Page "Cleveland Indians" Paragraph 74

In 1997 Cleveland started slow but finished with an 86 – 75 record.

Taking their third consecutive AL Central title, the Indians defeated the New York Yankees in the Division Series, 3 – 2.

After defeating the Baltimore Orioles in the ALCS, Cleveland went on to face the Florida Marlins in the World Series which featured the coldest game in World Series history.

With the series tied after game six, the Indians went into the ninth inning of Game 7 with a 2 – 1 lead, but closer Jose Mesa allowed the Marlins to tie the game.

In the eleventh inning, Edgar Rentería drove in the winning run giving the Marlins their first championship.

Cleveland became the first team to lose the World Series after carrying the lead into the bottom of the ninth inning of the seventh game.