' Game 2 loss: 'I blew the game for us'
Andrew Miller was unable to record a single out after entering Game 2 with his club leading the Houston Astros 1-0 in the sixth inning. The left-hander took full responsibility for the meltdown.
"I came in, I wasn't good, I wasn't effective, and I blew the game for us," Miller said after the game, according to Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal.
Miller was sidled with the blown save, facing three batters and allowing a double and a pair of walks as the Cleveland Indians ceded the lead to the Astros, who never gave it back.
Miller acted in relief of Carlos Carrasco, who threw 5 1/3 shutout innings against Houston. The Indians starter allowed a single from Jose Altuve on a weakly-hit ball to third baseman Josh Donaldson to start the inning and then walked Alex Bregman. After retiring Yuli Gurriel on a line drive to left field, Terry Francona called Miller from the bullpen, who allowed the inherited runs to score, thereby sidling Carrasco with the earned runs and the loss.
Saturday's outing was the latest in an uncharacteristic year for the typically-elite fireman. Relied on heavily over the past two postseasons, Miller was held to 34 innings this season due to injury. In 10 innings during September, the 33-year-old authored a 6.30 ERA and 4.26 FIP, including a pair of home runs.
The Astros now lead the American League Division Series against the Indians 2-0, with Game 3 shifting to Progressive Field in Cleveland on Monday.