Behind another brilliant performance by Corey Kluber, the Indians took care of business against the Twins. Unfortunately, the Royals also took care of the Tigers to maintain their 3.5 game lead in the Wild Card race.
Kluber tossed eight strong innings with 14 strikeouts, matching a career high, and pushing him over the 250 mark on the season. Kluber joins Bob Feller, Sam McDowell, Luis Tiant and Herb Score as the only pitchers in franchise history with 250 strikeouts in a single season.
The Tribe now prepares for a “4” game series with the Royals, giving them the opportunity to climb atop the Wild Card standings with a sweep.
The first game will (hopefully) be a simple half-inning conclusion of their game on August 31. The Indians hold a 4-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 10th. Unfortunately, both Shaw and Allen have been used in this game (thanks to Kevin for providing the correction in the comments), so Crockett or Atchison will likely be called upon to pick up the save.
Other notes…
- Michael Brantley picked up three hits on Sunday. He needs seven over the final six games to reach 200 on the season. The Indians haven’t had anyone join the 200-hit club since Kenny Lofton in 1996.
- Brantley is also three RBI shy of becoming the first to reach 100 since Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner in 2007, and the first Tribe outfielder to do so since Juan Gonzalez in 2001.
- The Mariners lost to the Astros. They’re two games ahead of the Tribe in the Wild Card standings and start a four-game series in Toronto on Monday.
I do believe Cody Allen cannot pitch the 10th inning game since he was replaced just before it was suspended.
You are correct. Crockett was announced just before the game was delayed, then suspended.
Good call. I simply looked at the box score and assumed he would re-enter. I guess they’ll roll with Crockett or Atchison then.
god how big was that botched DP ramirez screwed up. on another note, go brantley! didn’t think he had a shot at 200 hits