High-5: Yankees, Indians set for decisive ALDS finale

Cleveland Indians' Francisco Lindor, left, and manager Terry Francona share a laugh during a baseball workout, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, in Cleveland. The Indians host the New York Yankees on Wednesday in Game 5 of the ALDS. (AP Photo/David Dermer) Cleveland Indians' Francisco Lindor, left, and manager Terry Francona share a laugh during a baseball workout, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, in Cleveland. The Indians host the New York Yankees on Wednesday in Game 5 of the ALDS. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

By Associated Press October 10, 2017 5 min read

CLEVELAND (AP) – There were no noticeable signs of panic or pressure. Now is not the time to show any weakness.

As the Cleveland Indians got ready for their biggest game this season, a winner-take-all Game 5 against the New York Yankees, everything seemed normal, routine.

Before answering questions at his news conference, manager – and Cavs’ season-ticket holder – Terry Francona asked about the NBA team’s new lineup, joked about his limited vocabulary and later tried on All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor’s diamond-encrusted, $30,000 necklace.

The mood around the cage was typically loose Tuesday during batting practice, with a few players shagging flies while keeping an eye on slugger Edwin Encarnacion as he tested his sprained ankle.

Their season is on the line, and the Indians, who haven’t lost three straight since Aug. 1, know it.