Astros defeat Indians to take 2-0 lead in ALDS

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) after Bregman hit a sevent inning home run in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Photo: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer

Houston Astros fans react as they watch the second ALDS game against Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

Photo: Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws out first pitch against Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) in game two of the ALDS against Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

Harris County Sheriff office honor guard hold the American and Texas flag during the singing of the national anthem before game two of the ALDS game between the Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000 in Houston.

Rene Godzwon of Houston cheers on the Astros in the second inning of game two of the ALDS against Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) stops before getting on the pitching mound before game two of the ALDS against Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

Felipe Morales of Houston holds up a sign to cheer on the Houston Astros during the third inning of game two of the ALDS against Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

Houston Astros left fielder Marwin Gonzalez (9) throws Cleveland Indians center fielder Melky Cabrera's single in the top of the fifth inning during game two of the ALDS game against Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

A Houston Astros fan watches in the fourth inning as the Astros stay behind the Cleveland Indians in game two of the ALDS against Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) heads back to the dugout after the fifth inning against Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

Houston Astros fans Teana Lane and Rene Godzwon of Houston cheer for the Astros in the third inning of game two of the ALDS against Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

Houston Astros center fielder George Springer (4) stands in center field as the sun falls through the windows during game two of the ALDS between the Astros and Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

A lone Cleveland Indians fan cheers after Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) connects for a home run in the top of the third inning against the Houston Astros in the game two of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 in Houston.

Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) and Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (7) celebrate after Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) ends the fifth inning giving up zero runs in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer

Cleveland Indians center fielder Melky Cabrera (53) catches a fly ball hit by Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10) in the fourth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) points to the home plate umpire looking for a strike out call in the fifth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) walks back to the dugout after throwing a 100 mph pitch to Cleveland Indians third baseman Josh Donaldson (27) to end the fourth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) talks to the home plate umpire after the fourth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) reacts after being struck out by Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) in the fourth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros infielder Tyler White (13) hits a single in the fifth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) reacts after grounding out into a double play to end the third inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts after throwing a strike in the sixth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) grounds out in the fourth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts after getting the final out to end the fifth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) lays on ground after diving for a single hit by Cleveland Indians center fielder Melky Cabrera (53) in the fifth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros outfielder Josh Reddick (22) hits a single in the third inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros outfielder George Springer (4) hits a single in the third inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros outfielder Josh Reddick (22) watches a home run land in the stands by Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) in the third inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros outfielder Josh Reddick (22) blows a bubble on deck during the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts after Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hit a home run off of him in the third inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros outfielder George Springer (4) in center field in the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Cleveland Indians first baseman Yonder Alonso (17) tags out Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) on a wide throw by the short stop for an out in the first inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch (14) watches the first inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) low fives the third base coach as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the third inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

A double exposure photo of Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) as he throws a strike in the third inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) strikes out Cleveland Indians third baseman Josh Donaldson (27) in the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10) fields a ground ball for an out by Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley (23) in the first inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) reacts to striking out ending the first inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) makes a throw to first as Cleveland Indians center fielder Melky Cabrera (53) grounds out in the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) grounds out in the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) walks back to the dugout after the end of the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) throws a pitch to Houston Astros outfielder George Springer (4) in the first inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch at the start of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch in the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros outfielder George Springer (4) catches Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) fly out in the first inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Astros legend Roy Oswalt acknowledges the crowd as he takes the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10) dives for single by Cleveland Indians Edwin Encarnacion (10) in the second inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch in the first inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros outfielder George Springer (4) gestures to the dugout after hitting a single in the third inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) reacts after throwing two balls in a row to Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the fourth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) bunts in the third inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) runs the bases after hitting a third inning home run in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros infielder Tyler White (13), Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel (10) and Houston Astros outfielder George Springer (4) observe the National Anthem before the start of Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Astros legend Roy Oswalt throws the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch (14) observes the National Anthem before Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Houston native Kaylise Irizarry performs the National Anthem before Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Judge Ed Emmett leaves the field after calling Play Ball! before the Astros take on the Indians in Game 2 of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Houston.

Astros defeat Indians to take 2-0 lead in ALDS

Stoically he stood in the inning in which this series shifted. Gerrit Cole raised his black glove to a bearded face. Jose Ramirez stared back, the most lethal hitter among a top-heavy Cleveland batting order.

Taking command of the series would come in the sixth inning. Both the Astros and Indians sent the top of their lineups to encounter efficient pitchers for a third time. Twice before, Ramirez was retired. A third effort would hinge the game.

Cole took breath. He spun a two-strike slider. Ramirez stood no chance. He waved wildly as Cole kicked his left foot up in celebration. The shaggy righthander balled his fists. A guttural yell escaped his 6-foot-4 frame. He walked to the dugout. In it was an offense that won him a game.

Cole combated Carlos Carrasco inning for inning. One pitch separated them, a mistake Cole committed to Francisco Lindor in the third. Carrasco returned for the sixth. An unenviable task was before him, navigating Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yuli Gurriel for a third time.

Neither he nor the men in relief could complete it. The Astros scored twice to take a lead they did not relinquish. A 3-1 victory gave them a 2-0 lead in the American League Division Series. Only seven teams since 1995 have ever won a division series after losing the first two games.

Cole struck out 12. No man had struck out more than 10 against the Indians in the regular season. His exploits equaled a postseason feat only one other major league pitcher had ever accomplished.

Forty-five years ago Saturday, against the Cincinnati Reds in the NLCS, Tom Seaver struck out 13 without a walk. Until Cole's outing Saturday, no other starting pitcher had produced a postseason start of at least 12 strikeouts without a walk.

He was armed with two suffocating secondary pitches. Cole's slider was devastating, hovering toward 90 mph with sweeping bite few in navy could discern. Four of his 12 strikeouts concluded on it. Four others came against his curveball.

Three Indians reached base in the seven innings he worked. One proceeded past first. Two men struck singles against the shift. Both proved harmless.

Cole's sole mistake came in the third. He vanquished Yan Gomes and Jason Kipnis with secondary pitches to start it. Cole neared a third consecutive clean inning. Minute Maid Park roared at the prospect.

Francisco Lindor loomed. The switch-hitting shortstop is a menace. His neon green shoelaces radiate on the dirt he so proficiently patrols. He flashes an effervescent smile and playful nature. Before the game, he posed for photographs with Jim Crane, thanking the Astros owner for his efforts in Lindor's native Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

Here, he fell behind 1-2. Cole pumped 98.6 mph heat Lindor swung wildly through. A curveball missed, evening the count. Cole came back with a slider. It had no bite. Lindor launched it to right field.

The Indians, a lefthanded heavy bunch, pulled a major league high 111 home runs to right field during the regular season. Lindor's landed 10 rows deep. Cole kicked the dirt upon contact, immediately cognizant of his lone misstep.

The sixth inning made it moot.

Leading off the sixth against Carrasco, Altuve dribbled a tailing changeup down the third-base line. He stumbled from the batter's box. The knob of his bat appeared to knock against his heel. Altuve tripped over himself, too, perhaps irritating the knee which sent him to the disabled list earlier this season.

Still, the second baseman rose from his hands and knees to scurry toward first base while the baseball rolled near the chalk. Indians third baseman Josh Donaldson charged it, tracked the path and deemed it would remain fair despite a trajectory which suggested otherwise.

The three-time All-Star picked it up. His throw was wild, sailing over Yonder Alonso's head and into right field. Altuve limped into first base. Trainer Jeremiah Randall and manager A.J. Hinch jogged to check him. In discernible discomfort, Altuve opted to remain in the game.

Alex Bregman coaxed a seven-pitch walk to follow, the only free pass Carrasco ceded in his outing. Yuli Gurriel stung a fly ball to left field for Carrasco's first — and final — out.

With Marwin Gonzalez due, Indians manager Terry Francona rose from the dugout. The switch-hitting Astros utilityman singled in each of his first two lefthanded at-bats against Carrasco. Francona summoned southpaw Andrew Miller to force Gonzalez to the right side of the plate.

Gonzalez had six strikeouts in eight career at-bats against Miller, once an unhittable force looming in a loaded Yankees bullpen. Injuries this season rendered him mortal. He entered the fray with a 4.24 ERA.

Miller left the second pitch he threw on the outer half. Gonzalez shot it the other way into the right field corner, the third of his four hits. Altuve limped home. Melky Cabrera bobbled the baseball while Bregman rounded second base.