Tribe's 'Streak' makes you feel alive By Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com | @castrovince | September 13th, 2017 + 2 COMMENTS CLEVELAND -- The Indians, you might have heard, have won 21 consecutive baseball games -- the most recent a 5-3 victory over the Tigers at Progressive Field on Wednesday afternoon in a game sealed by a diving Lonnie Chisenhall catch, a postseason-worthy roar from the 29,346 in attendance and goosebumps from anybody with a sporting soul. This is the longest win streak in the 116-year history of the American League. It is tied for the second-longest win streak of all-time. It is the most consecutive games any team has won in 82 years. It is a baseball streak that is very much anti-baseball, because it counters everything we know about the humbling nature of a game played just about every day, a game in which "momentum is the next day's starter" and "Hall of Famers fail seven out of 10 times" and all those other truisms you've heard time and again. In many respects, the 2017 Cleveland Indians have broken baseball, with a day-by-day dismantling of the opposition that has somehow avoided not just deserved defeat but even accidental adversity. "It makes you feel," outfielder Jay Bruce said, searching for the word, "alive." Alive, yes. Not arrogant, because the Indians, keeping with the tone set by their trusted skipper Terry Francona, have done a textbook job of giving the increasingly prevalent local and national media members -- or even their opponents -- very little to work with in terms of genuine reaction to their record. But alive? That's a good word for it. We are at the point in the campaign where added life is breathed into many a market eyeing an October entry. But here at the home of the defending AL champs, The Streak (in Cleveland sporting lore, it is important we capitalize not just the heartbreaking standalone sequences, but also the occasional heroic ones) has added energy to the inexorable galumph toward an AL Central title (with so much Streak talk, it's almost easy to forget the Tribe could clinch as soon as Friday) and provided a preview of the October atmosphere. What's amazing about The Streak -- beyond the obvious -- is just how effortless it has all appeared. Wednesday's win was just the seventh of the 21 decided by one or two runs and just the second in which the opponent scored first. It provided nine more innings that didn't end with the Indians trailing (they've trailed at the end of just four of the 189 total innings played during The Streak). And the one moment in which the Indians did trail was broken up by a Bruce home run -- one of 41 hit by Tribe batters in the midst of a stretch in which their pitchers have allowed just 35 runs total. Statistically speaking, there has never been a streak like this, not even the 26 games completed by the 1916 Giants, whose residence in the record books has been the subject of a deeper delve during the Indians' unstoppable surge. Bruce is an honest guy, and so he was asked if there has been a moment of legitimate tension during this record run. His answer was actually surprising. "Every final inning," he said. To the outside observer, this seems odd, because the Indians have had three times as many wins of five runs or more (nine) as they have one-run wins (three) during The Streak. But Bruce's answer spoke to the bigger-picture point here, which is that The Streak has only been achievable because of the way the Indians have not taken innings or at-bats for granted. Particularly, there's something underrated and very pure about the general spotlessness of their defensive effort, which has been sparked in large part by the great glovework Giovanny Urshela has provided with Jason Kipnis on the shelf. OK, maybe third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh shouldn't have sent the slow-footed Carlos Santana in an ill-fated advance from third to home in the eighth Wednesday, but mental and physical errors have been largely absent. "When you do things and you do them the right way," said Francona, "it means more than when you're not going out of your way to [do them]. Our guys are playing the game to win, the right way. That part's very meaningful." When you catch it cleanly, pitch to your strengths and -- oh yeah -- rip the cover off the ball, even the absurdity of 1916 seems within reach. But whether or not the Indians reach it, they've clearly accomplished something special, something that those in the audience can brag about witnessing and those between the lines can feel proud for accomplishing. Sure, you've got the hot-take artists insisting the Indians are "peaking too early," as if the baseball gods only dole out so many good vibes per calendar year, and October's not a total crapshoot, anyway. But that's all part of the process of doing something so outrageous and contagious. Something that, when you're in it or around it, makes you feel alive. Covering the Bases: Game 146 by Jordan Bastian FIRST: Jay Bruce fired off a text late Tuesday night to one of his old friends. “Who would’ve thought?” His friend sent one back. “Good luck. Get another one and win a ring.” The quick reply was from Scott Hatteberg, who was in his last Major League season with the Reds when Bruce broke into the big leagues with Cincinnati. Bruce was the young up-and-comer, and Hatteberg was on the final stop in an 18-year professional career. “We keep in touch a little bit,” Bruce said with a warm smile on Wednesday night. “He used to make fun of how young and inexperienced and immature I was as a 20-year-old.”

Now, Bruce and Hatteberg can swap stories about their streak-saving home runs. Back on Sept. 4, 2002, Hatteberg came off the Oakland bench as a pinch-hitter and delivered a walk-off homer to clinch a 20th consecutive win for the A’s. That winning streak set an American League record, and that blast was made even more famous when it was Chris Pratt taking that swing in the movie “Moneyball.” In Wednesday’s win — one that broke Oakland’s record and gave the Tribe 21 straight victories — Bruce delivered a crucial three-run homer in the first inning. It was significant not only for the lead it created, but also for its timing. Detroit struck for one run in the first inning, marking just the second time in 21 games that Cleveland didn’t score first. Bruce’s blast swung the momentum right back to the Indians. And now, this stat lives on: Cleveland has only trailed after four of 189 total innings in the past 21 games. “Expected,” Indians starter Mike Clevinger said. “I don’t think there was a second that I doubted we were going to score some runs or string together some hits. That thought never crossed my mind. “I wasn’t just wishing we were going to score. It was I kind of knew we were going to score and, ‘What am I going to do to hold it where it is?’” Really, that has been the collective mind-set of this club all season. I think that mentality really took shape for this year’s team back on June 26. If you remember, Texas had a 7–1 lead after two innings and then was up 9–2 in the fourth. The Indians had just been swept by the Twins and were getting kicked while they were down again. Manager Terry Francona’s heart issue also flared that night, forcing him to leave the dugout. Everything seemed to be spiraling in the wrong direction. Then, Cleveland chipped away and away and away, scoring 13 unanswered runs to pull off an improbable comeback win. Bruce wasn’t here for that, but he’s gotten a read on his new teammates since coming over from the Mets last month. He sees that daily focus and that belief that no deficit is too big to overcome, and that things like a 21-game winning streak aren’t impossible. “I don’t feel like we get too, ‘Oh, gosh, they scored, so we have to,’” Bruce said. “I think we’re saying, ‘Listen, let’s just play. Let’s play.’ That’s the one thing I’ve learned in all my years of being at this, is you just never know. You have to play. That’s the main rule, main objective, my mission statement. “You’ve got to play and I feel like with the group of guys we have here, and the way we go about our business, if we play and we continue to prepare and we just take the same exact approach we’ve had, we’re going to have a lot more success.” Next up for the Indians are the 1935 Cubs, who won 21 straight games. And then there’s the MLB record, which is a 26-game winning streak by the 1916 New York Giants. You may have heard about the tie/suspended game in the middle of that one. Here’s some background: Did you know? Indians winning streak Maybe Pratt can also play Bruce if the Indians’ streak also finds its way to Hollywood. SECOND: After the Tribe’s 20th straight win on Tuesday night, Indians catcher Yan Gomes stood in front of reporters with a shirt that summed up this recent run pretty well: “Hakuna Matata: It Means No Worries” That’s certainly how Cleveland’s pitching staff has made things look of late. Before Wednesday’s game, pitching coach Mickey Callaway even noted that the staff has scrapped their advance meetings. They are in such a groove, and are so deep in the season, that individual chats to go over certain things are working just fine. That, and emphasizing sticking to the pitchers’ strengths. Obviously, the approach has been working. “‘Berto and I have even said it,” said Gomes, referring to fellow Tribe catcher Roberto Perez. “It makes our job really easy, man. It makes us look good, actually. They set the tone early. We’ve talked about to win some ballgames, we’re going to need that staff. They’re feeding off each other right now.” In this win, Clevinger fought his command in spurts, but still walked away with a solid performance. The righty was charged with one earned run (three runs total) on six hits in 5.2 innings. He struck out six, walked two and picked up the rotation’s 19th win in this 21-game run. Over the course of the winning streak, the pitching staff as a whole has turned in a 1.57 ERA with 193 strikeouts against 36 walks in 189 innings, while limiting batters to a .206/.251/.288 slash line. Think about that. That’s like a Corey Kluber hot streak, but done by the entire staff. Incredible.

After Clevinger’s performance, the rotation now has a 1.70 ERA with 135 strikeouts against 25 walks in 132 innings during the streak. The bullpen has a 1.26 ERA with 58 strikeouts and 11 walks in 57 innings. Nick Goody (1 IP, 2 K), Tyler Olson (0.1 IP), Bryan Shaw (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) and Cody Allen (1 IP, 1 K) all chipped in during win №21. Clevinger made sure to credit Perez and Gomes for their part in all of this. “I think it’s pretty safe to say they’re two of the best catchers in the league,” Clevinger said. “And we’ve got both of him. That’s pretty amazing. Some of the strikes that [Perez]can steal [and] his arm. His pitch calling is what gets me the most. “I have fun just watching what he’s going to call when I’m pitching. Sometimes I’m not even thinking about what I want to do, because I’m like, ‘Let’s see what ‘Berto thinks.”’ THIRD: OK, you’re here for Streak Stats. I won’t waste your time any longer. I detailed the pitching numbers already, so let’s take a look now at what the offense has done throughout the 21 wins in a row: 139 runs scored 97 extra-base hits 41 home runs .305 average .383 on-base .556 slugging For those keeping score at home, that’s an average score of 6.6 to 1.7 during this winning streak for the Indians. Cleveland has turned in a +104 run differential in that span. It’s bonkers and it’s bananas. It’s bonk-nanas. Here is the part that the players have enjoyed the most: “Everyone being involved,” Clevinger said. “I mean, a lot of those guys aren’t playing every day and haven’t been playing every day and they’re showing up and stepping in and filling shoes just as well as anyone else could. So I think that says a lot about their work put in.” Guys like Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor are getting the most love during this streak — and rightly so — but the production has been across the board. Coming into Wednesday, Yandy Diaz had a 1.000+ OPS during the streak. Giovanny Urshela was hitting .300+ with a slew of highlight-reel plays. Rookies Greg Allen (homer) and Francisco Mejia (RBI) are up from Double-A and chipping in here and there. Shoot, Erik Gonzalez had a two-homer game. Perez and Gomes have combined for 23 RBI, with Perez, in particular, getting especially hot at the plate recently. Perez homered again on Wednesday and is now batting .378/.439/.811 in 41 plate appearances during the streak. And that’s not even getting into what guys like Tyler Olson, Nick Goody, Ryan Merritt and others have done for the pitching staff. “That’s a huge part of it,” Francona said. “Everybody pretty much has had a hand in doing something, and I think its healthy way to play that way, and certainly on our ballgame because I think our guys complement each other, but also, you don’t have a segment of your guys in the dugout just sitting down and watching.” HOME: It’s not often that a player will be wowed by his own defensive play (or at least admit to it). Consider when Austin Jackson went flipping over the wall in Fenway Park to make the catch of the year. After the game, he was asked what he thought when he saw the replay of his leaping, wall-crashing, padding-grabbing, flip-into-the-bullpen-and-land-on-your-feet robbery. “I thought it was going to look a little better,” Jackson said. [blank stare] Well, on Wednesday, Urshela admitted that even he was impressed with what he pulled off after entering at third in the seventh. With one out and runners on first and second, John Hicks sent a chopper to the left side. Urshela ranged swiftly to his left and snared the ball with a diving stop. Then, from his belly, the third baseman forced his body up into the air just enough to fire a throw to second for an out. https://medium.com/media/b57c01735fd2c8c3354b6c1d589ffea9/href “I was pretty excited,” Urshela said. “I was looking at the scoreboard and saw the video. I said, ‘How’d I throw that ball like that?’ That was a crazy to throw that. But that was a good play.” It’s easy to envision Urshela making a critical play on the October stage.

“We’ve said it time and time again, and I like saying it,” Francona said. “He’s an elite defender. And it’s not the easiest thing to do go in in the middle of the game, but he brings elite defense when he goes in. And that’s why he goes in.” Hey, Mickey: Q&A with Callaway by Jordan Bastian Q: Will Andrew Miller be activated on Thursday as planned? MC: “We’ve talked about this morning. I think that’s the route we’re going to take. We’re going to make sure he gets through the day with his throwing program and just continue to monitor him, and hopefully that will be our plan, is to be able to get him in the game in some capacity. Probably like a limited outing. Maybe come in and get an out to finish an inning. Probably more low-leverage situation just to kind of stair-step that process to get him ready to go full bore when we need him the most.” Q: Last time Miller returned, his outings were part of a planned schedule via the medical staff. Will that be the case again this time? MC: “The first couple would definitely be like that. I think if all goes to plan, and he gets in a game tomorrow, then hopefully a couple days off and maybe get him in another game before the off-day. And then, after the off-day, we can kind of play around with his usage and try to more prepare him for what he might do moving forward.” Q: Are there clear signs that Miller is in a better position to return this time than last time? MC: “Definitely. He feels great. The mechanics of it, the way he’s bracing himself when he’s throwing his slider, which was the real issue when his knee was bothering him, are all really good. We’ve been keeping track of the numbers on Trackman during his sim games and the spin, the velocity, the break, all those things are well in line with what he does during the season. So, we’re very encouraged with everything so far.” Q: Miller’s velocity was down when he came back last time. Was that just an issue of mechanics? MC: “Yeah, so it was a little mechanical related. A lot of it with Andrew is getting himself going during a game. You’ll see, when he comes in with a three-run lead, he’s throwing 92. Somebody gets on second, all of a sudden, he’s throwing 96. I think the game kind of dictates. And he doesn’t try to do that, admittedly. He just goes out there and competes with what he’s got, and I think when the game gets on the line, he steps it up a lot. So, you see that 96–97 at times.” Q: Is there a bright spot here that the bullpen has performed so well with Miller out? MC: “There really is. I think Otero’s pitched more meaningful innings than probably he had before Andrew went out. Olson has been unbelievable for us and will give us that second lefty that we’re going to need at some point to take even some pressure off Andrew at times. So, it really helped us prepare for our ultimate goal, and I think that this streak is also helping that. Everybody is pitching with pressure on themselves right now. Like Clevinger has a lot of pressure going into the game today and this is good preparation for what we ultimately want to do, I think.” Q: What has helped Clevinger turn a corner recently? MC: “He spent a great offseason this winter really improving the spin on his pitches. His slider, his curveball have played really well this year, a lot better than they did last year, especially the swing and miss. He had the good changeup last year. He still battles throwing the ball over the [plate]. He can throw a strike whenever he wants to. He’s battling his willingness to always throw the ball over the plate at times. When he does that, when he throws it over the plate, he’s dominant. Now, he’s gotten away with sometimes where he’s walked a few guys and hasn’t been attacking hitters probably the way he’d like to, because his swing-and-miss has been up with the slider and the curveball and things like that. But, his biggest adjustment has been being able to spin the ball and going out there and being even more consistent this year at throwing the ball over the plate. Now, he still battles that, but he knows it’s a work in progress and it’s something he focuses on every game.” Q: Last season, you guys leaned on Miller the way you did in the postseason partially out of necessity. If you can’t do that as much this year, how much does it help knowing the bulpen depth is better? MC: “It helps knowing you have more depth in the ‘pen, that’s for sure. I think in a playoff game, you’re going to pitch your best guys. That’s just how it goes. We trust everybody in the bullpen, but when the game is on the line, I think you’re going to see Andrew Miller in there pitching most of the time.” Q: What has been the key for Olson this year? MC: “Throw the ball over the plate. That’s the one thing we talked to him about. We loved his stuff in Spring Training. If he throws his fastball to the opposite arm side, it cuts. If he throws it arm side, it runs. He can spin the ball. And he was more pitching towards the corners in the past. When you have that type of movement and that kind of stuff, you throw the ball right down the middle and it’ll take it to the corners. If he throws it just a little off center to his opposite-arm side, it’s going to cut to the corner, and vice-versa with the other side of the plate. We just asked him to throw the ball down the middle and he’s done a great job of that this year and having success. He’s throwing strike one, he’s fearless and has really good stuff.”

Q: Did you expect that fearlessness out of Olson? MC: “From what we saw in Spring Training, we definitely expected that. Great kid, unbelievable worker. He’s probably been somewhere throwing weighted balls and getting ready for the day since 8 o’clock this morning. It’s unbelievable. [Bullpen coach Jason bere] has had to talk to him a little bit about, ‘Hey, there’s about to be 162 games probably next year, so maybe make a little bit of an adjustment.’ But, he’s a worker and he’s fearless. He goes out there and throws the ball over the plate.” Q: So often, you hear it stressed that pitchers need to throw all their pitches from the same arm slot. Why has Olson been so successful with throwing from different slots? MC: “Because he’s such a great athlete. Most guys, like Carrasco, he better throw out of the same slot every time just to be consistent. With someone like [Olson], you can just tell with the way he fields his position, the body type, he’s a great athlete. He’s got a great feel to spin the ball. He can spin it from three different angles. He can throw his fastball from three different angles. When you get a guy who can do that, that only helps the deception part, especially when you’re a lefty. When you can throw as much funk at them as you can, I think that always seems to play, especially left-on-left.” Q: It sounds so simple to just say “throw it over the plate,” but how important is it to keep reinforcing that idea? MC: “It’s big. I think it’s big for everybody. I think our catchers have a huge responsibility for guys throwing the ball off the plate. Clevinger, he can throw the ball in the vicinity pretty good. We’ve seen his heat maps. When the catcher sets up just off, he throws it just off. When they set up just on, he throws it just on. He really relies on the catcher a lot and where he’s setting up, where he’s going to throw the ball. Like, McAllister, his fastball, his four-seamer runs so much, if you’re going in to a lefty, you almost have to set up behind him so the ball goes where you want to. The catcher’s always playing a huge role in the success of the pitcher throwing the ball over the plate. That’s for sure.” Q: What’s the next step for Danny Salazar? MC: “Danny is going to throw a bullpen today. We’re going to look for a spot to get him in the game, like we did last time after another day off. Then, pretty soon, you’re probably going to see Danny make a start. We’re going to need an extra starter, because we’re trying to line up guys that are starting moving forward. We’re trying to line them up so they have their appropriate rest. We’re going to have a spot open in the rotation at some point. I think Danny Salazar would make that start. We’re going to continue to try to prep him for whatever we might need him for.” Q: Has anything changed with the pitching staff during this winning streak? MC: “I don’t think we make an adjustment too much. We just kind of go about the day the way we usually do. The one thing we have done during this whole streak is we haven’t done our advanced meetings. I’ve been talking to the catcher or the pitcher individually, J.B. has been talking to the players, the bullpen guys during the game or right before they’re about to go face the three hitters they have. It seems to have [worked]. We seem to have found our stride pitching, you know, and at this time of year, you’re playing the same teams over and over, so they know the information already. They’re really sticking to their strengths. That’s the balance that we’re always trying to fight. When do I pitch to my strengths? And when do I use the information to help me get through an outing. Most of the time, it’s pitch to your strengths. We’ve kind of pulled back on some of the information and let them go do their thing.” Q: What led to that approach? MC: “I think it happens, because it’s so late in the year. We’ve done this in the past. We did this in the playoffs. We knew who the hitters were and we just grabbed guys individually and kind of explained to them what we wanted them to do. We didn’t feel a huge need to have those meetings. We’re playing Detroit, Kansas City, teams like that, that we’ve seen five times, six times already this year. There’s no reason to go over more information. We’ll hit them up on a guy that might be hot for that team, what he’s been doing different in the last two weeks since we’ve seen them. But we try to limit it and have guys pitch to their strengths at this time in the season.” Q: Advanced meetings obviously serve a purpose, especially early in the season. But, can there be an information overload at times for some pitchers? MC: “We try to make sure that doesn’t happen. I think it can against certain guys. I think guys can definitely overthink that. We try to keep it simple. J.B. and I are having conversations throughout the season to make sure guys aren’t using the information too much, and sticking to their strengths first and foremost. We get tons of information. J.B. and Scott Atchison and myself try to dumb it down to where it’s something useful. And not ‘dumb it down’ because the players are dumb, but dumb it down so we’re not overthinking it. The guys do a great job with it. I think they’re definitely necessary meetings at the beginning of the season, because guys are changing. They’ve come back a different hitter, because of their offseason work, things like that. They’re definitely necessary. I think once you get three-quarters of the way through the season, they’re probably not as impactful as they are early.” Q: At this time of year, can it be more impactful for the next day’s starter to really watch the pitchers’ approach in the games leading up to his outing?

MC: “I really think so. You can learn a lot about what a hitter is trying to do from the game before. We talk about small sample size and things like that. But, if you can pay attention to a game or the two games before you pitch in the series, you’re going to see a lot. You’re going to see a guy if he’s frustrated and he’s hanging his head and he doesn’t have a lot of confidence. You’re going to see if he’s ambushing guys’ first pitch, things like that. There’s a lot of information that’s really valuable if you’re paying attention and locked in those previous two days or previous day before your start.” Q: Last year, you really emphasized having the starters watch the other rotation members’ bullpen session, and that’s continued this year, too. What benefits come from that? MC: “I think it holds guys accountable. The other pitchers expect their teammates, and especially the guys they’re having that friendly competition with, to get after it on a daily basis. It holds them accountable for that. Another thing it does is it allows us to all be together in one little spot if we have any type of an issue. One of the things we talked about in Spring Training with the pitching staff is we have to have an atmosphere where anybody can say anything they want or say what they feel at all times. When you’re saying that, you have to remember what you do and make sure it’s something impactful to our team and you have to be able to take it the right way. They’ve done a really good job of that. We’ve had some good conversations out in the ‘pen after guys have thrown ‘pens, whether it’s, ‘Hey, we saw the frustration after the guy called a ball when you threw a strike. You can’t let that happen and then you walk the next guy.’ Little conversations like that to continually hold those guys accountable. And they do it to each other, which is really good to see.” Q: It kind of goes without saying, but how nice is it to have Corey Kluber leading the way as the example? MC: “Yeah, I’d want to be like the best pitcher in the league, too. Not only is it his work ethic, but he goes out there and does what he did last night. The guys see him work every day and they don’t just think, ‘Oh, he’s nasty and he has all this success, because he’s got a wipeout breaking ball.’ All of our guys have some kind of a wipeout pitch. ‘Why am I not doing the same thing Kluber is?’ Well, look at his routine, look at how consistent he is in his demeanor. He doesn’t get rattled. They want to follow suit. If you go back and look when Kluber came off the DL, not only did his numbers obviously speak for themselves, but everybody’s numbers started to pick up. He’s definitely our leader.” 21 pilots! Tribe flying, win streak is AL record By Jordan Bastian and Jason Beck / MLB.com | September 13th, 2017 + 402 COMMENTS CLEVELAND -- There was a moment on Wednesday afternoon when it felt like this incredible run by the Indians might finally find its finish line. Jay Bruce quickly saw to it that such thoughts were fleeting, delivering a first-inning home run that kept Cleveland's magic alive and helped the team go where no American League club had previously gone. With their 5-3 victory over the Tigers, the Indians set an AL record with 21 consecutive victories, surpassing the mark that the A's established 15 years ago. Cleveland moved into a tie with the 1935 Cubs for the second-longest winning streak in baseball history. "I think they're enjoying themselves. They should," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "It's pretty special." If the Indians do keep the streak alive, there is one more historic team to potentially chase down. The Major League record is 26 straight wins, achieved by the 1916 Giants, from Sept. 7-30 of that year. Bruce was asked if the historic nature of the Indians' streak has sunk in. "Oh, absolutely not," Bruce said. "We're so focused. You know everyone talks about the streak and being consumed with it. What consumes us is the daily kind of schedule and game we have to get ready for." One of the trademarks of this Tribe streak has been striking first, but Detroit temporarily flipped the script in the finale of this series at Progressive Field. Indians starter Mike Clevinger surrendered a run-scoring double to Jeimer Candelario in the opening frame, representing only the second time in the past 21 games that Cleveland did not notch the first run. Any doubts that were creeping throughout the packed house were swiftly subsided. "Expected," Clevinger said of Cleveland's quick answer. In the bottom of the first, Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez -- catalysts for Cleveland's offense this season, and especially over the past three weeks -- doubled and drew a walk, respectively. That set the stage for Bruce, who slashed a 1-1 offering from Detroit's Buck Farmer high over left field, where it just cleared the 19-foot wall. The crowd erupted accordingly, knowing the ball hit the yellow line. "You're one pitch away, and he beats you oppo over the big wall. It's definitely frustrating after you take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first," Tigers catcher James McCann said. "At the same time, you have to tip your cap. They haven't won 21 in a row by accident." • Rogers: Who is going to beat the Indians? Bruce's blast was his 34th of the season and fifth since being acquired by the Indians last month. All the AL Central-leading Tribe has done since he donned a Cleveland uniform is win 30 out of 35 games. Needless to say, Bruce's transition to the Tribe has gone better than anyone could've hoped. "You can't ask for any more," Bruce said. "I am so fortunate to be a part of this and just happy that I can help out where and when I can. I've said it a million times: This team was awesome before I got here, and I feel like I just added to what was already a super deep and talented lineup. We have so many ways to win games, it's amazing." With this latest win, the Indians lowered their magic number to four to clinch the division, maintained their status as the AL's top team and pulled within 3 1/2 games of the Dodgers, pending the result of Los Angeles' late game against the Giants, for the best record in the Majors. "I feel like we're just showing up to the field and playing," Clevinger said. "It doesn't feel like we're going after something, besides that same goal to finish October on top." After Bruce's home run propelled the Indians to a 3-1 lead, Cleveland tacked on another run in the third courtesy of an RBI single from Edwin Encarnacion. That fourth run proved crucial, as Detroit threatened again in the sixth. Nicholas Castellanos ripped a run-scoring double and Andrew Romine contributed an RBI single, pulling the Tigers within one run and ending Clevinger's day at 5 2/3 innings.

The Tigers got no further, and the Indians' bullpen helped polish off win No. 21. "Last two games, we put up a fight," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "We gave them a game. Quite frankly, they're better than us right now. Simple as that." Roberto Perez's solo homer in the seventh -- the catcher's fourth during the winning streak -- made life a little easier for closer Cody Allen. The hard-throwing righty struck out Tyler Collins and induced a flyout from Jose Iglesias. The Cleveland crowd began to roar in anticipation of what might come next. "In the ninth, that's when I got a little bit nervous," Perez said. "Not nervous, [like] scared, but I knew we were going to tie the record or whatever -- for 21 straight. It was nice to see that, that ovation." For the record-setting out, Ian Kinsler pulled a low liner to left, where Lonnie Chisenhall made a sliding catch to set off the celebration. "It's pretty cool. It's definitely an honor," Allen said of the streak. "But it's part of the process. Ultimately, we're trying to win as many games as we can. If you can win them all in a row, great. If you can win every series, you're just trying to play good baseball that day. "Today, we played a couple runs better than they did. Tomorrow, we're going to try to show up and do the same thing." MOMENTS THAT MATTERED 'Berto's insurance blast: The Tribe's bullpen received a little more breathing room in the seventh, when Perez drilled an 0-2 solo home run to center. The shot had an exit velocity of 105 mph and traveled a projected 428 feet, per Statcast™. The catcher has not only helped lead the Indians' stellar pitching staff throughout the streak, but he's been on a tear offensively. Within the team's past 21 wins, Perez has hit .378/.439/.811 in 41 plate appearances. "I think he's just a better hitter than he was showing earlier [in the year]," Francona said. "I think that's kind of it. I think when he sets his direction up the middle, he's going to pull balls naturally because he's strong, but he's able to hit more pitches than when he's just thinking pull." Gio's gems: Giovanny Urshela entered the game at third base in the seventh to upgrade the defense, and the move paid off in a big way. After a fielding error by reliever Bryan Shaw put runners at first and second with one out in the eighth, John Hicks chopped a pitch to the left side. Urshela ranged to his left, snared the ball with a dive and fired from his knees to nab Candelario for a forceout at second base. Urshela followed that with a slick play on a grounder from Romine for the frame's final out. "We've said it time and time again, and I like saying it," Francona said. "He's an elite defender, and it's not the easiest thing to do go in in the middle of the game, but he brings elite defense when he goes in. And that's why he goes in." Goody's escape: A throwing error by Indians starting third baseman Yandy Diaz helped create a window of opportunity for the Tigers in the sixth. Miguel Cabrera reached and moved up to second on the play, setting up the RBI hits from Castellanos and Romine. At that juncture, Francona turned to Nick Goody, who struck out JaCoby Jones swinging to stop Detroit's push. "He's been solid this whole year," Clevinger said. "Coming in a big spot like that, one-run ballgame -- I don't even know if he realized it was one run. He was just attacking hitters. It was awesome to see." QUOTABLE "I don't think you see that electric of an atmosphere every September noon game. So yeah, I think that added pressure lets us stay locked in. I know we've got a good lead in the division and stuff, but this just allows us to stay on the same track and keep our work steady." --Clevinger, on the streak providing a postseason-like environment "I was pretty excited. I was looking at the scoreboard and saw the video. I said, 'How'd I throw that ball like that?' That was crazy to throw that. But that was a good play." -- Urshela, on his diving play in the eighth "That's a good ballclub. They're playing unbelievable right now. Everything seems to be going their way." -- Hicks SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS With his double in the third inning, Ramirez became the eighth player in Indians history to have at least 80 extra-base hits in a season, joining Manny Ramirez (three times), Earl Averill (three), Hal Trosky (twice), Albert Belle (twice), Grady Sizemore (once), Tris Speaker (once) and Ed Morgan (once). Sizemore was the last to do it with 92 in 2006. Belle holds the club record with 103 in 1995. The Indians have not trailed at the end of 185 of 189 full innings during the 21-game streak, while outscoring their opponents, 68-13, in the first three frames combined. MCCANN, AUSMUS EJECTED McCann and Ausmus were both ejected in the bottom of the third inning for arguing balls and strikes after Bruce drew a two-out walk from Farmer following an 0-2 count. Home-plate umpire Quinn Wolcott ejected McCann as Ausmus was heading out to the mound. Ausmus separated McCann from Wolcott, then argued before he was ejected. "There's pitches early on that were borderline that I thought could've gone either way," McCann said. "We didn't get them. If he's not going to give them to them, then I'm not going to say anything. I felt like he was giving them to them. We had dialogue, and it just kind of built up over the course of three innings or whatever it was. I felt like I had to say my piece." More > WHAT'S NEXT Tigers: Chad Bell (0-2, 5.79 ERA) gets the start on Thursday as the Tigers begin their final homestand of the season with a 1:10 p.m. ET game against the White Sox at Comerica Park. The matinee opens a four-game weekend series between the two rebuilding clubs. Indians: As Cleveland eyes its 22nd straight win, righty Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.13 ERA) is slated to take the ball for the Tribe in a 7:10 p.m. ET tilt with the Royals on Thursday, opening a four-game set between the clubs at Progressive Field. In his past six starts, Tomlin has gone 5-0 with a 2.57 ERA and 27 strikeouts against two walks in 35 innings. Bruce big part of Tribe's historic streak By William Kosileski / MLB.com | September 13th, 2017 + 4 COMMENTS CLEVELAND -- When the "Moneyball" Athletics won their 20th consecutive game on Sept. 4, 2002, it was Scott Hatteberg's walk-off solo homer at the Coliseum that gave Oakland the longest winning streak in American League history. In the Indians' 5-3 win over the Tigers on Wednesday at Progressive Field, it was Jay Bruce's go-ahead, three-run homer in the bottom of the first that helped the Tribe break the A's record by extending its winning streak to 21.

After the game, Bruce said he and Hatteberg -- whom he played with in Spring Training for the Reds from 2006-08 -- exchanged texts on Tuesday night after the Indians tied the 2002 Athletics' 20-game winning streak. "I just said, 'Who would've thought?'" Bruce said. "And he said, 'Good luck, get another one and win a ring.'" Detroit took the early lead in the first when third baseman Jeimer Candelario ripped an RBI double to center off Cleveland starter Mike Clevinger. It marked the second time in their past 21 games that the Indians did not score first in a ballgame. That rare deficit did not last long, though, as Bruce's blast quickly gave Cleveland a lead that it would never lose. "Expected, I would say by now," Clevinger said of the Indians regaining the lead. "That was huge, especially after having that kind of -- I wouldn't say lackadaisical first inning -- but just didn't make some of the pitches I wanted to. And then for [Bruce] to come up and hit the three-run homer, it was a big cushion." Bruce's opposite-field shot to the bleachers in left-- which stood after a crew-chief review -- was his fifth since he was acquired by the Indians on Aug. 9 from the Mets and his 34th long ball overall on the season, tying his career high. "I feel like I do add something positive to this team," Bruce said. "This team, I feel like, has added something to me as well. It gives you a little boost. ... It's not about every day you have to get this many hits or drive in this many runs. You just want to do whatever it takes to help these guys win, and that's the honest truth." Per Statcast™, Bruce's big fly traveled a projected 380 feet and had an exit velocity of 99.6 mph. "[Bruce] brings that RBI-productive bat that sits behind Edwin [Encarnacion] and around Carlos [Santana]," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "You make a mistake, and he knows what to do with it." Bruce's homer and Encarnacion's RBI single in the third continued a theme during the winning streak, as Cleveland has now outscored its opponents, 68-13, in the first three innings in its past 21 games. The Tribe has only trailed at the end of four of the 189 full innings in its 21-game win streak. The early run for the Tigers marked the first time they had a lead over the Indians at any point since July 9, when Michael Fulmer pitched Detroit to a 5-3 victory in Cleveland. In addition, Candelario's RBI knock plated the first run for the Tigers in this three-game series. Although Bruce wasn't with the Indians when they won 14 straight games in their pennant-winning 2016 season, he has been a key cog in this year's squad since joining it. Bruce has fit in with the Indians seamlessly, as they have gone 30-5 since his first game in a Cleveland uniform on Aug. 10. In 27 games, Bruce has hit .253 with five homers, five doubles and 18 RBIs with the Indians. "… To have the opportunity to come to a team like this is something that doesn't happen very often," Bruce said. "I'm very, very fortunate to be in this situation. "Like I said when I came here, I just want to help. I just want to be a part of something that is bigger than myself, personally. I think everyone in that locker room feels the same exact way. So it is easy for me, the transition has been seamless and these guys have welcomed me with open arms. It's been easy, man. It's been like I've been here all year." DYK: Inside Indians' 21-game win streak By Matt Kelly, David Adler and Andrew Simon / MLB.com | September 13th, 2017 + 74 COMMENTS The Indians made history Wednesday afternoon on the shores of Lake Erie, winning their 21st consecutive game, setting a new American League record. Behind a first-inning homer from Jay Bruce and a strong outing from Mike Clevinger, the Tribe won 5-3 over the Tigers on Wednesday and surpassed the 2002 Oakland A's for the longest win streak in AL history, and tied the 1935 Cubs for the second longest in MLB history. The Major League record is 26 straight wins, achieved by the 1916 Giants, from Sept. 7-30 of that year. Already a preseason favorite to return to the World Series and avenge their Game 7 loss to the Cubs last fall, the Tribe is surging into October as a team on a mission. Here are some facts and figures to know about the Indians' historic roll: • The Indians' win Wednesday means their winning streak exceeds the longest in AL history -- 20 straight wins by the 2002 A's. That win streak helped inspire both the bestselling book Moneyball by Michael Lewis, and later the Academy Award-nominated film. • The Indians have long surpassed their 14-game winning streak from last season, which was previously the longest in franchise history. Cleveland is the first team since the 1935-36 Cubs -- and only the third club in MLB history -- to have 14-game winning streaks in back-to-back seasons. The only other club to accomplish the feat was the 1912-13 New York Giants. • At 14-0 in September, the Indians are the first team to begin a calendar month 14-0 since the Twins won their first 15 games in June 1991. It's Cleveland's best start to any month in franchise history. • The next hottest team since Aug. 24, the day the Indians began their run, is the D-backs, who have gone 14-4. The Yankees are the closest AL club with 11 wins since that date. • The Indians have outscored their opponents 139-35 during the streak. They've scored in double digits six times, and the pitching staff has completed seven shutouts in that span. • Cleveland has not trailed at the end of 185 of 189 full innings over the course of its winning streak. • In terms of run differential, at +104, this is the best 21-game stretch in Indians history, surpassing a run from June 14-July 2, 1950, in which they outscored opponents by 73 runs. Cleveland's run differential was +55 (82-27) during last year's 14-game winning streak. • Going back to 1900, only three teams have exceeded a +104 run differential over any 21-game stretch, most recently the 1939 Yankees, whose best 21-game run resulted in an incredible +133 runs from Aug. 9-28. While the Bronx Bombers did lose three times during that span, they also won games by scores of 18-4, 21-0, 14-5, 16-4, 11-5, 11-0, 13-3 and 18-2. The 1933 Washington Senators (+113 runs, June 8-July 1) and 1904 New York Giants (+107, June 17-July 9) are the other clubs to outscore clubs by at least 104 runs over any 21-game stretch. To the head of the class • On the morning of Aug. 24, the Indians owned a 69-56 record and still-tenuous 4-1/2 game lead over the Twins in the AL Central. In winning 21 in a row since then, the Tribe now stands a season-high 34 games above .500 at 90-56. Their magic number to clinch the division title is down to four. Last season's AL-pennant-winning Indians team finished the 2016 regular season 27 games above .500 with a 94-67 record.

• With a division title within their grasp, the Indians are suddenly in the mix for even bigger honors. The Indians trailed the Astros by 14 games for the American League's best record back on July 22, and still trailed by 7 1/2 games before their win streak began. Now, Cleveland holds a two-game lead over Houston in the race for home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs. • The Tribe's surge, coupled with a stunning drop-off out west, has brought another fascinating race to the forefront. The Dodgers' record stood at a robust 89-36 on the morning of Aug. 23, before dropping a heart-breaking loss to the Pirates that night in which Rich Hill carried a no-hitter through nine innings. The Indians haven't lost since then, while the Dodgers have tripped to an MLB-worst 4-16 record in that span and lost 16 of their last 18 games. That means Cleveland, improbably, is just 3 1/2 games back of Los Angeles for the best record in the Major Leagues. This race could be key, as 2017 marks the first year in baseball history in which home-field advantage in the Fall Classic will be determined by the club with the best regular-season record. Shutdown pitching • Indians starters have allowed just 25 earned runs in 132 innings pitched, for an absurd 1.70 ERA while earning the win in 19 of the Indians' 21 consecutive victories. • Kluber's shutout on Tuesday night marked the 18th time in the Tribe's 20-game streak in which the team's starting pitcher gave up no more than two runs. Kluber (five runs in 32 innings) and Carlos Carrasco (two runs in 29 innings) have been especially dominant, combining for 69 strikeouts and three walks during the streak. • Kluber is now 9-2 at Cleveland's Progressive Field this season with a 1.93 ERA. Should he remain at that level, Kluber would become the first Indians pitcher to record a sub-2.00 ERA at home over at least 100 innings pitched since Sam McDowell (1.79) in 1968. • Cleveland's bullpen has been as impressive as the rotation. Tribe relievers have combined to allow just eight earned runs over 57 innings (MLB-low 1.26 ERA), coughing up just two home runs and 11 walks while striking out 58 batters. They've done all of that without Andrew Miller, who hasn't pitched since Aug. 21. • The Indians' seven team shutouts during the streak are more than 14 of the 29 other MLB teams have all season, including the Nationals (five shutouts), who clinched the National League East title on Sunday. The Cubs and Yankees, who both have six, are two other playoff contenders with fewer than seven shutouts on the year. Keep pounding the drum • The Indians have scored early and often during the streak, plating the first run in 19 of their 21 wins. They've outscored their opponents 68-13 over the first three innings in that span. Their 30 runs in the first inning since the streak began are an MLB-high in that stretch. • In a season poised to set the all-time mark for most combined home runs by MLB hitters, it's only fitting that the Indians' 41 home runs are the most clubbed by any team over a win streak of any length in baseball history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Cleveland has hit more home runs than the total number of runs its pitchers have allowed. • All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor stayed hot on Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with a double. Lindor has put up an eye-popping .370/.441/.827 slash line with nine home runs over the Indians' last 21 games. Lindor has clubbed nearly as many extra-base hits (14) as singles (16) during the streak. • Lindor's homer on Tuesday was his 30th of the season. At age 23, that makes him the youngest shortstop to have a 30-homer season since Alex Rodriguez in his age-23 season for the Mariners in 1999. • Lindor's middle-infield mate Jose Ramirez has been arguably even more impressive. In 17 games during the streak, the second baseman has put up an incredible .388/.425/.910 with eight homers of his own. Ramirez, the AL's leader in extra-base hits, has knocked more than twice as many extra-base hits (18) than singles (eight) since Aug. 24. • The Indians' lineup is batting .305 and slugging .556 as a collective unit while winning their 21 games in a row. Both of those marks are the best in baseball. Indians are chasing history and 1916 Giants By Doug Miller / MLB.com | @DougMillerMLB | September 13th, 2017 + 5 COMMENTS With a 5-3 win on Wednesday against the Tigers, the Indians set an American League record with their 21st consecutive victory. And they're now literally chasing Giants. The 1916 New York Giants, that is. They own the longest winning streak -- 26 games -- in Major League history. That streak has sparked discussion because of a game against the Pirates on Sept. 18, 1916, but it was halted because of inclement weather after eight innings with the score 1-1. But before we elaborate on that, here is a little bit of background about those enigmatic '16 Giants. They began the season by losing 13 of their first 15 games, then ripped off 17 victories in a row, all of which came on the road. Then they fell into another general stretch of mediocrity that led them to a season record of 60-62 entering play on Sept. 7, the first day of their legendary streak. Going into a doubleheader against the Pirates at home on Sept. 18, the Giants were riding an 11-game winning streak. In the first game of the day, the Giants got a shutout from starter Ferdie Schupp, winning 2-0 for their 12th victory in a row. The second game of the twin bill, however, wasn't as straightforward. After eight completed innings, the score was deadlocked when rain interrupted play. There were no tarps back then and no lights in the stadium. By the time the rain subsided, umpires Bill Klem and Bob Emslie ruled it was too dark. The game as it stood could not continue. In 1916, there was no "suspension" rule pertaining to called games, where, like today, games are picked up where they left off. (In fact, that's a recent development, having only been implemented in 2007) Back then, games were normally replayed in their entirety if the scheduled permitted, and on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1916, the Giants swept yet another doubleheader from the Pirates -- with the first game being a replay of Game 2 the day before -- and extended the streak to 14. They went on to win another 12 in a row before finally losing, 8-3 to the Boston Braves, in the second game of a doubleheader on Sept. 30. (Fun facts: The record streak happened over the course of a 31-game homestand, meaning every single win came at home, just a couple of months

after the aforementioned 17-game winning streak on the road. Oh, and despite those two amazing streaks, the Giants finished in fourth place, though they were 20 games over .500 at 86-66.) Long story short: Those eight innings of play on Sept. 18, 1916, were never reflected as a game in the standings for the teams involved. Players' statistics counted, which was standard practice. The bottom line is, Sept. 18 is part of the chronology of the streak but not a revisionist footnote that made it an unbeaten streak rather than a winning streak, according to Steve Hirdt, the executive vice president of the Elias Sports Bureau, the official statistician of Major League Baseball, as well as MLB official historian John Thorn. "The record is 26, and that's because the [halted game] does not break the streak," Thorn said. "It's the second game of a twin bill after eight innings at 1-1, it started raining, there were no plate appearances and no outs recorded, and by the time it stopped raining it was dark. It's a simple matter. It's the second game of a doubleheader with no impact on the pennant race. It is a no-brainer [to call it]." Hirdt said he can understand why some fans want to think they can debate the validity of the Giants' streak but that it's not arguable. History is history. "Maybe people get confused because when I was a kid, in hockey and football, tie games were acceptable outcomes," Hirdt said. "But a tie game was never an acceptable result of a baseball game. "So this is a totally made up, so-called controversy. I'm not even going to say it's a controversy. This is settled." No matter how you write it down in the scorebook, the Indians have the longest winning streak in AL history, are tied with the 1935 Cubs for the second-longest streak in Major League history, and are still going after the 1916 Giants, and they've still got to win five more games to tie them. In the meantime, all baseball fans can enjoy catching history as it unfolds. Five series, one question remain for Cleveland By Phil Rogers / MLB.com | @philgrogers | September 13th, 2017 + 3 COMMENTS When the Indians visited Chicago last week, there was no way to know if they were playing well or playing poorly. The tone in the clubhouse was quiet, calm and understated, like a team trying to get through June after going 5-5 in its last 10 games. "We're playing pretty good baseball, but it's fluid,'' manager Terry Francona said. "You've got a game tonight; you've got a game tomorrow. We don't get too caught up in streaks, whether it's bad or good. I don't think you set yourself up for success that way.'' The Indians have won nine games in a row since that conversation, including their historic 21st consecutive victory on Wednesday over the Tigers, tying the 1935 Cubs' record of 21 straight for the second-longest winning streak. They've passed the Astros to position themselves for the No. 1 seed in the American League and put themselves on the verge of clinching the AL Central with more than two weeks left in the regular season. That's crazy. And here's something even crazier. Given favorable pitching matchups and a schedule devoid of any of those playoff-preview series, the Indians could keep winning for another week, if not more. As great as they are playing -- their run differential is plus-159 over their past 53 games -- it's possible they could surpass the 1935 Cubs' streak and then just keep rolling toward the record 26 straight amassed by the 1916 Giants. This is astonishing given the parity in Major League Baseball. You shouldn't be able to do what the Indians are doing, but they're making it look so easy you think it might never end. The imagination wanders when you look at their five remaining series. The Indians have a .660 winning percentage against the teams they play. Royals lefty Jason Vargas could be the only opposing starting pitcher with double-digit wins they face until Sept. 28, when Kyle Gibson is projected to start for the Twins. And the Tribe continues to get more healthy, with Jason Kipnis and Andrew Miller the next name-brand players expected to join the team. Who's going to beat them? Kansas City Royals (Thursday-Sunday at Progressive Field) The Royals sure hope they will, as they open a four-game series in Cleveland on Thursday, and they are only three games behind the Twins for the AL's second Wild Card spot entering play on Wednesday. They're going to be playing with a sense of urgency that might even set them up to win three of four. But the Indians are 5-1 against Kansas City in the second half. If the Royals don't win on Friday, when Vargas faces Trevor Bauer, they could be in trouble. The other pitching matchups heavily favor Cleveland. It's rookie Jakob Junis vs. Josh Tomlin on Thursday; Jason Hammel vs. Carlos Carrasco on Saturday and Sam Gaviglio vs. Corey Kluber on Sunday. Los Angeles Angels (Sept. 19-21 at Angel Stadium) The Indians will spend next week on the West Coast, and travel could take a toll. But the Tribe conveniently has days off before and after the trip that goes to Anaheim and Seattle, so the schedule shouldn't be too big of a factor. The Indians are 3-0 against the Angels this season, sweeping them in late July at Progressive Field. They seem to know how to neutralize Mike Trout (14-for-50 with one home run vs. Cleveland the past three seasons). The starting pitchers the Indians are scheduled to face (Tyler Skaggs, Ricky Nolasco and Andrew Heaney) have combined to go 1-4 with a 6.98 ERA in nine starts during Cleveland's winning streak. Seattle Mariners (Sept. 22-24 at Safeco Field) Like the Royals and Angels, the Mariners are clinging to hope in the Wild Card race. They have veterans lined up to pitch against the Indians next weekend at Safeco Field, but Erasmo Ramirez, Ariel Miranda and Mike Leake better be on their game as they're tentatively set to face Carrasco, Kluber and Mike Clevinger. Because of the off-day next Monday, Kluber and Carrasco will be working on extra rest. That's got to be good, even if they don't seem to need it. Paul Molitor's team is the only one left on the Indians' schedule that currently is positioned to make the postseason field. The Twins could be the biggest surprise if they hold up, and they have been playing well for five weeks now (23-13 since Aug. 6).

The streak would have to be at 31 for this series to be anything more than a desperate fight for Minnesota to hold off multiple Wild Card contenders. The Indians lead the season series 10-6 so far, but the Twins swept a three-game series on their most recent visit to Progressive Field, in late June. In the Twins' favor: For whatever reason, both of these teams like to play at the other team's park. The home team has gone 2-14 in the season series. One possibly intriguing storyline in this series -- Bartolo Colon vs. his original team. But who knows if Colon will still be in Molitor's rotation. He had been pitching well, but he got knocked out in the second inning Sunday in Kansas City. Chicago White Sox (Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Progressive Field) The last weekend of the season is always a trick bag. Francona figures to go easy on his regulars as he faces a White Sox team that could benefit from being swept, with the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft possibly at stake. The Indians outscored the Sox 30-10 in the four-game series in Chicago last weekend and lead the season series 11-5. As a plus for the White Sox and the other remaining opponents: The Indians have to lose some time. Don't they? Tribe plans to activate Miller from DL Thursday By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | September 13th, 2017 + 2 COMMENTS CLEVELAND -- The Indians' pitching staff has been on one of the most dominant runs in recent memory, and it has remarkably done so with Andrew Miller on the shelf. Cleveland is about to get its leverage weapon back. Prior to Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway noted that the team plans to activate Miller from the disabled list on Thursday, and it plans to get him into that night's game against the Royals. Down the stretch, Cleveland will monitor Miller's usage with the goal of having him primed for another pile of impact innings in October. "In a playoff game, you're going to pitch your best guys. That's just how it goes," Callaway said. "We trust everybody in the bullpen, but when the game is on the line, I think you're going to see Andrew Miller in there pitching most of the time." That was certainly the case last season, when Miller helped carry Cleveland's injury-depleted pitching staff to the World Series. The left-hander set Major League relief records for innings (19 1/3), strikeouts (30) and multi-inning outings (10) in a single postseason. Miller might not handle that extreme level of work this year, but the Tribe hopes to have him positioned to do so, if necessary. Callaway noted that Miller's first few outings would follow some guidelines mapped out my the team's medical staff. If Miller gets into Thursday's game, for example, the pitching coach said it would likely be a low-leverage situation and maybe for only a batter or two. The goal then would be to work the lefty into a game again before Monday's team off-day. After that, Callaway said the Indians will be able to "play around with his usage" in the regular season's final weeks, barring any setbacks. In 48 games for the Indians this year, Miller has a 1.65 ERA with 79 strikeouts against 17 walks in 54 2/3 innings. Miller is coming back from a right knee issue (patella tendinitis) that limited him to three appearances in August and resulted in two stints on the 10-day DL. Miller tried to pitch through the injury for a few weeks before the problem flared up in an Aug. 1 outing in Boston. The relief ace returned to game action on Aug. 18 and 21, but he was shelved again. In those three appearances, Miller's average fastball velocity was 94.6 mph, 92.1 mph and 90.1 mph, respectively. Callaway said Miller's mechanics and pitch readings (spin rate, velocity, etc.) were much improved in his recent mound sessions. "He feels great," Callaway said. "The mechanics of it, the way he's bracing himself when he's throwing his slider -- which was the real issue when his knee was bothering him -- are all really good. We've been keeping track of the numbers ... during his sim games and the spin, the velocity, the break, all those things are well in line with what he does during the season. So we're very encouraged with everything so far." The Tribe was also encouraged by the bullpen's performance in Miller's absence. During the 20-game winning streak that Cleveland carried into Wednesday's game against Detroit, the relief corps combined for a 1.34 ERA with 54 strikeouts against 11 walks in 53 2/3 innings. Relievers Dan Otero (2.77 ERA through 48 games) and Joe Smith (2.63 ERA in 14 games since being acquired by the Tribe) have helped pick up some higher-leverage innings, while lefty Tyler Olson (no earned runs allowed through 20 outings this year) has stepped up, too. "Otero's pitched more meaningful innings than probably he had before Andrew went out," Callaway said. "Olson has been unbelievable for us and will give us that second lefty that we're going to need at some point to take even some pressure off Andrew at times. So it really helped us prepare for our ultimate goal [of winning the World Series]." Tribe looks to Tomlin to continue historic run By William Kosileski / MLB.com | September 13th, 2017 + 24 COMMENTS The American League-leading Indians have already stamped their name in the record books with their historic winning streak, and they have a chance to continue their magical run on Thursday night on MLB Network at 7 p.m. ET. The Tribe enters its series opener against the Royals at Progressive Field riding 21 straight victories, which is tied with the 1935 Cubs for the second-longest winning streak in baseball history. Cleveland will look to pass those Cubs and win their 22nd consecutive game as they give the ball to veteran right-hander Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.13 ERA). Kansas City will counter with rookie righty Jakob Junis (7-2, 4.34 ERA). Cleveland can also clinch a postseason berth with a win and an Astros victory over the Angels later on Thursday night. "I think they're enjoying themselves. They should," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "It's pretty special." Following their 5-3 win over the Tigers on Wednesday at Progressive Field, the Indians passed the 2002 A's for the longest winning streak in the Expansion Era (since 1961). The Tribe also set an AL record with its 21st straight win. "It's pretty cool," Indians closer Cody Allen said. "It's definitely an honor, but it's part of the process. Ultimately, we're trying to win as many games as we can. If you can win them all in a row, great. If you can win every series, you're just trying to play good baseball that day. " Cleveland's winning streak dates back to Aug. 24, when they defeated Chris Sale and the Red Sox, 13-6. Since then, the Tribe has swept the Royals, Yankees, Tigers, White Sox, Orioles and Tigers again.

"It's good that we're playing good baseball right now," Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor said. "It's good, because this is the month that everybody's waiting for. You're waiting for this month to be over, so that we can see if you're going to be in the playoffs or not. And once the playoffs start, you want to see that big flag, see the jets and stuff. It's pretty cool. We're just enjoying the ride, man." The Major League record is 26 straight wins, achieved by the 1916 Giants from Sept. 7-Sept. 30. That stretch included a rained-out game against Pittsburgh -- the second game of a doubleheader on Sept. 18 -- that would have been the 13th game in the streak, but it was called after eight innings with the score tied at 1. Those eight innings were not reflected in the standings, but the players' statistics counted. Under current rules, that game would have been suspended and resumed from the point it was halted. In '16, rules dictated that any game interrupted in that fashion would be replayed from scratch if schedules permitted. Tomlin is coming off a strong outing against the Orioles on Saturday, where he got the win after allowing two runs on four hits while striking out three in five-plus innings. He will make his fourth start of the season against the Royals, against whom he has gone 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA and 11 strikeouts against no walks in 23 1/3 innings. Tomlin has gone 5-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his past six starts (35 innings). "I think that this streak is also helping [us prepare for our ultimate goal]," Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway said. "Everybody is pitching with pressure on themselves right now. ... This is good preparation for what we ultimately want to do, I think." Junis was credited with a no-decision after a solid start against the Twins his last time out. In that start on Saturday, Junis went 6 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out seven. In his past six starts, Junis has gone 4-0 with a 2.48 ERA. Junis will make his first career start against the Indians, but it is not the first time he will face them. He pitched 2 1/3 innings in the Royals' 10-1 loss to the Tribe on Aug. 18, allowing four runs on five hits and recording three strikeouts. Following a loss to the White Sox on Wednesday, the Royals are four games back of the Twins for the second AL Wild Card spot. Things to know about this game • Per Statcast, Tomlin has recorded a strike on 69.7 percent of his pitches over his past two starts, which ranks fifth in the Majors in September among pitchers who have thrown a minimum 150 pitches. He ranks just behind teammates Carlos Carrasco (71.2 percent) and Kluber (70.6 percent). Additionally, Tomlin's 67.6-percent strike rate this season ranks fifth for all of 2017 (minimum 1,500 pitches). • Royals catcher Salvador Perez has hit Tomlin well throughout his career. Perez has gone 18-for-38 (.474) with one homer, eight doubles, six RBIs and a 1.237 OPS against the Tribe starter. • A constant theme for the Indians in their incredible win streak has been their ability to score early. In the first three innings in its past 21 games, Cleveland has outscored opponents, 68-13. This has helped the Tribe to only trail at the end of four of the 189 full innings during the winning streak. • The Indians intend to activate left-handed reliever Andrew Miller (right knee patellar tendinitis) from the disabled list prior to Thursday's game. Callaway said on Wednesday that they plan on getting Miller into Thursday's game at some point. In 48 games this season, Miller has a 1.65 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 54 2/3 innings. • The last time the Royals came to Progressive Field, they were shut out in three consecutive games. That was part of the Royals' franchise-record 45 consecutive scoreless innings streak. Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway outlines the plan for Andrew Miller

Ryan Lewis

CLEVELAND: The Indians had to struggle, but the streak is still alive.

An early 1-0 deficit—only the second time during the streak that the opposition scored first—was quickly erased, and the Indians led for the rest of the way in a 5-3 win against the Detroit Tigers in front of a crowd at Progressive Field that brought a playoff-like atmosphere.

With the win, the Indians’ incredible winning streak was extended to 21 games. That also sets an American League record and is tied with the 1935 Chicago Cubs for the longest winning streak of all time. The 1916 New York Giants won 26 in a row but had a tie in the middle.

“I think they’re enjoying themselves. They should,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “I think what’s kind of cool about our game is when you do things, and you do them the right way, I think it means more when you’re not going out of your way to — with a hitting streak, somebody hits 3-0 when you’re down five runs — and our guys are playing the game to win, the right way. That part’s very meaningful. They should enjoy what they’re doing. It’s pretty special.”

An oddity in their last 21 games, the Indians trailed in the first. With two on and two out, Tigers third baseman Jeimer Candelario doubled home a run to left-center field. It was the first run scored agains Mike Clevinger in his last four outings, Wednesday included.

That lead lasted approximately 18 minutes. With two on and two out, Jay Bruce in the bottom of the first belted a three-run home run to left field that just cleared the 19-foot wall. It meant the Indians still only trailed at the end of four complete innings in 21 games. After giving up the early run, Clevinger and the Indians’ dugout didn’t flinch.

“I don’t think there was a second that I doubted we were gonna score some runs or string together some hits,” Clevinger said. “That thought never crossed my mind. I wasn’t just wishing we were gonna score. It was, ‘I kinda knew we were gonna score and what am I gonna do to hold it where it is?’”

The Indians (90-56) never again trailed but had to work to protect their lead.

Jose Ramirez created a run in the third inning, driving a ball to the right-center gap and legging out a double by just beating JaCoby Jones’ throw in to second base. Edwin Encarnacion followed with a bloop single on which Ramirez was able to score, making it 4-1.

The Tigers drew to within one run in the sixth inning. Miguel Cabrera reached on an error by Yandy Diaz and was followed by Nick Castellanos, who ripped a double to make it 4-2. Andrew Romine with two outs singled to score Castellanos and end Clevinger’s day. Nick Goody entered and escaped the inning.

Clevinger (10-5) lasted 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and six strikeouts.

Roberto Perez added an insurance run in the seventh via a solo home run to center field. He is now hitting .378 during the streak in the best offensive stretch of his career.

The Tigers (60-85) threatened in the eighth with Bryan Shaw on the mound. Miguel Cabrera singled to right and with one out, Candelario reached on an error by Shaw in what was not one of the more athletic plays you’ll see on a baseball diamond.

A few pitches later, Giovanny Urshela made up for it with a highlight-reel, diving stop and throw to second base for the second out that probably saved a run. Romine then grounded out to Urshela to end the inning with the Indians still holding a two-run advantage.

“That was a game-changer, that play,” Perez said of Urshela’s diving stop. “He’s huge. That’s why he’s here. That’s why they put him in in the seventh inning, to have a chance to save the game.”

In the ninth, Cody Allen (27 saves) nailed down win No. 21, in what has become one of the most impressive winning streaks in baseball history.

The Tigers let out some frustration in the third inning, and it led to the ejection of both catcher James McCann and manager Brad Ausmus. Bruce drew a walk, which prompted McCann to have some words with home-plate umpire Quinn Wolcott. Other Tigers players, namely Cabrera, a few times this series have also shared words after a called third strike.

McCann was quickly tossed, followed by Ausmus, who had to hold his catcher back. A few pitches later, catcher John Hicks, who replaced McCann, then missed a pitch from Buck Farmer (4-3). The pitch struck Wolcott square in the upper chest area. He was down for a few moments but remained in the game.

Akron Beacon Journal LOADED: 09.14.2017

No. 21: Indians set record for longest winning stre ak in American League history in 5-3 win against De troit Tigers

Ryan Lewis

CLEVELAND: The Indians had to struggle, but the streak is still alive.

An early 1-0 deficit — only the second time during the streak the opposition has scored first — was quickly erased, and the Indians led the rest of the way Wednesday afternoon in a 5-3 win over the Detroit Tigers in front of a Progressive Field crowd of nearly 30,000 that created a playoff-like atmosphere.

The win extended the Indians’ incredible streak to an American League record of 21 games. That is tied with the 1935 Chicago Cubs for the second-longest longest winning streak of all time, trailing only the 26 in a row won by the 1916 New York Giants, whose streak included a tie in the middle.

“I think they’re enjoying themselves. They should,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “I think what’s kind of cool about our game is when you do things, and you do them the right way, I think it means more when you’re not going out of your way to — with a hitting streak, somebody hits 3-0 when you’re down five runs — and our guys are playing the game to win, the right way. That part’s very meaningful. They should enjoy what they’re doing. It’s pretty special.”

In what was an oddity over the last 21 games, the Indians trailed in the first inning. With two on and two out, Tigers third baseman Jeimer Candelario doubled home a run to left-center field. It was the first run scored against Mike Clevinger in his last four outings, Wednesday included.

That lead lasted about 18 minutes. With two on and two out in the bottom of the first, Jay Bruce belted a three-run homer to left field that just cleared the 19-foot wall. It gave the Indians a 3-1 lead, which meant they have trailed at the end of only four complete innings in 21 games.

After giving up the early run, Clevinger and the Indians dugout didn’t flinch.

“I don’t think there was a second that I doubted we were gonna score some runs or string together some hits,” Clevinger said. “That thought never crossed my mind. I wasn’t just wishing we were gonna score. It was, I kinda knew we were gonna score and what am I gonna do to hold it where it is?”

The Indians (90-56) never again trailed but had to work to protect their lead.

Jose Ramirez created a run in the third inning, driving a ball to the right-center gap and legging out a double by just beating JaCoby Jones’ throw to second base. Edwin Encarnacion followed with a bloop single on which Ramirez was able to score, making it 4-1.

The Tigers drew to within one run in the sixth inning. Miguel Cabrera reached on an error by Yandy Diaz and Nick Castellanos followed with a double to make it 4-2. Andrew Romine singled with two outs to score Castellanos and end Clevinger’s day. Nick Goody entered and escaped the inning.

Clevinger (10-5) lasted 5⅔ innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and six strikeouts.

Roberto Perez added an insurance run in the seventh on a solo home run to center field. He is hitting .378 during the streak, the best offensive stretch of his career.

The Tigers (60-85) threatened in the eighth with Bryan Shaw on the mound. Cabrera singled to right and, with one out, Candelario reached on an error by Shaw in what was not one of the more athletic plays you’ll see on a baseball diamond.

A few pitches later, Giovanny Urshela made up for it with a highlight-reel, diving stop and throw to second base for the second out that probably saved a run. Romine then grounded out to Urshela to end the inning with the Indians still holding a two-run advantage.

“That was a game-changer, that play,” Perez said of Urshela’s diving stop. “He’s huge. That’s why he’s here. That’s why they put him in in the seventh inning, to have a chance to save the game.”

Cody Allen (27 saves) pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to nail down win No. 21 and extend one of the most impressive winning streaks in baseball history.

The Tigers let out some frustration in the third inning, and it led to the ejection of catcher James McCann and manager Brad Ausmus. Bruce drew a walk, which prompted McCann to have some words with home-plate umpire Quinn Wolcott. Other Tigers players — especially Cabrera — a few times this series have also shared their displeasure after a called third strike.

McCann was quickly tossed, followed by Ausmus, who had to hold his catcher back. A few pitches later, catcher John Hicks, who replaced McCann, missed a pitch from Tigers starter Buck Farmer (4-3). The pitch struck Wolcott square in the upper chest area. He was down for a few moments but remained in the game.

The Streak by the numbers: 21 numbers for the Indians ’ 21-game winning streak

Ryan Lewis

CLEVELAND: The Indians’ 21-game winning streak will go down in the record books as one of the best in baseball history, and it isn’t even over yet.

The Indians now own the longest winning streak in American League history, besting the 2002 Oakland A’s, a team that won 20 in a row. The New York Giants of 1916 won 26 consecutive games in a row, recognized by Major League Baseball as the record, though it included a tie in the middle. The 1935 Chicago Cubs won 21 consecutive games as well.

The numbers put up by the Indians have been borderline absurd. Here are 21 of them to break down the 21-game streak.

+104 — The Indians have a run differential during this streak of +104 runs, winning games by an average of 4.95 runs per game.

4 — They have trailed at the completion of only four innings during the streak, a span of 189 innings.

68-13 — They have scored first in 19 of the 21 games and outscored opponents 68-13 in the first three innings combine.

1.66 — The Indians have allowed 35 runs total during the 21-game streak, an average of 1.6 per game.

1.57 — The Indians’ pitching staff has a combined 1.57 ERA (1.70 for the rotation, 1.26 for the bullpen).

2,124 — The Indians have 21 wins in the last 21 days. The Browns have 21 wins since Nov. 20, 2011, a span of 2,124 days.

$1.1M — Had you bet $100 on the Indians to win 21 consecutive games, you would have made more than $1.1 million on that ticket.

6.6 — The Indians’ offense has averaged 6.6 runs per game during the streak.

30/9/19/19 — Francisco Lindor during the streak leads the team in hits (30), home runs (9) RBI (19) and runs scored (19).

0.38 — Mike Clevinger put together the best string of starts in his career, going 4-0 with a 0.38 ERA in four outings.

14 — The Indians gained 9.5 games in their division during the streak, from 4.5 when it started on Aug. 24 to a 14-game lead at the conclusion of Wednesday’s win.

1.41 — Indians ace Corey Kluber has furthered his Cy Young campaign, going 4-0 with a 1.41 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched, including a complete game.

0.62 — Carlos Carrasco has been just as dominant, posting a 0.62 ERA with 34 strikeouts across four starts.

.378/.311 — The Indians’ catchers have caught fire at the plate, providing an offensive surge. Roberto Perez is hitting .378 during the last 21 games, while Yan Gomes is hitting .311.

18 — Jose Ramirez continued his campaign to be an MVP finalist, slugging 18 extra-base hits in 21 games.

16 — The Los Angeles Dodgers, owners of the best record in baseball, have lost 16 games during the Indians’ streak.

7.5 — When the streak started, the Indians trailed the Houston Astros by 7.5 games for home-field advantage in the American League. After the conclusion of Wednesday’s win, the Indians were ahead by 3.5 games.

7 — The Indians have thrown seven shutouts in the last 21 games.

20 — The Indians have allowed four or fewer runs in 20 consecutive games, the longest streak for the franchise in more than 100 years.

.357 — Yandy Diaz has also picked it up at the plate, hitting .357 and leading the club in hits with runners in scoring position with six.

5 — The Indians’ magic number to clinch the division, as of the completion of their game Wednesday afternoon, had dropped to five.

Akron Beacon Journal LOADED: 09.14.2017

Indians 5, Tigers 3: 23 Walk-Off Thoughts on 21 in a row, Jay Bruce’s impact, Giovanny Urshela’s ‘game-c hanger’

By Ryan Lewis

Here are 23 Walk-Off Thoughts on the Indians’ 5-3 win against the Detroit Tigers, extending their winning streak to 21 games.

And, here are 21 numbers on the 21-game streak.

1. The Indians didn’t score first for just the second time during the streak after Mike Clevinger gave up a run in the first inning. It was newsworthy that the Indians were actually losing. That deficit lasted approximately 18 minutes, until Jay Bruce drilled a three-run home run with two outs in the bottom half of the inning. The Indians never trailed again.

2. Bruce has been a dynamite pickup for the Indians. Since coming to Cleveland, he’s hitting .252 with five home runs, five doubles and 18 RBI in 27 games. He’s provided not only insurance for Michael Brantley, who’s progress from a sprained ankle has been slow to say the least, but he’s given the middle of the lineup an extra boost, one that Indians manager Terry Francona has mentioned several times now, adding on Wednesday that if you make a mistake, “He knows what to do with it.”

3. For Bruce, his departure from the mess in New York with the Mets obviously came at the right time in Cleveland. It’s essentially taken him from maybe the most disappointing situation in baseball to now the most uplifting. From a floundering team being hammered for a season falling well short of expectations to a World Series contender in the midst of one of the best winning streaks in baseball history. In terms of this season, Bruce was essentially plucked from a sinking ship and placed right into the middle of the AL playoff picture.

4. Bruce: “I think that I pretty much went from what ended up being one of the least fun situations in baseball to the most fun. That’s no slight to the Mets at all, but to have the opportunity to come to a team like this is something that doesn’t happen very often. I’m very, very fortunate to be in this situation, and like I said when I came here, I just want to help. I just want to be a part of something that is bigger than myself, personally. I think everyone in that locker room feels the same exact way. So it is easy for me, the transition has been seamless and these guys have welcomed me with open arms. It’s been easy, man. It’s been like I’ve been here all year.”

5. Bruce has also been able to give a different perspective on the clubhouse. He mentioned on Wednesday that the guys in the Indians’ clubhouse seem to genuinely like one another, and he argued that while some say chemistry doesn’t matter he’d disagree. But it is interesting to see a player be able to come in and compare universally different situations. Bruce was asked what stood out about the Indians’ clubhouse.

6. Bruce: “I mean, everything. As far as on the field, I mean, pitchers are just filling up the zone with strikes, defense is unbelievable, and I think the thing that stands out most is it really doesn’t matter who we put out there right now. We have guys that are coming up from Double-A, taking meaningful at-bats, playing meaningful innings in the field. And I think that what I’ve seen in my short time here is that these guys are ready and prepared to do that because of the organization and how they approach the development. And it comes from a manager who makes you feel comfortable and makes you feel like he’s confident in you as soon as he gets here. I think that really holds a lot of weight and gives guys who haven’t had this experience before – because it’s a lot easier for guys who have been here, had experiences in the playoffs, World Series, played for different teams, you name it. Experience helps. But guys that played in, wherever the Double-A team is this year, don’t have this experience. For them to be able to come in here and contribute like they are, that’s pretty amazing for me.”

7. And, it’s another case dating back more than a year of owner Paul Dolan opening the checkbook. The Indians and Yankees both wanted Bruce, but the Indians were willing to part with a particular prospect and cover all of Bruce’s remaining salary, about $4 million. The Yankees wanted some cash in the deal, the Bruce came to Cleveland and has provided a spark, one that has helped to keep this streak going. Perhaps there have been some positive effects going both ways—Bruce being able to play on a contender, and the Indians receiving a productive bat as a corner outfielder.

8. Bruce: “I feel like, has added something to me as well. It gives you a little boost. You come in, you’re ready to play, you want to come to the ballpark, and you’re coming into something that, like I said is bigger than yourself. It’s not about every day you have to get this many hits, or drive in this many runs. You just want to do whatever it takes to help these guys win, and that’s the honest truth.”

9. The Indians have had a clear message in regard to the streak: “We’re not thinking about it unless you ask about it.” That’s been repeated over and over. It seems to be genuine. Certainly, guys have to be talking about it amongst themselves or family members at least a bit. But to a man, Francona and pretty much every player has said that it’s not on their minds. They’re only worried about the day-to-day operation. In fact, Bruce was so wrapped up in his own routine that he said he thought they were playing the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

10. Bruce, when asked if this had sunk in: “Oh, absolutely not. We’re so focused. You know everyone talks about the streak and being consumed with it. What consumes us is the daily kind of schedule and game we have to get ready for. I thought we were playing the royals today. I said it in an interview last night when someone asked me and I was like, ‘Oh, wait we have another game against the Tigers,’ so I think our focus tends to stay so right where we are and then move to the next and then move to the next. We don’t have time to worry about what happened in the past and we definitely don’t have any time to worry about what’s going to happen in the future, so hey, I think we have a group of guys here, coaching staff and just a whole organization that kind of echoes that sentiment. It’s something that we haven’t had to deal with and there’s been no pulling the reins back on people or hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Everyone comes here and gets ready to play today and I think that’s something that speaks volumes.”

11. Slowly, certainly, that wall has come down a little. The Indians’ message is clear, in that they have bigger fish to fry than a winning streak. Mickey Callaway did say Wednesday morning that Clevinger probably had a little more pressure on him than normal, and that that was a good thing heading into October. Francona said after the game that sure, the guys on the team should enjoy it because they’ve followed their message and done it the right way.

12. Francona: “I think they’re enjoying themselves. They should. I think what’s kind of cool about our game is when you do things, and you do them the right way, I think it means more when you’re not going out of your way to—with a hitting streak, somebody hits 3-0 when you’re down five runs—and our guys are playing the game to win, the right way. That part’s very meaningful.”

13. Bruce did have a texting exchange with one of the heroes from the 2002 Oakland A’s, Scott Hatteberg, who hit the game-winner to notch consecutive win No. 20.

14. Bruce: “I have not, I saw Moneyball and I played with Scott Hatteberg in Spring Training. I actually texted him last night. We keep in touch a little bit. He used to make fun of how young and inexperienced and immature I was as a 20-year-old. Who would’ve ever thought that we’d be in this situation? No, I can’t even imagine. I think I won 10 in a row one time or 11 maybe with the Reds, but no this is way past anything I could ever imagine. … I just said, ‘Who would’ve thought.’ And he said, ‘Good luck, get another one and win a ring.’ It was late.”

15. One of the mantras of this streak has been the Indians’ insistence that they haven’t been caught up in the streak. Another is that they haven’t seemed to ever panic when trailing. They have trailed at the completion of only four innings, so there haven’t been many opportunities. Then they quickly trailed 1-0 on Wednesday, the word from the dugout is that there was no sense of urgency. It’s understandable that confidence is at an all-time high.

16. Clevinger: “I mean it was kind of a joke but I don’t think there was a second that I doubted we were gonna score some runs or string together some hits. That thought never crossed my mind. I wasn’t just wishing we were gonna score. It was I kinda knew we were gonna score and what am I gonna do to hold it where it is.”

17. Roberto Perez: “No, I don’t think so. We have the guys here, they don’t give at-bats away. They’re taking great ABs, trying to make something happen. You see it with Lindor right away, double in the first inning. What can I say? We’re playing really good baseball right now and going with the flow. Hopefully we continue to play the same way.”

18. Francona: “We always feel like that. There’s been times where we’ve lost games in a row and I don’t really ever think differently. You always think you’re going to win until you don’t. There’s a few games that get spread out, but I’m guessing the Tigers felt the same way too. That’s just the way you’re kind of wired.”

19. The streak might be dead right now if not for Bruce’s home run. It also might over if not for Giovanny Urshela. In the eighth, with two runners on and one out after Bryan Shaw’s less-than-athletic error, John Hicks drilled a ball to the left side. Urshela made a terrific diving stop

to probably save a run and, somehow, also was able to get the throw to second base for the second out. It was another incredible defensive play in a long line of them for Urshela. This time, even he was surprised.

20. Urshela: “I was pretty excited. I was looking at the scoreboard and saw the video. I said, ‘How’d I throw that ball like that?’ That was a crazy to throw that. But that was a good play.”

21. Perez: “He’s huge, man. That was a game-changer, that play. Force out at second base and then he made that play at third to end the inning. He’s huge. That’s why he’s here. That’s why they put him in in the seventh inning, to have a chance to save the game. He’s definitely unbelievable. What can I say? He’s good.”

22. Jason Kipnis is slated to try center field once he returns from the DL, Giovanny Urshela is part of the reason (along with Yandy Diaz hitting so well and Erik Gonzalez’s defensive play). It’s given the Indians several options, and Urshela’s defensive play has been outstanding no matter where they put him.

23. Francona: “We’ve said it time and time again and I like saying it. He’s an elite defender, and it’s not the easiest thing to do go in in the middle of the game, but he brings elite defense when he goes in. And that’s why he goes in.”

Akron Beacon Journal LOADED: 09.14.2017

Giovanny Urshela playing 'elite defense' as late-in ning substitute for streaking Cleveland Indians

By Joe Noga, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Giovanny Urshela admitted Wednesday that sometimes he surprises himself with the plays he is able to make on defense.

Urshela's Cleveland Indians teammates, however, are hardly chagrined when the slick-fielding glove man delivers time and time again.

Urshela made what was likely the signature defensive play of the Tribe's 21st consecutive victory when he robbed Detroit's John Hicks of an RBI single in the eighth inning with a diving stop.

Urshela threw to Jose Ramirez covering second base to force Jeimer Candelario and preserve Cleveland's 5-3 lead.

"I was pretty excited," Urshela said. "I was looking at the scoreboard and saw the video. I said, 'How'd I throw that ball like that?' That was crazy to throw, but it was a good play."

Good plays have come to be expected for Urshela, who has entered as a late-inning defensive substitute in 10 of the last 11 games during Cleveland's unprecedented winning streak. He's the only Indian to appear in every contest during the 21-game run, making six starts at third base and also seeing time at shortstop and second base.

"We've said it time and time again and I like saying it, he's an elite defender," Francona said. "It's not the easiest thing to go in in the middle of the game, but he brings elite defense when he goes in. And that's why he goes in."

Francona is not afraid to play Urshela anywhere in the infield. Recently he was seen taking throws at first base during batting practice. He made his first career start at second against Baltimore in the second game of the current homestand.

Urshela's efforts are not going unnoticed by his teammates. Catcher Roberto Perez is pleased to see Urshela taking advantage of his opportunities.

"That was a game-changer, that play," Perez said. "That's why they put him in in the seventh inning, to have a chance to save the game. He's definitely unbelievable."

Urshela turned heads when he helped the Indians turn a sensational double play on a bunt attempt by the San Francisco Giants in mid-July. Since then, his confidence has grown at the plate and in the field. As has his trust in his teammates.

"Everybody here is doing his job," Urshela said. "When Tito puts somebody between the lines, everybody is ready to fight."

Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 09.14.2017

Jay Bruce has walked into a dream that keeps getting better -- Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

By Bud Shaw

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Let Jay Bruce pick your next Wall Street investment. Your next Powerball ticket, too.

Maybe your wife. Your husband. Your next swipe right.

Don't set limits. He's feeling that charmed.

Traded from the sagging Mets to an Indians team that now wears the Amazin' label so well, Bruce has become part of something that hasn't happened in the American League in 116 years and hasn't happened in baseball since Babe Ruth broke into his home run waddle for the 714th and final time.

They called it a trade back in August when Bruce departed New York for Cleveland. He has at least 21 reasons to think of it as a deliverance.

"I pretty much went from the least fun situation in baseball to the most fun," Bruce said Wednesday after the Indians surpassed the 2002 Oakland A's record of 20 consecutive wins in a 5-3 win over Detroit.

"That's no slight to the Mets at all. ... I just wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself."

So now he's part of something better than he or anyone could've imagined, especially since the Indians apparently do not plan on losing until next spring training.

"You can't ask for anything more," Bruce said. "This team was awesome before I got here. I'm happy if I can help out where I can."

Bruce obviously thinks he's benefited most from his change of cities. When you're talking about the longest winning streak in American League history and second longest in baseball ever -- tying the Indians with the 1935 Cubs -- that's hard to argue.

But win No. 21 happened in part because Bruce erased a 1-0 Detroit lead with a three-run home run in the first. If not, the Indians would've trailed at the end of an inning for only the fifth time during The Streak. Bruce wasn't even willing to let that occur.

Terry Francona called it a "beautiful swing." Umps conducting the replay review studied it for another reason and upheld the home run call.

It was Bruce's 34th homer of the season, tying a career high, and his fifth since joining the Indians. Asked what it might say that the Indians are 29-4 with him in uniform, Bruce said, "Probably some selective bias there."

What the Indians are doing is defying statistical norms. Baseball is too random for this to go on for so long. But then the Indians keep arriving at alternative ways to affect the outcome in their favor and you think, well, maybe not.

Wednesday it was Bruce's three-run homer, a flared RBI single by Edwin Encarnacion and a homer to deep center by catcher Roberto Perez.

The Indians may have reached the tipping point of incredulous when Carlos Santana rounded third attempting an inside-the-park home run. He was an easy out.

Congratulations Cleveland Indians on 21 consecutive wins!

"I would've sent him too," said a smiling Francona, "but the odds weren't real good he was going to make it."

A number of the Indians talked about confidence growing from watching so many difference makers almost on a nightly basis.

The rotation doesn't just go three deep. Mike Clevinger won his 10th game Wednesday. One more win for Josh Tomlin would give the Indians five starters with double-digit wins.

Contributions are coming from all corners of the dugout, leading Bruce to say, "It really doesn't matter who we put out there."

Soon enough it will. Soon, the rosters will shrink again for the playoffs, The Streak will be part of the regular season, and the tried-and-true will be counted on most in the pursuit of a World Series. Bruce falls in that category.

"He brings that RBI productive bat that sits behind Edwin (Encarnacion) and around Carlos (Santana)," Francona said. "You make a mistake and he knows what to do with it."

Bruce told of texting former A's catcher Scott Hatteberg Tuesday night. Hatteberg hit the walk off homer that gave Oakland it's 20th consecutive win in 2002. They crossed paths briefly in the Reds organization.

Bruce, via text: "Who'd would've thought?"

Not that Bruce needed any more reminders he wasn't in New York, but Hatteberg told him to go win a ring.

Cleveland Indians' Mickey Callaway talks Andrew Mil ler and 4 other hot pitching topics

CLEVELAND, Ohio – There’s a chance left-hander Andrew Miller could make his first appearance since Aug. 21 on Thursday night against the Royals.

Pitching coach Mickey Callaway said if Miller, recovering from patella tendinitis in his right knee, was able to get through his throwing program on Wednesday that would be the plan.

“Our plan is to be able to get him in the game in some capacity,” said Callaway. “Probably like a limited outing. Maybe come in and get an out to finish an inning.”

In other words, it would be a baby step for Miller.

“We just want to stair-step the process to get him ready to go full bore when we need him the most,” said Callaway.

On Tuesday, Miller said he’d like to come off the disabled list and get into a game before the Indians leave for the West Coast on Monday for their last trip of the regular season.

“I think if all goes to plan, and he gets in a game Thursday, then hopefully he’d have a couple of days off and maybe get him in another game before the off-day (Monday),” said Callaway. “Then after the off-day, we can kind of play around with his usage and try to prepare him for what he might do moving forward.”

Miller’s last appearance was on Aug. 21 against the Red Sox when he took himself out of the game because his knee wasn’t right. He’d already been on the DL once with the same ailment.

During this stay on the DL, Miller received a series of lubricant injections in the knee and has been able to throw more than on his first DL stay.

“He feels great,” said Callaway. “The mechanics of it, the way he’s bracing himself when he’s throwing his slider, which was the real issue when his knee was bothering him, are really good. We’ve been keeping track of the numbers on Trackman during his simulated games and the spin, the velocity, the break – all those things – are well in line with what he does during the season. We’re very encouraged with everything so far.”

Callaway thinks that coping without Miller, and dealing with the the Tribe’s record-setting 21-game winning streak, will help the pitching staff as it moves toward the postseason.

“Everyone is pitching with a lot of pressure on themselves right now,” said Callaway. “I think that will prepare us for our ultimate goal. This is good preparation for what we ultimately want to do.”

Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway said Danny Salazar will make a spot start sometime before the end of the regular season. (Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)

Spot start for Danny Salazar

Manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that Danny Salazar or Ryan Merritt would get a spot start sometime in the near future. It sounds like the spot start will go to Salazar.

In preparation, Salazar threw a bullpen session on Wednesday.

“We’re going to look for a spot to get him in the game, like we did on Monday,” said Callaway. “Then you’re probably going to see Danny make a start. We’re going to need an extra starter because we’re trying to line up guys that are starting (for the rest of the season).

Salazar had made two appearances since coming off the disabled list. He made a poor start against the White Sox and threw two scoreless relief innings against Detroit on Monday.

If the Indians make the postseason, it’s still unclear where he fits on the staff.

Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals, August 26, 2017

Indians right-hander Mike Clevinger won his 10th game of the season Thursday as he pitched 5 2/3 innings in a 5-3 win over the Tigers at Progressive Field. It gave the Indians an AL-record 21 straight wins.

Mike Clevinger won his 10th game of the season on Thursday, pitching 5 2/3 innings as the Indians extended their AL-record winning streak to 21 games.

Callaway said one of the reasons for Clevinger’s success has been the improved spin on his breaking pitches.

“He spent the offseason really improving the spin on his pitches,” said Callaway. “His slider and curveball have played really well this year, a lot better than they did last year. Especially when it comes to the swing and miss.”

Clevinger (10-5, 3.21) has struck out 127 and walked 56 in 112 innings. Last year, in 17 appearances, including 10 starts, he struck out 50 and walked 29 in 53 innings.

“He’s still battling his willingness to always throw the ball over the plate at times,” said Callaway. “When he does that, when he throws it over the plate, he’s dominant.”

In Wednesday’s win, Clevinger struck out six and walked two. In his last four starts, all wins, he’s struck out 28 and walked eight.

Tyler Olson

Tip of the cap to Dan Otero, Tyler Olson

Callaway credited Dan Otero and rookie lefty Tyler Olson with filling the void in Miller’s absence.

Otero, in August, allowed one earned run in 10 1/3 innings. In September, he’s 1-0 with 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Olson has yet to allow a run. He’s made 21 appearances, pitching 14 1/3 innings, with 17 strikeouts and three walks.

“Otero has pitched more meaningful innings than probably he had before Andrew went out,” said Callaway. “Olson has been unbelievable for us and will give us that second lefty that we’re going to need at some point to take some pressure off Andrew.”

Asked what has made Olson so effective, Callaway said, “He throws the ball over the plate. That’s the one thing we talked to him about. We loved his stuff in spring training. If he throws his fastball to the opposite arm side, it cuts. If he throws it to the arm side, it runs. He can spin the ball.”

Olson had a great spring, but he was pitching on the corners of the plate. The Indians told him to throw it over the middle and his natural movement would take it to the corners.

“He’s done a great job of that this year,” said Callaway.

Corey Kluber, Yan Gomes

Corey Kluber: Good guy to follow

Callaway said that when Corey Kluber returned from the disabled list on June 1, it helped the rest of the starting rotation recover from a shaky start to the season.

“He’s definitely our leader,” said Callaway. “If I was another starter I’d want to be like the best pitcher in the league, too. Not only is it his work ethic, but he goes out and does what he did Tuesday night.”

Kluber threw a five-hit shutout against Detroit on Tuesday as the Indians extended their winning streak to 20 games.

“The guys see him work every day and they don’t just think, ‘Oh, he’s nasty and he has all this success because he has a wipeout breaking ball.’ All of our guys have some kind of wipeout pitch.”

Callaway said the Tribe’s other pitchers know how diligent Kluber is with his between-game workouts and his demeanor. How he never gets rattled or shows too much emotion on the mound.

“They want to follow suit,” said Callaway. “If you go back and look when Kluber came off the DL, not only do his numbers speak for themselves, but everybody’s numbers started to pick up.”

Kluber is 13-4 with a 1.77 ERA since coming off the disabled list on June 1. Here’s what the rotation as a whole has done in the same stretch: 11-7, 3.97 ERA in June; 11-5, 3.35 in July; 18-4, 2.67 in August and 12-0, 1.75 in September.

Cleveland Indians win 21 in a row ... in name of Roc ky Colavito! -- Terry Pluto

By Terry Pluto

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- "Win the game in front of you."

Terry Francona often said that last October, when the Cleveland Indians surprised all of baseball by reaching Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

It was one day, one inning, one game at a time.

"I just want to win today," Francona told the media. "Maybe you don't believe me. I want us to show up every day and play the best game we can. If you do that really well, then these type of questions start happening."

Questions about winning 21 games in a row, the American League record.

That's what happened after the Tribe beat Detroit, 5-3, at Progressive Field on Wednesday before 29,346 fans.

Once again, there was a leaping Francisco Lindor giving everyone the highest-5s he could imagine. Fans were dancing, singing CLEVELAND ROCKS and I bet a few had tears rolling down their cheeks.

I watched the game on television. It was so much to fun see fans holding up signs with "21" on them.

Someone held an old red and white Tribe jersey with No. 21 on the back. The name? COLAVITO.

That stood for Rocky Colavito, my favorite player as a young Tribe fan.

It's a long way from the 1960s and 1970s when I was growing up with the Tribe and they had a theme song called "Indian Fever."

After he was fired as Tribe manager, Frank Robinson told me, "Indian Fever turned out to be a 24-hour virus."

Now they are seriously threatening a 24-game winning streak.

There was a guy wearing a whisk broom on his cap. The Indians were in the process of sweeping yet another series.

During this streak, he should have put a vacuum cleaner on his head. The Tribe has won the last five series.

As for thoughts of Colavito and the old curses, there was none of that during this winning streak -- unless it came from the other team.

CAN YOU SAY ROBERTO PEREZ?

I love and understand Francona's approach. As he said, "What you did last week doesn't do anything for you today."

But if you're a Tribe fan, these have been three of the most fun weeks of your life, at least in the regular season.

The Indians win and win and win.

And win.

And I'll stop there, and simply say ... Roberto Perez?

That's right, Roberto Perez.

Before the 21-game winning streak, he had one home run. Since then, he has hit five home runs.

In the name of Rocky Colavito (No. 21), No. 5 for Perez came Wednesday, a 428-foot space shot.

I love how Gio Urshela came off the bench to replace Yandy Diaz at third base. He made not one, but two superb plays to save a run.

ADVERTISING

The final out of the game came on a diving catch of a line drive by Lonnie Chisenhall in left.

Defense has been a big part of this winning streak.

And of this season, where the Indians now have a 90-56 record.

The players are pushing to have the best record in the American League, wanting home-field advantage for the playoffs.

TWENTY-ONE AND COUNTING

The Indians gave up a run in the first inning.

But in the bottom of the first, Francisco Lindor doubled. He bolted out of the batter's box. His helmet flew off his head as he slid head first into second base just beating the throw.

The biggest hit came from newcomer Jay Bruce. It was a three-run homer in the first inning. He was in a 3-for-33 slump with no homers and two RBI before he set off the fireworks.

There have been so many highlights, so many smiles, so many times people have said, "How about those Indians!" during the streak.

The Indians went with the traditional No. 21 to celebrate. That number belonged to Hall of Fame Tribe pitcher Bob Lemon.

But my heart went out to the guys with the Colavito jersey.

For so many years, so many of us of a certain age felt like the Tribe could play an entire summer at the old lakefront Stadium and not win 21 games.

A team like this...

We could never imagine.

But here it is ... winning and winning and winning.

Enjoy!

Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 09.14.2017

Jay Bruce, Roberto Perez provide power, bullpen lifts Cleveland Indians to record-setting 21st straight win

By Joe Noga, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An early-inning home run, some quality innings from the bullpen and a little timely defense. The formula remained relatively the same Wednesday for the streaking Cleveland Indians, and the result did, too.

Jay Bruce and Roberto Perez provided the thunder and the Tribe's bullpen tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Mike Clevinger, lifting the Indians to their 21st consecutive victory, 5-3 against the Detroit Tigers.

The win establishes a new American League record for consecutive victories, breaking Cleveland's hours-old tie with the 2002 Oakland A's, while also cutting the club's magic number to clinch a division title to 4.

Bruce put the Indians in front with a three-run home run in the first inning that barely cleared the wall in left center. It was his fifth homer as a member of the Indians and 34th of the season, tying a career high he established in 2012.

"He brings that RBI productive bat that sits behind Edwin (Encarnacion) and around Carlos (Santana)," Manager Terry Francona said of Bruce after the game. "You make a mistake and he knows what to do with it."

Encarnacion added an RBI single on a shallow fly ball to right field that chased home Jose Ramirez from second base in the third inning, and Perez provided some insurance with a 428-foot solo blast to center in the seventh.

The Indians have hit 41 home runs during their winning streak, while at the same time allowing just 35 total runs to their opposition. Perez's home run of Tigers reliever James Norris was his sixth of the season and second in as many starts.

"I'm trying to stay within myself in those moments," Perez said. "I don't try to do too much. He missed a location and I put a good swing on it."

Clevinger surrendered a two-out RBI double to Detroit's Jeimer Candelario in the first, and lasted five more innings, striking out six before before allowing a pair of unearned runs in the sixth. Nick Goody, Tyler Olson, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen combined to shut down Tigers hitters the rest of the way.

"I don't think you see that electric of an atmosphere every September noon game," Clevinger said. "That added pressure lets us stay locked in. I know we've got a good lead in the division, but this just allows us to stay on the same track and keep our work steady."

Meanwhile, Cleveland's normally steady defense suffered a few hiccups before Giovanny Urshela flashed some nifty glove work late in the game. Urshela's diving one-out stop of a John Hicks grounder in the eighth saved a run after Shaw had committed the Tribe's second error of the game on a comeback chopper to the mound.

Urshela smothered the ball Hicks hit and threw from his belly to Ramirez at second base to force out Candelario. Shaw then retired Andrew Romine on a grounder to third to end the inning.

"That was a game-changer, that play," Perez said of Urshela's effort. "That's why they put him in in the seventh inning, to have a chance to save the game. He's definitely unbelievable."

Detroit's frustration boiled over in the bottom of the third inning following a two-out walk to Bruce. Home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott ejected Tigers catcher James McCann after an exchange, and moments later he tossed manager Brad Ausmus, who emerged from the dugout to get an explanation.

It was the first career ejection for McCann, while Ausmus earned his sixth ejection this season and 16th of his managerial career.

What it means

The Indians swept a series against Detroit for the second time during their current 21-game winning streak, and claimed the season series, 13-6, against the Tigers. They moved to 14-0 in September, the club's best-ever start to a calendar month.

Leading man

Lindor led off the bottom of the first inning with a double down the right field line. It was the third time in the last four games that Lindor has led off the bottom of the first with an extra base hit (two doubles, HR).

September showers

After Jose Ramirez popped out to first base for the second out in the fifth inning, the Progressive Field sprinkler system was accidentally activated in left and center field. Tigers outfielder Alex Presley barely moved from his position while the Indians grounds crew scrambled to restore order.

Off to the races

Carlos Santana missed out on delivering Cleveland's second inside-the-park home run in as many seasons in the eighth inning when his long fly ball hit off the center field wall and ricocheted toward right field. Santana rounded third but was thrown out at the plate by a good five feet. Had he been successful, it would have marked the Tribe's first inside-the-park homer since Tyler Naquin's memorable walk-off winner against Toronto last season.

People are watching

About a quarter of a million homes in Northeast Ohio tuned in for Tuesday night's Indians-Tigers matchup on SportsTime Ohio. It was the second-highest rated telecast this season behind opening day on April 11. According to Nielsen, ratings for Indians September games are up 50 percent over 2016. To date, ratings are up 27 percent over 2016 figures through this time.

The pitches

Clevinger threw 98 pitches, 64 (65 percent) for strikes. Farmer threw 98 pitches, 53 (54 percent) for strikes.

Thanks for coming

The Tigers and Indians drew 29,346 fans to Progressive Field on Wednesday afternoon. First pitch was at 12:10 p.m. with a temperature of 76 degrees.

Attendance for the three-game series with Detroit was 72,521.

Next

Kansas City arrives at Progressive Field on Thursday to open a four-game series against the Tribe. Right-hander Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.13) will face Royals righty Jakob Junis (7-2, 4.34) in the opener. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. with SportsTime Ohio, WTAM/1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7 carrying the game.

Tomlin is 5-0 with a 2.57 earned run average in his last six starts dating back to July 6. He has allowed no more than three runs in each of those six outings.

Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 09.14.2017

Cleveland Indians' Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez: P ower hitters in the middle of the diamond

By Paul Hoynes

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Power hitters are usually easy to identify.

Think current players wearing an Indians uniform and Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce check all the boxes. The same with Mike Napoli, Travis Hafner and Mark Reynolds of the recent past.

Big guys who swing hard just in case they hit something. Fans love them when they make contact and make baseballs disappear; boo them when they strike out with their team down by one run with the bases loaded and two out in the ninth.

But what are we to make of Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, the two switch-hitters who currently play in the middle of the Tribe's infield? Lindor isn't as slight as when the Indians first signed him as a skinny high school senior in 2011, but he still doesn't look like someone you'd stick in the middle of the lineup for the next 10 years.

Ramirez is thicker and wider than Lindor. A few years ago at one of the team's offseason strength camps in Goodyear, Ariz., he set the team record for pull ups by such a large margin that the instructors finally told him to stop. Still who could have expected the kind of power season these two have given the Indians?

Tuesday night, with the Indians going for their 20th straight win, Lindor started the first inning with a home run into the left field bleachers. It was his 30th of the season, double the number he hit last year.

Big stage, big moment, but not too big for Lindor. The homer helped the Indians beat the Tigers, 2-0, to tie the Oakland A's for the longest winning streak in AL history and third longest overall.

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MLB Stat of the Day ✔ @MLBStatoftheDay

Shortstops with 30+ HR in or before an age-23 season:@AROD (3)@Nomar5@Lindor12BC

7:43 PM - Sep 12, 2017

10 10 Replies 337 337 Retweets 1,057 1,057 likes

Lindor has said all year he's not a power hitter. He certainly doesn't look like one, but his stats say something else. J.J. Hardy and Troy Tulowitzki were the last shortstops to hit 30 homers in a season and they each did it in 2011. Lindor is just one of three switch-hitting shortstops in history to hit 30 homers in a season. Jimmy Rollins (2007) and Jose Valentin (2004) are the others.

The eye test says Lindor should be a leadoff hitter, and that's where he's been hitting since August. But that hasn't stopped him from hitting 11 homers right-handed and 19 left-handed. He's only four behind Encarnacion, who gets paid millions to go deep, and has homered nine times during the 20-game winning streak.

Ramirez has hit 26 homers, 15 more than he hit last year. On Sept. 3 in Detroit, he had five extra base hits, including two homers, just the 13th man in history to do that. On Sept. 4, in Chicago he homered against the White Sox. He homered two more times on Sept. 5 against the White Sox.

Six times Ramirez has hit two homers in one game this season. Three times he's homered from both sides of the plate in the same game. He's homered eight times from the right side of the plate and 18 times from the left side.

Built along the lines of the late Kirby Puckett, Ramirez is a wrecking ball when it comes to swinging a bat. While Lindor may be the emerging face of the franchise, Ramirez is a legitimate AL MVP candidate this year.

Lindor is 23. Ramirez turns 25 on Sept. 17. Tuesday night, Lindor homered, Ramirez had two hits and they both made great plays in the field.

For so long the Indians failed to produce their own talent. Now they have two young switch-hitting infielders who play good defense and can hit the ball out of the park. They signed Ramirez to a four-year $26 million extension in spring training. They tried and failed to sign Lindor to a reported $100 million extension around the same time.

The Indians and Lindor have the next four years to try and get something worked out along those lines. If they don't, well, players come and go. But it would still mean that Indians fans have what remains of this startling season and the next four to watch what Lindor and Ramirez can do together on the field

In baseball that's a long time and should make for some great viewing.

Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 09.14.2017

The Cleveland Indians' 21-game winning streak is a h orse of a different color and size

By Paul Hoynes

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Corey Kluber said the Indians embraced their 14-game winning streak last year. They probably learned a few things as well.

But that was a 14-game winning streak. In terms of horseflesh, it was a colt.

What the Indians are dealing with now is a full-grown Clydesdale. If this 21-game winning streak continues, they may need a team of them to haul it out of the dugout every day.

Still as Mike Clevinger said, "The flow is good." The meaning of the flow is open to interpretation, but right now it means things can't get much better.

The Indians beat the Tigers, 5-3, Wednesday to set the American League record for consecutive wins. They are tied with the 1935 Cubs for the second longest winning streak in history.

The record is held by the 1916 New York Giants with 26 wins. The streak includes a tie, but MLB recognizes the Giants as the record holders.

Clevinger (10-5, 3.21) was Wednesday's winning pitcher. He referred to the flow when asked if the Indians were loose and having fun during the streak.

Manager Terry Francona even broke from his "take it one day at a time' mantra to congratulate his team.

"I think they're enjoying themselves and they should," said Francona. "What's kind of cool about our game is when you do things and you do them the right way. ... Our guys are playing the game to win the right way.

"That part is really meaningful. They should enjoy what they're doing. It's pretty special."

The pragmatist in Francona will only take that so far. When asked what he considered to be the real record for consecutive wins - the 1916 Giants at 26 straight or the 1935 Cubs at 21 straight, Francona said, "I wasn't there. I have given that zero thought. I promise you I've given that no thought. I don't have a good answer for that."

Francona may not be thinking of records, but he has been in baseball far too long to mess with the mojo of a streak. Why else has replay coordinator Mike Barnett take the lineup card to home plate for all 21 wins?

Pitching coach Mickey Callaway said the pressure of such a streak is a good late-season test for the Indians for what is drawing ever closer - the postseason and the idea of not only reaching the World Series, but winning it.

"That remains the ultimate goal," said Clevinger.

Terry Francona congratulates Tribe on 21-straight wins

In the era of Dynamic Pricing, walk-up crowds are supposed to be a thing of the past at Progressive Field. But for the last two games, people have been waiting to get into the ballpark until well after the first pitch.

Wednesday's crowd of 29,346 felt like a playoff crowd. When plate umpire Quinn Wolcott called a ball on Clevinger, fans were screaming their dissent - in the first inning.

If that wasn't enough to invoke October, there was the double scream in the seventh inning that bounced from one side of the ballpark to the other. It started in the upper deck down the first-base line and came ricocheting back from the seats behind third.

Giovanny Urshela, a defensive replacement at third, was in the eye of the scream. Detroit's Andrew Romine, with runners on first and third and two out, sent a shot to Urshela. The scream from the upper deck down the first baseline erupted when he caught the ball. The scream from the third base side answered in kind as Urshela threw Romine out to end the inning.

Asked if the game felt like the postseason, closer Cody Allen, said, "Yeah, a little bit. You guys (referring to a growing number of reporters following the streak) make it feel like October.

"We're on a pretty good roll right now and the fans that turned out, especially for a Wednesday noon game, were awesome."

Allen pitched the ninth to earn his 27th save. He liked the idea of winning 21 straight games and setting the AL record. But there are more and bigger games to play.

"We're trying to win as many games as we can," said Allen. "If we win them all in a row, great. If we can win every series ... you're just trying to play good baseball that day. We were a couple of runs better than they were today. Tomorrow we'll show up and try to do the same thing."

Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 09.14.2017

Cleveland's magic number to clinch the AL Central is 4.

By Joe Noga, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians trimmed their magic number to clinch the American League Central Division to 4 on Wednesday by beating Detroit, 5-3.

Jay Bruce and Roberto Perez hit home runs while Cleveland's bullpen tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Mike Clevinger as the team won for the 21st consecutive time.

Later, second-place Minnesota (76-69) defeated San Diego, 3-1, in 10 innings on a walk-off home run by Eddie Rosario.

Cleveland's lead in the division over the Twins stands at 13.5 games with 16 remaining. The Tribe also moved 2.5 games ahead of Houston for the best overall record in the American League at (90-56).

Any combination of Indians wins plus losses by the Twins that is greater than or equal to 4 will clinch the division title for Cleveland.

To generate the magic number, take the number of games remaining for the first-place team (16 entering Thursday for the Indians), add one and then subtract the difference in losses between the first- and second-place teams. The result is 4, (17-13=4).

Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals series previe w, pitching matchups

By Paul Hoynes

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Here's a look at the four-game series between the Royals and Indians that starts Thursday night.

Where: Progressive Field, Thursday through Sunday.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio, WTAM/1100 and WMMS/FM 100.7.

Pitching matchups: RHP Jakob Junis (7-2, 4.34) vs. RHP Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.13) Thursday at 7:10 p.m.; LHP Jason Vargas (15-10, 4.15) vs. RHP Trevor Bauer (16-8, 4.33) Friday at 7:10 p.m.; RHP Jason Hammel (8-11, 4.91) vs. RHP Carlos Carrasco (15-6, 3.41) Saturday at 4:10 p.m. and undecided vs. RHP Corey Kluber (16-4, 2.44) Sunday at 1:10 p.m.

Series: The Indians lead the Royals, 9-6, this season. The Indians lead, 355-327, overall.

Team updates: The Indians set an AL record by winning their 21st straight game on Wednesday afternoon with a 5-3 win over the Tigers. The 21-game streak included a three-game sweep of the Royals in which the Indians threw three straight shutouts. Carlos Santana is hitting .298 (17-for-57) with five homers and 10 RBI against the Royals this year. Bauer and Kluber are 1-0 against KC this season.

The Royals are 7-6 in September and 4-4 in their last eight games. They trail the Twins for the second wild card spot by 3 1/2 games. Eric Hosmer is hitting .388 (19-for-49) with five RBI against the Indians this year. Hammel is 3-1 and Vargas is 2-2 against the them this season.

Injuries: Royals - RHP Miguel Almonte (right rotator cuff), LHP Danny Duffy (left elbow), LHP Brian Flynn (left groin), RHP Nate Karns (rib), RHP Ian Kennedy (right shoulder), RHP Joakim Soria (left oblique), CF Bubba Starling (right oblique) are on the disabled list.

Indians - LHP Andrew Miller (right knee), LF Michael Brantley (right ankle), LHP Boone Logan (left lat) and RHP Cody Anderson (right elbow) are on the disabled list.

Next: The Indians begin their last trip of the regular season Tuesday when they open a three-game series against the Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.

Cleveland Plain Dealer LOADED: 09.14.2017

Carlos Santana is playing outstanding defense … eve n if he doesn't know it

By T.J. Zuppe CLEVELAND — No matter how many times reporters told Carlos Santana he was having a great defensive season, he kept dismissing them. Over and over, the point was stressed to Santana. Over and over, he'd shrug it off. “You're near the top of the defensive rankings,” Santana was told. He smiled a bit, but again, failed to embrace the thought. He continued to point to what he believed to be the biggest difference, his “focus.” “I'm thinking about my defense,” Santana said. As the recent dialogue in the Guaranteed Rate Field clubhouse continued, Santana placed a large gold chain around his neck, the final piece of his postgame attire. His timing couldn't have been any better. Because even if he doesn't realize it, he's played well enough defensively this year to be considered for a different type of gold. This kind, though, might be tough to actually wear. OK, let's try not to get too carried away. Santana, typically recognized for his offensive contributions, may not win a Gold Glove this year for his work at first base. He might not even get consideration as a finalist for the award. Grading year-to-year defensive performance is still one of the hardest things we're forced to do — you need more like two or three years of data to really begin to grasp how much value is added by a particular player's glove — and the Gold Glove Award isn't always given the most worthy candidate. (Just ask Rafael Palmeiro, who earned the honor in 1999 despite playing just 28 games at first.) That shouldn't stop anyone from noticing the improvements Santana has made in the field this year. His teammates certainly do. His coaches absolutely do. But when third base coach and infield coordinator Mike Sarbaugh was told of Santana's desire to avoid compliments about his defense, he couldn't help but find it funny. “He wants to keep getting better,” Sarbaugh told The Athletic. “He’ll come up and say, ‘How am I doing?’ When you have somebody that cares, that means a lot. He’s been outstanding.” Sarbaugh has worked with Santana many times during the switch-hitter's transitional years away from the catching position, and the two continued to emphasize his defense during spring training. That meant plenty of infield practice. Of course, Santana didn't have to use his glove much last year. Mike Napoli took the bulk of the time at the position. But this season, with Edwin Encarnacion in the mix, the Indians were set to rely heavily on Santana at first base. He's responded by contributing his best defensive year, making jumps in defensive runs saved (nine) and ultimate zone rating (4.7). According to FanGraphs, Santana ranks third in defensive runs saved among MLB first baseman. His UZR/150 among qualified players has him ranked third in the American League behind Joe Mauer and Mitch Moreland, as does his FanGraphs defense metric. Santana's defensive runs saved (1B): 2014: -4 (851 innings) 2015: -5 (1,157 innings) 2016: 1 (556 2/3 innings) 2017: 9 (1,084 2/3 innings) Again, sure, some fluky things can happen in yearly defensive metrics. But it's not like those numbers are indicating anything the eyes haven't also witnessed.

“I’m really happy with the progress he’s made,” Sarbaugh said. “You can really see his confidence is much better. He’s taking a lot of pride in it. It’s shown with how he’s been playing. He’s shown a lot of athleticism over there. He keeps learning, but he wants to get better. That’s half the battle.” Speaking of athleticism, it's probably one of the most surprising things about Santana. No matter how many times you see the solidly-built veteran move faster than anticipated, it somehow always shocks the senses a bit. But he's used that unexpected quickness and agility to his advantage this season. Here's one example of an ability to show off some nimble moves. But it's not just about his surprising mobility. To an extent, that's always been something Santana has been capable of. This year, the continued improvements may have as much to do with the “focus” he spoke of in Chicago. Attention to detail and preparation might be a separating factor. “The little things have really paid off for him,” Sarbaugh said. “Especially this year, being out there pretty much every day, he’s really made little strides. Last year, with Nap being here and getting more time at first, I think he learned a lot. I also think knowing that he’s going to be out there every day and really enjoying himself and wanting to get better has really paid off for him.” The other thing Sarbaugh has noticed is how his teammates have continually offered encouragement. Confidence is such a big factor for anyone, and as Santana continues to make more and more plays, he gains more and more of it. That has seemingly created a positive domino effect, which has the first baseman trying to keep up with other tremendous defenders, guys like Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Giovanny Urshela and Erik Gonzalez. “I think it’s similar to the pitching staff,” Sarbaugh said. “One starter does well, the next one wants to do just as well. I think in the infield, it’s very similar. Just like hitting. Hitting is contagious. They feed off of each other. I think Carlos is doing that. When he does make good plays, I think, just when his teammates see what he’s doing, I think it really feeds into that.” But it's not just his glove work and mobility making a difference. His arm accuracy and willingness to make some tough throws, ones not typically reserved for first baseman, has also brought tremendous defensive value. Take this double play for example. Perhaps those are also indications of Santana's increased “focus” and attention to the small details. That's pretty impressive, especially considering his free-agent status at the end of the year clouds Santana's near future. He conceded that the uncertainty weighed on him earlier in the season, particularly through some of his early-year struggles at the dish. To his credit, the defensive portion of his game has remained surprisingly consistent. Maybe that development even increases the odds of him sticking around beyond 2017. “I think his whole game, he just seems to be in a better place,” manager Terry Francona said. “He seems happier. He’s easier to mess around with. He makes a good play and you can see him light up. And he’s made a number of them. “I do think he’s spent more time at first. When you think back on it, he was a catcher, but then he’d play first base on his supposed day off. If you’re catching every day, you’re going to stand there and try to catch it. We tried to convince him that once you’re not a catcher, for us to win, you’ve got to get after it. I think he’s more athletic than people give him credit for.” What does Santana think of Francona's assessment? “I am happy,” he said. “Especially when my team is winning.” There has been plenty of that recently, reeling off consecutive wins at a record pace. In that regard, there isn't much to be upset about. And for Santana, he's pleased to see some of his increased focus on the defensive side translate into his performance — even if he doesn't believe it when people tell him. “I worked hard this offseason,” Santana said. “In spring training, too, with Sarby. I’m trying to do what I can.” Indians' dominance rewrites story of 2017 season CHICAGO -- The Cleveland Indians' win streak is amazing: 21 games and counting. But it means nothing. It's championship or bust for these Indians. Division titles are great -- Cleveland is on the verge of clinching its second straight AL Central crown and ninth of the wild-card era -- but another one means nothing. Pennants are great, too. After all, Cleveland won one last year, and that was only its fourth since the franchise's last World Series crown in 1948. You know what another one this year would mean? Nothing. This is not really a controversial observation. It's the simple reality for a franchise that inherited the mantle of baseball's longest World Series title drought just 10 months ago, when the team lost to the Chicago Cubs in seven unforgettable games. Maybe that's why, despite their amazing on-field feats of the past few weeks, the Indians still walk around like protagonists of an Albert Camus novel. As with Camus, it's not an act. It's a philosophy. "I don't know if we look at it as that much of a big picture," Indians ace Corey Kluber said last week during the team's stop in Chicago. "We're just showing up each day and trying to win that game. Guys are having fun and just showing up to win that day's game. If we do, great. If we don't, then try to move on." When Tom Thibodeau, whom I greatly admire, was coaching the Chicago Bulls, I used to refer to him as "belligerently dull." He gave the media nothing, he knew he gave the media nothing, and he delighted in giving the media nothing. Hence the belligerent quality of his dullness. The Indians' dullness isn't belligerent. It's more congenial. They are polite and cooperative. They really seem to enjoy their jobs. They just don't say anything.

"The winning streak is enjoyable, and I think it's gotten people's attention," Francona said. "And I think that's given me a chance to brag on our guys a little bit, which I love. Other than that, we'll go play tomorrow." The Indians have never been better positioned to win a title since the 1948 champs broke through. Well, that's not precisely true. The Indians were pretty well positioned to win last year, when they held a 3-1 lead over the Chicago Cubs in the Fall Classic. They were also right there when the 1997 World Series matchup with Florida went to a seventh game. And they made it to the World Series -- and lost -- in 1954 and 1995. That near-miss history, more than anything, is why it's championship or bust in Cleveland this time around. Here is why you can argue that this year's Indians are better situated than last year's: They are better. The streak, as a literal stepping stone to a title, means little because even without it, Cleveland would almost certainly be closing in on a division crown. What the streak has established is a new consensus, one that marks the Indians as baseball's most complete team and perhaps the best edition in franchise history. That claim couldn't have been made back on July 20, just 11 days before the non-waiver trade deadline, when Cleveland stood at 48-45. They led the Twins by a half-game in the division, and the hard-charging Royals were just two back. Since then, the Indians have gone 41-11, a stretch capped by the in-progress 21-game win streak that is the longest an American League team has ever had. While the streak by itself would certainly have re-established the Indians as prime title contenders, the sheer dominance of it has completely rewritten how we will view the 2017 regular season. Cleveland has outscored opponents 139-35 during this streak -- an average margin of more than five runs per game. The Indians have trailed after just four innings during the streak. Four innings! "I don't look at many stats," Kluber said. "Whether you win a game by 10 runs or win a game by one run, the goal is to win. Maybe you could say that over the course of the season that run differential has some value in analyzing a team, but I think that every team in baseball doesn't care." According to my power rankings, when the Tribe's streak started on Aug. 24, the Dodgers occupied the place where the Indians now reside. L.A.'s rating (expressed as a "true talent" wins-per-162-games metric) was 108.1, nearly nine games better than that of every other team in baseball. Now Cleveland sits on that perch at 106.2 -- 9.1 wins more than second-place Houston. Has the prime narrative of a season ever changed so much so quickly? In a streak this epic, everything is working. The Cleveland offense has been dominant, and the defense has piled up as many defensive runs saved as it had the rest of the season. The bullpen has continued to lock down games, even with Andrew Miller on the disabled list. Nevertheless, the dominant trait of the streak has been the consistent excellence of the Cleveland rotation. Fifteen quality starts. Seven shutouts. An overall team average of 1.7 runs allowed per game. Kluber has been the ace, moving into a tier that we thought belonged only to Chris Sale, Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer. "The goal is to string not just good outings [from the starters] but games as a team together and try to build some momentum," Kluber said. "There's still a while before we can say where we are right now is where we're going to be, but hopefully that is the case and we can ride this out until we get [to the postseason] and keep going." It has been more than Kluber. Carlos Carrasco has been an elite No. 2, Trevor Bauer has embraced his curveball to career-making positive effect, and Mike Clevinger has perhaps become the best candidate to take the fourth spot in the postseason rotation. "Pitching staff," Lindor said, when asked which group has propelled the streak. "They continue to do what they've been doing since Day 1. And the hitters are just clicking at the right time. We're having fun and enjoying the game, but we still have [a lot] left to play." It's an obvious point to make, but think about what last year's Indians might have done with a healthy rotation. Without Carrasco and Danny Salazar, Francona was forced to improvise by maxing out Kluber and his high-leverage bullpen studs. It came so close to working, but in the end, Kluber had to make one short-rest outing too many. With the rotation on full blast this time around, Kluber can lead the charge and be at near-max strength when he's needed most. "His routines are impeccable," Francona said. "And his tank doesn't look like it's on half-empty. You see a lot of pitchers this time of year where maybe you start getting them extra rest. "The only time I thought he looked a little tired was the last game of [last] year. And he pitched on short rest a couple of times, so he wouldn't have been human if he wasn't. The way he prepares, he never looks tired. He may be tired, but he doesn't look it." The Indians have candidates for all the major awards. Jose Ramirez, Kluber and Francisco Lindor can all stake claims in the MVP chase, with Ramirez getting the most recent buzz. Kluber is dueling Sale for the AL Cy Young Award, which would be Kluber's second if he were to win. Lindor has been viewed as the likely face of the Indians for a while now, and it's no surprise that either player would be in the running for elite recognition. As for Kluber -- big surprise -- he isn't too keen on comparing himself to Sale. "I guess every pitcher has his own style," Kluber said. "That's part of identifying what works for you is finding what your arsenal is and what the best way to go out and use it to try and get the job done."

Ramirez is the star-is-born member of the trio, a player who has come out of nowhere the past couple of seasons. Before 2017, the question was whether he could repeat his breakout of 2016. He has done exactly that while adding more power than anyone ever thought he'd have, all while playing excellent defense at more than one position and serving as a constant source of upbeat energy in the clubhouse. Not even Francona foresaw Ramirez reaching this level. "I don't think we could have said that," Francona said. "If somebody goes down, somebody gets an opportunity. He took it and ran with it. It's not surprising this year what he's doing because when you do it for 600 at-bats, you can tell it wasn't smoke and mirrors. "He's just a really good player. He can move around [positions], which makes his numbers even better because he can move around and allow us to play other guys, like when [Jason] Kipnis gets hurt. He is one of the best players in the game." Even if all the players in the running for postseason honors come up short in their respective votes, they can at least stake a claim to an unofficial award: baseball's MVT (most valuable trio). Entering game play Wednesday, Kluber (No. 7), Ramirez (No. 13) and Lindor (No. 15) all were on pace to finish in the top 15 in Fangraph's version of WAR. Only Colorado (Charlie Blackman and Nolan Arenado) also has two players in the top 15. Of all the emergent star power on the Indians, no one typifies the team more in performance or personality than Kluber, who has long toiled under the nickname of "Klubot." It's an unfortunate moniker because Kluber is less an automaton than he is a Hemingway hero. Stoic. Professional. And while I don't know if Kluber writes like Hemingway, he certainly gives him a run when it comes to conciseness and understatement. "I think the constant is solid pitching and timely hitting," Kluber said. "All that cliché stuff they say wins ballgames, it's true. We've been doing it for a couple of weeks now." The Indians' top awards candidate might well be Francona, who has navigated the Indians around major injuries for two years and has somehow or another gotten an entire team to adopt his say-nothing, stay-in-the-moment demeanor. This is a team that has won 21 straight games, and the quotes coming out of the clubhouse still can be paraphrased as "We just play them one game at a time." 21-0! The Indians may never lose again Move over, Moneyball: Cleveland made American League history with its 21st straight win. We go inside the stars and key moments of the streak (so far). Real or not? Kluber all but locked up Indians' 20th straight win by ninth pitch A generous call might've helped Kluber notch his first strikeout Tuesday. But you don't tie the AL record for longest win streak without a few breaks. Francona knows how this goes. There is no point in putting things into context for the rest of us. There is no point in offering explanations for that which has already happened. All that matters is the next game. The next pitch. The next grinding at-bat. One unit at a time, until the job is finally complete. We can slather over the streak all we want, but that is not what the Indians are striving toward. "Believe it or not," Francona said. "We get so caught up in what we're doing today, it adds up, and people start asking you questions about road wins, home wins. What matters is your record and the game at hand. So we'll show up tomorrow and try to win that game." In an alternate universe, the Indians' history of almost but not quite is a dead scroll. In that realm, the Cleveland Indians' World Series-winning game story has already been published. It went out to the sports-reading world in the early morning of Nov. 3, 2016, when the Tribe ended a 68-year championship drought with an epic, come-from-behind victory over the Cubs in Game 7. I know such a story exists because I wrote it. Only I'm the only person to have read it. Explanation: One of my duties during postseason coverage last season was to write the "live" story, the quick reaction piece that we'd publish to give us a chance to hustle down to the clubhouses for interviews and such. The more fully realized stories would come out shortly thereafter. Game 7 presented a unique challenge. No matter who won, a historic drought would be broken, and from my perspective, that meant two fan bases that deserved my best effort to capture the euphoria. Without knowing who would win, that meant writing two stories at once, updating as events unfolded. As we all remember, in the latter stages of that unforgettable game, events unfolded at the pace of an avalanche. I almost became the first sportswriter to get seasick on dry land. I'm telling you, Cleveland fans. I put it all in there. The last version of the story that will never be read invokes the ghosts of John D. Rockefeller, Lou Boudreau and Bob Feller. It has Micheal Martinez driving in the title-winning run off Chicago's Mike Montgomery. Only he didn't. He grounded out, and the Cubs' version of the "drought is over" story is the one that went out into the world. That last sentence, that last punctuation mark, coming six weeks from now -- that's what the Indians are after. The Cleveland streak might end on Thursday. Or it could go on for a while -- ESPN Stats & Info estimated that the average of the starting pitchers the Indians are slated to face the rest of the way yields an ERA of more than 4.80. But even if it keeps going and going and going, it will mean nothing. It's unique, it's rare, but for the Indians, it's still championship or bust. One day at a time.

"Day at a time, game at a time," Kluber said. "If we start looking towards who we're going to be playing in the playoffs, we're getting ahead of ourselves. First we have to make the playoffs." Indians set AL record with 21st straight victory 1 / 18 Associated Press logo CLEVELAND (AP) -- For more than 100 years, American League teams have gone on winning streaks of varying lengths -- short ones, long ones, double-digit ones. Nothing, though, like the one the Cleveland Indians have pieced together. A streak for the ages. Moving past the "Moneyball" Oakland Athletics, the Indians set the AL record with their 21st straight win on Wednesday, 5-3 over the Detroit Tigers, to join only two other teams in the past 101 years to win that many consecutive games. Jay Bruce hit a three-run homer off Buck Farmer (4-3) and Mike Clevinger (10-5) won his fourth straight start as the Indians, a team with its sights set on ending the majors' longest World Series title drought, matched the 1935 Chicago Cubs for the second-longest streak since 1900. And in doing so, they separated themselves from every AL team since the league was formed in 1901. "Who would've ever thought that we'd be in this situation?" Bruce said. "I can't even imagine." Believe it. Now that they've moved past those 2002 A's immortalized on film, the Indians are within five wins of catching the 1916 New York Giants, who won 26 straight without a loss but whose century-old mark includes a tie. The Indians haven't lost in 20 days, and they've rarely been challenged during a late-season run in which they've dominated every aspect of the game. "I think they're enjoying themselves," manager Terry Francona said as clubhouse music boomed in the background. "They should. I think what's kind of cool about our game is when you do things, and you do them the right way, I think it means more. Our guys are playing the game to win, the right way. "That part's very meaningful. They should enjoy what they're doing. It's pretty special." After leading 4-1, the Indians had to overcome a costly error and rely on their bullpen to hold off the Tigers, who have lost 11 of 12 to Cleveland and saw manager Brad Ausmus and catcher James McCann ejected from the series finale. Roberto Perez added a homer in the seventh and four Cleveland relievers finished, with Cody Allen working the ninth for his 27th save. With the crowd of 29,346 standing and stomping, Allen retired Ian Kinsler on a sinking liner for the final out, giving the Indians the league's longest streak since the AL was founded 116 years ago. There was no big celebration afterward as the Indians simply congratulated one another and stuck to their routine. "We're so focused," said Bruce, who arrived via trade last month from the New York Mets. "I thought we were playing the Royals today. ... Everyone comes here and gets ready to play today and I think that's something that speaks volumes." During their streak, which began with a 13-6 win over Boston ace Chris Sale on Aug. 23, the Indians have rarely been tied, never mind equaled, for nine innings. They have been superior in every way possible. Cleveland's starters have gone 19-0 with a 1.70 ERA, they've outscored their opponents 139-35 and trailed in only four of 189 innings. Incredibly, the Indians have hit more home runs (40) than their pitchers have given up in total runs. And while they've racked up win after win, the defending AL champs have reduced their magic number for winning their second straight AL Central title to four. They've also passed Houston for the league's best record, which will come into play in the postseason as the team with the best overall mark will have home-field advantage. Now that they're alongside the 1935 Cubs, the Indians have a realistic shot of running down the 1916 Giants. Cleveland opens four-game series on Thursday against Kansas City, which was outscored 20-0 on its three-day visit last month.

Francona was asked if he thought the Giants' run should be the record since it includes a tie. "I wasn't there," he said, drawing laughter. "I've given that zero thought. I promise you I've given it no thought." With a shot at AL history, Clevinger took the mound with Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" blasting through the ballpark's sound system, and Cleveland's crowd came to rock -- and witness history -- on a mostly sunny day. Some parents kept their kids home from school and brought them to Progressive Field to see a once-in-a-lifetime event Cleveland residents may remember more than any solar eclipse. They cheered every two-strike count like it was October and there was something much bigger on the line. The Indians have viewed the streak as a perfect postseason warmup as they try to end a Series title drought dating to 1948. Clevinger, who didn't allow a run in 18 innings over his three previous starts, was down 1-0 in the first after Jeimer Candelario touched him for a two-out RBI double. But as they have done for the past three weeks, the Indians responded, with Bruce connecting for a three-run shot into the left-field bleachers. "Expected, I would say by now," Clevinger said of the Indians' 3-run answer. "I don't think there was a second that I doubted we were going to score some runs or string together some hits." SIZZLING SEPTEMBER At 14-0, the Indians are off to the best start in September since the 1991 Minnesota Twins went 15-0. TESTY TIGERS Two batters after Ausms and McCann were ejected, a pitch from Farmer eluded catcher John Hicks, who had just entered the game, and struck plate umpire Quinn Wolcott in the chest. Farmer disputed that the Tigers would try to intentionally hit Wolcott. "The fact that's even a question is appalling," Farmer said. "It shouldn't be a question. When you look at the situation it's stupid to even think about. It shouldn't even be a thought from anybody that Hicks and I would do that." TRAINER'S ROOM Tigers: OF Mikie Mahtook missed his fifth consecutive game after being scratched from a Sept. 9 game against Toronto with left groin soreness. Ausmus said Mahtook was "getting closer, but he's not ready." Indians: All-Star reliever Andrew Miller will be activated from the disabled list Thursday following his second stint on the disabled list with knee tendinitis. UP NEXT The Indians' Josh Tomlin, who is 5-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his last six outings, starts the opener against Royals rookie Jakob Junis. Rosenthal: Consider this Indians season, World Seri es or not, validated by Ken Rosenthal I’m thinking it. You’re thinking it. And, I’m guessing that in more reflective moments the Cleveland Indians and their fans look at the team’s 21-game winning streak and they are thinking it too: Doesn’t matter in October. The statement is factually correct. The Indians’ streak will do little to enhance their postseason chances other than help the quest to gain home-field advantage in the playoffs. But sorry, not everything is about October. The Indians’ streak – an American League record and the longest in the majors in 82 years – is a mind-blowing accomplishment. Anyone who chooses to diminish it lacks an understanding of how teams are built, what makes organizations great and how the sport vexes even the best and brightest. The first objective of team building is to construct a roster capable of prevailing over a six-month, 162-game grind. The next objective is to develop an organization capable of winning not just for one year but for several years in a row. A World Series title is the end goal, but as the Oakland Athletics’ Billy Beane said many years ago, the postseason is a crapshoot. Beane’s critics initially disparaged him for that remark, viewing it as an excuse for the A’s playoff failures in the early 2000s. Today, Beane’s belief

(notably captured in the book “Moneyball”) is accepted as a near-universal truth: “My job is to get us to the playoffs,” he was quoted as saying in the book. “What happens after that is f—— luck.” Which isn’t to say teams should simply accept October as a “gauntlet of randomness” (another Beane gem) and stop trying to win the Series. Indians fans rightly want to experience what Chicago Cubs fans experienced a year ago, the end of a title drought that, in Cleveland’s case, extends to 1948. And the Indians’ front office has continued to work toward that moment, trading for left-handed reliever Andrew Miller at last season’s non-waiver deadline, signing first baseman/DH Edwin Encarnacion during the off-season, adding outfielder Jay Bruce in August. Still, think back to last year’s World Series. If not for a rain delay after the ninth inning of Game 7, the Indians, not the Cubs, might have celebrated the end of a championship drought. This October, who knows? Maybe the Indians will simply get beat. It happens, even to the best teams. It happens, in fact, a lot more frequently than 21-game winning streaks. We talk all the time in sports about teams, players, managers and coaches needing “postseason validation.” That often leads to too much scrutiny of too small a sample and too little appreciation for greatness that is established in a series of achievements over time. Consider the Indians validated. Three of their best players – Miller, second baseman Jason Kipnis and left fielder Michael Brantley – have been sidelined with injuries for the entirety of the streak, and rookie center fielder Brad Zimmer suffered a season-ending fracture in the fourth metacarpal of his left hand Sunday. But lesser players such as left-handed reliever Tyler Olson and infielders Erik Gonzalez, Giovanny Urshela and Yandy Diaz all have made contributions, enabling a low-revenue team with the game’s 17th-highest Opening Day payroll to continue rolling. Ten of the Indians’ 21 wins during the streak – nearly half – have come against the Tigers and White Sox, the two worst clubs in the AL. Still, bad baseball teams win about 40 percent of their games. Good ones win only about 60 percent. An executive from a contending club marveled at the Indians after 14 straight wins, telling me, “They’ve gone undefeated for two weeks!” Now, it’s three weeks, and during the streak the Indians have hit 41 homers while allowing just 35 runs, outscored their opponents 139-35 and produced a 1.57 ERA. They’ve painted a baseball Picasso. The players are not celebrating – in this sport, they learn quickly to remain grim-faced and keep grinding, knowing there is a game the next day and the day after that. But here is my wish for the Indians and their fans, a simple phrase that longtime executive Roland Hemond would use to make sure that his players and employees appreciated a meaningful accomplishment in the middle of a season. “Enjoy the moment,” Hemond would say. The great moments are difficult to achieve. And not all of them happen in October. A healthy way to play: Indians’ historic streak is a total team effort by T.J. Zuppe CLEVELAND — Quick, off the top of your head, name the only player on the Indians' active roster who has appeared in every game of their incredible, historic and unimaginable 21-game winning streak. Any guesses? No, it's not Francisco Lindor. It's not Jose Ramirez. It's not Bryan Shaw (though, sometimes it may feel like it). It's not even Edwin Encarnacion. Want a hint? He's hitting .316 over the streak. Want another? He's only started eight of the 21 games. Well? The answer to the great mystery is … Giovanny Urshela. Surprised? You probably shouldn't be. Urshela is on the roster because he can catch the ball like nobody's business. And when you're winning every night, you're going to want your best defenders in the game late. Those are the guys capable of protecting a lead. And wouldn't you know it? Upon being placed in a game for the 21st time during the streak, he almost immediately had an impact, making a diving stop on a grounder hit to third by John Hicks. From his belly (not to mention with the tying run on base), Urshela fired it toward second base, getting Jeimer Candelario in time for the second out of the inning. “That’s why he’s here,” catcher Roberto Perez said. “That’s why they put him in in the seventh inning, to have a chance to save the game. He’s definitely unbelievable. What can I say? He’s good.” Reliever Bryan Shaw would eventually get Andrew Romine to ground out to Urshela to end the inning, but just before the eighth-inning threat came to an end, the Progressive Field crowd of 29,346 people offered the 25-year-old infielder a standing ovation for his efforts, preserving the 5-3 win on Wednesday afternoon. “I was pretty excited,” Urshela told The Athletic. “I was looking at the scoreboard and saw the video. I said, ‘How’d I throw that ball like that?’ That was a crazy to throw that. But that was a good play.”

Contributions like that aren't unusual over the Tribe's American League record 21-game winning streak. Perhaps the most impressive part of the mind-blowing run is the fact that almost everyone has played some part, small or large, in the stretch. For someone like Urshela, his glove continues to shine, perhaps enough to warrant a spot on the club's postseason roster next month. But he's not the only one who has successfully offered his services to manager Terry Francona over the streak. The usual suspects like Lindor, Encarnacion, Corey Kluber and Jose Ramirez have all had a major starring role, of course. But players like Urshela, Yandy Diaz, Tyler Naquin, Francisco Mejia and Greg Allen have also contributed at one time or another. Mike Clevinger, Josh Tomlin and Trevor Bauer are executing as well as Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. Almost everyone on the roster, top to bottom, feels involved and that their standing on the team is meaningful. “Everybody here is doing his job,” Urshela said. “When Tito puts somebody between the lines, everybody is ready to fight.” Take someone like Nick Goody. A few days ago, Francona mentioned that he felt Goody's confidence was back to where it was earlier this season. The right-handed reliever was brought on with two outs in the sixth, replacing starter Mike Clevinger, who exited with the tying run on base. Goody struck out JaCoby Jones to end the inning, then started the seventh by inducing a pop out and a strikeout. Then, with two outs in the inning, Tyler Olson, the Tribe's human embodiment of finding a $20 bill in the washing machine, entered and got Alex Presley to foul out to Perez. Olson, by the way, has yet to give up a run in 13 2/3 innings of relief since his promotion to the big league club. He was barely on the radar two months ago. Now, he's a steady part of their bullpen, stepping up in the absence of Andrew Miller to claim a spot of his own. “Those guys got some huge outs for us,” said closer Cody Allen, who pitched a perfect ninth to pick up the save. “Goody's been doing it all year. Olson. The guy's pretty much unhittable. He stepped in for us with Miller out and he's gotten some big lefties out in big spots. Hats off to those guys. The list goes on and on of guys who have contributed in different parts of the game, different games. It's a complete club.” And it's things like that which has helped everyone feel like they're part of something special. “It's been great,” Olson told The Athletic this past weekend. “We were actually talking about it a couple days ago in the bullpen. We've been racking up wins and every night it seems like we have a different lineup, too. We've had guys with little bumps and bruises and have given them rest when they've needed it. We're throwing guys out there and they're still putting up production. That's huge to show the depth that we have and the ability, even if a guy goes down or a guy needs a breather, we can throw another guy in there and he can be just as good.” The Indians have been pretty quick to dismiss any streak talk. But the more it grows, the less avoidable it becomes. Now that they're knocking on the doorstep of surpassing the 1935 Cubs' record of 21 consecutive games with a victory, it's essentially all reporters wants to ask about. Inquire about the streak itself? You still won't get much. But ask about how the entire organization has risen to cover injuries to Miller, Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis or about the franchise's depth, you might run out of room on your recorder and margins in your notepad. “I think the thing that stands out most is it really doesn’t matter who we put out there right now,” said Jay Bruce, who slugged a go-ahead three-run homer in the bottom of the first inning. “We have guys that are coming up from Double-A, taking meaningful at-bats, playing meaningful innings in the field. And I think that what I’ve seen in my short time here is that these guys are ready and prepared to do that because of the organization and how they approach the development. And it comes from a manager who makes you feel comfortable and makes you feel like he’s confident in you as soon as he gets here.” Of course, the Tribe's current streak ultimately guarantees nothing in October. They could win every game through the end of the regular season and be swept in the first round of the playoffs. Baseball is funny that way. But there are some residual benefits to how things have unfolded. They continue to find out more about themselves, fighting through every bit of adversity. They get to play around with their roster, see what works and what doesn't leading into the playoffs. It has also set them up well to grab home-field advantage in the AL. And in the meantime, they are preparing for what lies ahead next month by utilizing every advantage their group creates. “Everybody pretty much has had a hand in doing something, and I think it's a healthy way to play,” Francona said. “I think our guys complement each other, but also, you don't have a segment of your guys in the dugout just sitting down and watching.” Meisel’s Musings: A 21-game winning streak, Hakuna M atata and Indians Fever by Zack Meisel CLEVELAND — Nothing better represents the Indians’ nonchalance about their historic winning streak than the words on Yan Gomes’ T-shirt on Tuesday night. Hakuna Matata

It means no worries The Indians would love to continue to rattle off victory after victory — Bryan Shaw suggested the easiest way to clear up confusion about the true MLB record would be for the club to push its winning streak to 27 games — but the players and their manager reject the notion that they’re spending time marveling at the streak or their place in history. They aren’t feeling additional pressure to preserve it. They aren’t worrying about it. Hakuna Matata. In fact, Jay Bruce thought the Indians were battling the Royals on Wednesday. Following the Indians’ win against the Tigers on Tuesday, Bruce confused the Indians’ upcoming schedule during a postgame interview. “What consumes us is the daily schedule and game we have to get ready for,” Bruce said. “Our focus tends to stay right where we are and then move to the next.” Instead, the Indians and Tigers wrapped up their series with a Wednesday matinee, and Bruce delivered the decisive jab, a first-inning, three-run blast to the left-field bleachers. Here are a handful of thoughts on the Tribe. 1. Passing the torch: Bruce texted with Scott Hatteberg on Tuesday night, after the Indians matched the 2002 Oakland Athletics for the longest winning streak in American League history. Hatteberg slugged a walk-off home run to push Oakland’s streak to 20. The two were teammates with the Reds during spring training in 2008. “He used to make fun of how young and inexperienced and immature I was as a 20-year-old,” Bruce said. Bruce texted him: “Who would’ve thought?” Hatteberg replied: “Good luck, get another one and win a ring.” 2. On a roll: The Indians are 30-5 since they dealt a low-level prospect (do you remember Ryder Ryan?) for the veteran outfielder. Of course, that’s a bit of an arbitrary timeframe. “Probably some selection bias,” Bruce said, “but, in all honesty, I feel like I do add something positive to this team. This team, I feel like, has added something to me as well. It gives you a little boost.” Bruce essentially won the lottery last month. The Mets entered Wednesday’s action with a 63-81 record, an injury-riddled roster and a long, harsh winter on deck. Bruce escaped that dreadful situation and now contributes to the team with the AL’s best record with free agency looming. “I pretty much went from what ended up being one of the least fun situations in baseball to the most fun,” Bruce said. 3. Don’t hold your breath: The Indians actually trailed on Wednesday … for about 17 minutes. Bruce’s home run — he matched his career high with 34 for the season — flipped the Tribe’s 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 advantage. Mike Clevinger wasn’t exactly stunned. “Expected, I would say, by now,” he said. The Indians have completed 189 innings during this run. They have trailed at the end of four of those innings, or 2.1 percent of them. They have outscored the opposition 139-35 during the winning streak. 4. Indians Fever: The Indians drew 29,346 to Progressive Field for Wednesday’s afternoon tilt against the Tigers. The club is averaging 24,849 fans per home date, an increase of 26.5 percent over last season’s attendance. As it stands, the Indians are on pace to draw 2.01 million fans to the ballpark this season. Edwin Encarnacion receives a bonus if the club reaches the 2 million mark. The Indians’ TV ratings on SportsTime Ohio are also up 27 percent over last year. The Indians’ win on Tuesday night drew a 16.67 household rating (the equivalent of 250,000 homes), the club’s highest rating since Opening Day. Gripes about the club’s following are overblown. No, the Indians haven’t recorded any sellouts this week. But advance ticket sales are typically few and far between for a weeknight game in mid-September against a familiar opponent. The Indians have drawn sizable walk-up crowds each of the last two games.

5. I love the 90: The Indians reached the 90-win mark on Wednesday for the second straight season. They could be headed toward their first 100-win season since 1995. 6. A tale of two gloves: For a future trivia night at your local watering hole: Giovanny Urshela is the only Tribe player to appear in all 21 wins for the Tribe. It’s easy to see why. Urshela made a nifty, timely play to aid Bryan Shaw’s cause in the eighth inning on Wednesday, as he dove to his left and threw to second from his belly to record a critical out. Prior to that, Shaw fielded a chopper, stumbled backward and fell to the infield grass, resulting in an error. “Sometimes, you have to take one for the team so the other guys on your team can look good,” Shaw quipped. “That’s what I try to do for them.” 21-0! The Indians may never lose again David Schoenfield When the Oakland A's set the American League record with a 20-game winning streak in 2002, they did so in dramatic fashion. Wins 18, 19 and 20 were all walk-off victories, with No. 20 the famous Scott Hatteberg pinch-hit home run after the A's had blown an 11-0 lead. A's executive Billy Beane recently said he knew the streak was over at that point; the team was gassed. The Cleveland Indians, on the other hand, look like they may never lose again. They beat the Tigers 5-3 on an overcast Wednesday afternoon in Cleveland for their 21st win in a row. After the Tigers took the lead in the top of the first, the Indians immediately struck back when Jay Bruce hit a three-run homer with two outs, just clearing the fence in left-center. After the Tigers clawed back to 4-3, Roberto Perez iced the win with a home run in the seventh and Cody Allen closed it out with a 1-2-3 ninth. Cleveland tied the 1935 Cubs at 21 straight, with only the 1916 New York Giants looming on the horizon at 26 straight wins. It's a remarkable, dominant stretch of baseball. The Indians have trailed just four innings in the 21 games, have needed just three one-run victories, and have obliterated their opponents on both sides of the ball with a plus-104 differential -- that's an average winning margin of 4.95 runs per game. Some highlights from the streak: MVP during the streak: This is a tough one. Jose Ramirez has hit .388 and slugged .910 thanks to eight home runs and nine doubles and has 16 RBIs. Francisco Lindor has hit .370 with nine home runs and 19 RBIs. Neither has made an error, and Ramirez's ability to slide over from third base to second base with Jason Kipnis out has been vital. Ramirez went 4-for-4 in a 2-1 win over the Yankees in Game 6 and had five extra-base hits in an 11-1 win over the Tigers in Game 11. Lindor had the go-ahead single in the ninth inning against the Tigers back in Game 8, had the leadoff home run in a 2-0 victory in Game 20, and had home runs in the sixth and seventh innings against the Orioles in Games 17 and 18 that turned one-run leads into two-run leads. Ramirez had the higher win probability added heading into Wednesday's game, but it seems that Lindor has had a few more big more hits. So I'll say Lindor. Or maybe Ramirez. Cy Young during the streak: Mike Clevinger hadn't allowed a run in his three previous starts before giving up three on Wednesday. Carlos Carrasco is 3-0 in four starts with a 0.62 ERA, two runs allowed and a 34-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Corey Kluber is 4-0 in four starts with a 1.41 ERA and a shutout in Game 20. Flip a coin, my friends, but I'll go with Kluber, since he's pitched three more innings than Carrasco and that shutout on Tuesday helped save the bullpen for Wednesday's record-setting win. Unsung hero: The bullpen has been great, but it has been great all season, leading the AL in ERA. How about Ryan Merritt? Remember when he was pressed into service last October against the Blue Jays in the ALCS and delivered a clutch performance? He has made two starts during the streak and allowed just one run in 12 innings. Biggest overachiever: Perez has played 12 games in the streak and is hitting .378/.439/.811 with four home runs and 13 RBIs. He had two home runs and 22 RBIs in 50 games before the winning streak started. Best quote: "I went from being in one of the least fun situations in baseball to the most fun." -- Jay Bruce (via @jareddiamond), who was acquired from the Mets on Aug. 9. Andrew Miller set for return to streaking Indians Associated Press CLEVELAND -- As if they weren't already rolling, the Indians are getting back All-Star Andrew Miller. Baseball's hottest team plans to activate the elite left-hander Thursday, ending his second stint on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right knee and giving the Indians their best reliever.

Despite not having Miller in their bullpen, the Indians have set the American League record with 21 straight wins with a victory in Wednesday's series finale against the Detroit Tigers. Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway said the club hopes to have Miller pitch in Thursday's game in a low-leverage situation in which he gets one out in an inning. From there, the Indians will give Miller a few days off and then steadily increase his workload to prepare him for the postseason. Miller spent two weeks on the disabled in early August, returned and made just two appearances before he pulled out Aug. 21 against the Boston Red Sox. The Indians want to make certain this time that Miller is good to go for October. Miller threw a simulated game Monday, and Callaway said the 32-year-old appears stronger than the previous time he came off the DL. "He feels great," Callaway said. "The mechanics of it, the way he's bracing himself when he's throwing his slider, which was the real issue when his knee was bothering him, are all really good. We've been keeping track of the numbers during his simulated games and the spin, the velocity, the break, all those things are well in line with what he does during the season. "So we're very encouraged with everything so far." One of the majors' best late-inning pitchers, Miller is 4-3 with a 1.65 ERA in 48 games. Last October the left-hander was nearly unhittable while helping the Indians get to the World Series for the first time since 1997. Miller struck out 30 batters in 19⅓ innings in the 2016 postseason. If there has been one positive from Miller's absence, it has allowed the Indians to use other relievers in pressure situations. Callaway noted that both Dan Otero and Tyler Olson have benefited from extra work. It has built Cleveland's bullpen depth, but Callaway said it won't affect the way the club uses Miller in the postseason. "In a playoff game, you're going to pitch your best guys," Callaway said. "That's just how it goes. We trust everybody in the bullpen, but when the game is on the line, I think you're going to see Andrew Miller in there pitching most of the time." World Series more fun than winning streak, Indians’ Francisco Lindor says By Jeff Schudel, The News-Herald & The Morning Journal • The Indians have now won 20 straight games to tie the 2002 Oakland A’s for the longest winning streak in the American League. Next in their sights is the 1935 Chicago Cubs at 21 straight, and they can tie that mark on Sept. 13 when the series with the Tigers concludes . Pretty cool — but not the coolest “This is not the most fun I’ve had,” said shortstop Francisco Lindor, whose leadoff home run in the Sept. 12 game gave the Indians a 1-0 lead over the Tigers on the way to a 2-0 victory. “The World Series was the most fun I’ve had. I don’t care how long the winning streak goes. The World Series — that’s where it’s at.” The Indians lost the World Series in seven games to the Cubs last year. A return trip is their goal. • The task to keep the streak rolling is in good hands. Right-hander Mike Clevinger gets the start at 12:10 p.m. as the Indians go for another sweep. Clevinger has gone at least six innings in each of his last three starts without allowing a run. • Austin Jackson is an under-rated part of the Indians success this season, but he certainly is not under-appreciated by Indians manager Terry Francona or his teammates. Jackson started in center field on Sept. 12 in place of injured (hand) Bradley Zimmer. He moved to left field in the top of their eighth. He was one-for-four at the plate. Jackson signed a minor-league contract with the Indians in January, and won a job in spring training. He has appeared in 72 games and has five home runs with 31 RBI. He is hitting .305. Jackson made the catch of the year for the Indians on Aug. 2 when he robbed Hanley Ramirez of a home run while diving into the Red Sox bullpen. • Francona isn’t ready to write off Zimmer completely. Zimmer underwent surgery on his hand after it was broken sliding into first base on Sept. 10. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks, Francona said. The timetable for Zimmer’s return is six to eight weeks. “Last year (catcher Yan Gomes) was supposedly done and he played,” Francona said. “We just want (Zimmer) to get better.” • The experiment to convert Jason Kipnis to a center fielder is going well, Francona said. Kipnis is normally a second baseman, but the Indians don’t want to mess with the defensive alignment of Jose Ramirez at second and Giovanny Urshela or Yandy Diaz at third.

Kipnis is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. He wants to play Sept. 17 against the Royals, but Francona said the trainers want to hold Kipnis back to Sept. 19. Kipnis, who bats left-handed, would play against right-handed pitching. Jay Bruce reveling in move to the Indians By David Glasier, The News-Herald Jay Bruce has had a lot of good moments since the outfielder in his 10th big-league season came to the Indians from the lowly New York Mets on Aug. 9 in a non-waiver trade. The best of those moments thus far came Sept. 13 in a day game between the Indians and Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. With one out in the bottom of the first inning and the Tigers leading, 1-0, the 30-year-old Texan came to the plate with two runners aboard. Batting from the left side, Bruce took a clean stroke on a fastball from Detroit starter Buck Farmer and lined a three-run home run to left-center field. The opposite-field blast staked the Indians to a 3-1 lead and set them on the path to a 5-3 victory that ran their win streak to 21 games. That’s a new record in the American League, surpassing the previous record of 20 the Indians shared with the 2002 Oakland A’s for less than 24 hours. It all seems a bit surreal to Bruce, who left a team going nowhere fast to join another setting records for consecutive wins and bearing down on a second straight American League Central Division title. “I pretty much went from what became one of the least-fun situations in baseball to the most fun,” Bruce said in his postgame meeting with reporters. ”That’s no slight to the Mets at all. To have the opportunity to come to a team like this doesn’t happen often. I’m very fortunate to be in this situation. I just want to help and be part of something bigger than me personally. “I think everyone in that locker room fells the exact same way,” Bruce added. “The transition for me has been seamless. These guys welcomed me with open arms. It’s been easy. It’s like I’ve been here all year” The Indians made the deal for Bruce with the offense under-performing and starting outfielders Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall on the disabled list. Indians manager Terry Francona installed Bruce as the everyday right fielder on Aug. 11 in a road game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Since then, the Indians are 29-4 Is it the Jay Bruce effect? “There’s probably some selection bias,” Bruce said, smiling. “In all honesty, I feel like I add something positive to the team. This team has added something positive to me, as well.” Francona sad the Indians’ brain trust knew what they were getting in Bruce, Cincinnati’s first-round pick in the 2005 draft out of high school in Beaumont, Texas. “He brings that RBI-productive bat that sits behind Edwin (Encarnacion) and around Carlos (Santana,” Francona said. “You make a mistake and he knows what to do with it.” Bruce made it to the big leagues with the Reds in 2008 and stayed with the Reds until he was traded to the Mets late in the 2016 season. The Indians are picking up the remaining $3.7 million of the $13 million owed to Bruce this season in the final year of his current contract. He’ll be a free agent at season’s end. With the Indians, Bruce is batting .250 in 26 games with four home runs and 15 RBI. Overall this season, he’s batting .255 with 30 home runs and 90 RBI. Bruce is delighted with the outcome of the deal that had Single-A relief pitcher Ryder Ryan going from the Indians to the Mets. “You can’t ask for any more, in my opinion,” Bruce said. “I am so fortunate to be a part of this and happy I can help out when and where I can. “I’ve said it a million times,” Bruce added. “This team was awesome before I got here. I feel like I’ve just added to what was already a super-deep and talented lineup. We have so many ways to win games, it’s amazing.” Bruce said in his 10 big-league seasons he’s experienced nothing like the Indians’ record-setting run of victories. “Everybody talks about the streak and being consumed with it,” Bruce said. “What consumes us is the daily schedule and game we have to get ready for. “We don’t have time to worry about what happened in the past out there,” he added. “We definitely don’t have time to worry about what might happen in the future. We have a group of guys here, a coaching staff and a whole organization echoing that sentiment. Everyone comes here and gets ready to play today.”

Indians notes: Tribe set to activate Andrew Miller today Chris Assenheimer ByChris Assenheimer | The Chronicle-TelegramPublished on Sept. 13, 2017 | Updated 6:23 a. m. CLEVELAND -- The Indians have made a decision on Andrew Miller. Rather than have Miller (patellar tendinitis right knee) pitch another simulated game today, Cleveland will activate the left-hander from the disabled list. Miller pitched a simulated game Monday at Progressive Field, with the Indians feeling one of the game’s best relief pitchers is ready to go. “He feels great,” pitching coach Mickey Callaway said. “The mechanics of it, the way he’s bracing himself when he’s throwing his slider, which was the real issue when his knee was bothering him, are all really good. We’ve been keeping track of the numbers during his simulated games and the spin, the velocity, the break, all those things are well in line with what he does during the season. “So, we’re very encouraged with everything so far.” Miller’s first attempt to come back from the injury ended after only two appearances, but the Indians feel a different, more aggressive rehab approach has been beneficiary. Miller, who hasn’t pitched since Aug. 21, has appeared in 48 games, posting a 1.65 ERA, while striking out 79 batters over 54 2/3 innings. Yandy Man Yandy Diaz struggled to a .203 batting over 18 games during two separate stints on the big-league roster at the start of the season, but things have gone much better this time around. Since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Aug. 22, Diaz is batting .323 (20-for-62) with five doubles, eight RBIs and 14 runs over 20 games. “I think a sense of belonging has helped his hitting,” manager Terry Francona said. “He’s going up there taking, at times, some pretty ferocious swings. I still think another 5-, 6-, 700 at-bats, his better hitting is in front of him. But he’s a good hitter. His defense is really improving, which is good, but I think he understands now, he’s got 100 at-bats or so, he can do this.” Diaz spent some time in the outfield, but Francona sees him as a future third baseman. “Sometimes it’s based on needs,” Francona said. “I think the hope would be that he can be maybe an everyday third baseman. Earlier in the season when we needed an outfielder, we were so banged up ... He’s worked hard to be a third baseman. I think that may be his best position, but who knows? When you find guys that can hit like that, we’ll find a place.” Ouch Home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott was hit in the chest in the third inning, when catcher John Hicks failed to handle a pitch from Tigers starter Buck Farmer. It came two batters after Detroit manager Brad Ausmus and catcher James McCann were ejected by Wolcott, with the Cleveland television broadcast implying it was intentional. “Hicks got crossed up on the pitch, he assumed it would be a slider away, and Farmer threw a fastball. Plus the bases were loaded,” Ausmus said. “For anyone to imply that that was intentional, that’s a lie. If one of our players tried to intentionally hurt an umpire, we would handle it, severely. The Indians’ TV people were out of line in saying that.” Next up The Indians wrap the homestand with a four-game series against Kansas City that begins tonight at 7:10. RHP Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.13 ERA) opens the set for Cleveland, opposing RHP Jakob Junis (7-2, 4.34), while RHP Trevor Bauer (16-8, 4.33) goes for the Indians on Friday (7:10 p.m.) against LHP Jason Vargas (15-10, 4.15). RHP Carlos Carrasco (15-6, 3.41) starts for the Indians on Saturday (4:10 p.m.) against RHP Jason Hammel (8-11, 4.91). RHP Corey Kluber (16-4, 2.44) goes for Cleveland in the series finale Sunday (1:10 p.m.), with the Royals yet to name a starter. Roundin’ third All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor leads the Indians with a .370 (30-for-81) batting average, nine home runs, 19 RBIs and 19 runs during the 21-game winning streak. ... Tonight, 7:10, STO; WEOL 930-AM, WTAM 1100-AM, WMMS 100.7-FM. Indians make history with 5-3 win over the Tigers Chris Assenheimer ByChris Assenheimer | The Chronicle-TelegramPublished on Sept. 13, 2017 | Updated 6:19 a. m. CLEVELAND — The sprinkler system at Progressive Field was erroneously activated in left and center field during the fifth inning Wednesday afternoon. Even that couldn’t cool off the Indians.

Less than 24 hours after tying the record for the longest winning streak in American League history, Cleveland broke it with a 5-3 victory that completed a three-game sweep of the Tigers and left the Indians with a 21-game winning streak. The streak is the longest in the expansion era (since 1961) and matches the second-longest in baseball history set by the 1935 Chicago Cubs, with the longest official streak — 26 games (including a tie) — owned by the 1916 New York Giants. Manager Terry Francona has gone to great lengths to take the focus off his team’s winning streak, but even he allowed himself to marvel at the accomplishment. “I think they’re enjoying themselves. They should,” Francona said. “I think what’s kind of cool about our game is when you do things, and you do them the right way ... Our guys are playing the game to win, the right way. That part’s very meaningful. They should enjoy what they’re doing. It’s pretty special.” Still, Francona’s one-day-at-a-time mantra has served the Indians well during the highly successful stretch, with nearly everyone in the clubhouse at least saying they are focusing on the game at hand. It’s tough to argue with the results. “You know everyone talks about the streak and being consumed with it. What consumes us is the daily kind of schedule and game we have to get ready for,” right fielder Jay Bruce said. “I think our focus tends to stay so right where we are and then move to the next and then move to the next. “We don’t have time to worry about what happened in the past and we definitely don’t have any time to worry about what’s going to happen in the future, so hey, I think we have a group of guys here, coaching staff and just a whole organization that kind of echoes that sentiment.” For only the second time in the last 21 games, the Indians did not score first, with right-hander Mike Clevinger allowing a run in the first. Detroit’s lead lasted half an inning, with Bruce’s three-run home run giving Cleveland the advantage for good in the bottom of the first. “(It was) expected, I would say by now,” Clevinger said of the instant offense. “I mean, it was kind of a joke but I don’t think there was a second that I doubted we were gonna score some runs or string together some hits. That thought never crossed my mind. I wasn’t just wishing we were gonna score. It was, I kinda knew we were gonna score and ‘What am I gonna do to hold it where it is?”‘ Clevinger, who entered the day riding three straight scoreless outings, allowed three runs (1 earned) on six hits over 5⅔ innings. “In the first couple innings, (he had a) high pitch count,” Francona said. “He had to work out of some jams. But, again, he’s not wild. He’s down. And he’s been doing a real good job of staying down, and when he misses he doesn’t miss by much. It was a tight strike zone today. Not saying it was a bad one, just tight. I thought Clev adjusted really well.” The Tigers scored twice to close within a run in the sixth, but the Indians responded quickly again, with Roberto Perez belting a solo shot over the wall in center for a 5-3 lead in the seventh. The Indians whittled their magic number to four, with the Twins playing Wednesday night. They can clinch a postseason berth with a win in the series opener against Kansas City tonight, while continuing their trek toward another historical winning streak. “It’s pretty cool. It’s definitely an honor, but it’s part of the process,” closer Cody Allen said. “Ultimately, we’re trying to win as many games as we can. If you can win them all in a row, great. If you can win every series, you’re just trying to play good baseball that day. Today, we played a couple runs better than they did. We’re going to try to show up and do the same thing (tonight).” SPORTS Ingraham: Like a broken record ... this Tribe team is a great one Jim Ingraham | The Chronicle-TelegramPublished on Sept. 14, 2017 | Updated 7:11 a. m. The infamous 1899 Cleveland Spiders, the losingest losers in the history of loserdom, were 20-134. The 2017 Cleveland Indians have won more games than that since Aug. 23. The greatest winning streak in major league history now stands at 21 in a row. The Indians have gone three weeks without losing a game. That’s almost a month. A month is one-sixth of the season. No losses. None. Twenty-one and zero. Undefeated and untied — unlike those shadow streakers, the 1916 New York Giants. The 1916 Giants are the only team in major league history (since 1900) with a longer winning streak than the Indians. The ’16 Giants won 26 games in a row — sort of.

Actually, the ’16 Giants won 12 games in a row, but then, on Aug. 26, they played the Pirates and, with the score 1-1, the game was halted after 14 innings, presumably due to darkness, but possibly out of boredom. The Giants then won 14 more games in a row. Despite that tie smack in the middle of it, they are somehow still credited with a 26-game winning streak. It says here that the 2017 Indians not only have a more legitimate winning streak — no ties! — than the Giants, but the Indians are a better team, and their winning streak is way better. In addition to that tie-marred 26-game winning streak, the 1916 Giants also had a 17-game winning streak, but they only finished in fourth place in the National League. The Indians have won 21 in a row, with no ties, they’ve blown the doors off the Central Division race, and are stalking the Dodgers for the best record in the major leagues. With a record of 90-56 — since July 21 they are an outrageous 42-11 (.792), the best record in the majors — the Indians need only to win 10 of their last 16 games to reach 100 wins in a season for only the third time in franchise history. They were 100-44 in 1995 and 111-43 in 1954. “Nothing against the Mets, but I went from the least fun situation to the most fun,” said Jay Bruce, whose three-run, first-inning home run Wednesday was the Indians’ trampoline to win No. 90, the last 21 in a row. “This team was awesome before I got here. I’m just so fortunate to be a part of this, and happy to help out wherever I can.” Right now, the streaking Indians are even awesomer. Awesomest. Their numbers make your eyes bulge. They’ve outscored their opponents during the streak 139-35. One-third of their wins (seven of 21) have been by shutouts. They have 19 shutouts overall. No other American League team has more than 11. Indians starting pitchers during the streak are 19-0 with a 1.67 ERA. Mike Clevinger during the streak is 4-0 with a 0.38 ERA — and he’s their No. 4 starter. Or is it No. 5? The Indians during this streak don’t just beat teams. They beat them UP. Pummel ’em. Pancake ’em. Punish ’em. Wallop, wham and whack ’em. Slap ’em upside the head. Most of the victories aren’t just wins, they’re blood lettings. Maulings. Muggings and Mayhem. Seriously: 139-35. This is playground bully stuff in Temple Tito. On Aug. 24 they beat Boston 13-6. Then they (deep breath): swept three from the Royals (all shutouts), three from the Yankees, four from the Tigers, four from the White Sox, three from the Orioles and three from the Tigers. “Quite frankly, they’re just better than us. It’s as simple as that,” said Tigers manager Brad Ausmus, whose team in seven games against the Indians this month is 0-7 and been outscored 47-8. It’s a team in every sense of the word, led by one of the sport’s all-time great team builders and leaders. Terry Francona’s steady hand and devotion to roster inclusivity are all over this winning streak. Everyone plays. Everyone contributes. Everyone stays engaged. “Everybody has pretty much had a hand in doing something,” Francona said. “It comes from a manager who makes you feel comfortable and confident as soon as you get here,” Bruce said. “It doesn’t matter who we put out there. We’ve got guys up from Double-A taking meaningful at-bats.” And winning. A lot. Indeed, what the winning streak has done is remind everyone what kind of baseball machine the defending American League champs can be when everyone is reasonably healthy, because they saw what kind of baseball machine the Indians can be when everyone is not. They saw it last year, when a starting rotation of Corey Kluber and the Klubettes took the team as far as a team can possibly go without winning the World Series. That was that Indians team. This one is better.

This year’s Indians are likewise bruised and battered, but they are also now battle-tested, hardcore hardball heroes. On a roll. Overworked bullpen falters for Royals, who are elimi nated from AL Central race

BY MARIA TORRES SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 4:58 PM

Sitting in his Kauffman Stadium office Wednesday morning, Royals manager Ned Yost made a list of his available relievers. It was short — former closer Kelvin Herrera, who pitched a perfect eighth later that day, and newcomer Mike Morin were the only ones he could say an emphatic “yes” for.

Scott Alexander was a definite “no.” He’d thrown 75 pitches in the last week, and pitched in four of the five previous games.

Then Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar drove in an eighth-inning run to cut the White Sox’s lead hours later, and the phone rang in the bullpen for at least the fourth time that day. Alexander stretched as the Royals rallied, and he trotted out to the mound for the ninth inning of a tied game to Daughtry’s “There And Back Again.”

“(Alexander) came through today and said, ‘Look, I can go. I’m good. I can go,’ ” Yost said. “And through much discussion, we just figured they were all in the same boat down there. Trust the player.”

Alexander fumbled after getting the leadoff hitter to ground out. He couldn’t locate his sinker, a pitch Yost had raved about time and again throughout the last few weeks. Alexander allowed a single, a walk and a stolen base — with a wild pitch for good measure — before a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jose Abreu did him in.

Another run eventually crossed the plate for the White Sox, and the Royals lost 5-3 on Wednesday. It was their first series loss this month.

The defeat also officially eliminated the Royals in the American League Central race. They also fell 3 1/2 games back of the Twins in the race for the second AL wild-card spot.

Rookie Jakob Junis already had a tall task ahead of him Thursday night, when he’ll start against a team in the throes of a 21-game winning streak as the Royals begin a four-game series in Cleveland.

A volatile 3-4 home stand made that task no easier.

The pressure might have lessened a bit, had Escobar and Whit Merrifield not committed base-running blunders to end what could have been game-changing rallies Wednesday.

“The back end of it is, is you’ve got to make sure you can steal the base,” Yost said. “There’s gotta be no question. It’s gotta be like 99 percent, you know.”

Merrifield was caught trying to swipe home on a double steal with no outs in the first inning, a play Merrifield said the Royals had practiced. Yost had not anticipated it.

The plan backfired, and the Royals didn’t get on the board until Salvador Perez hit a solo home run in the sixth inning.

In the eighth, after reaching second on Alex Gordon’s game-tying ground-out, Escobar tried to “push the envelope,” Yost said, with his own attempt to steal third with two outs. He was initially ruled safe, but the replay showed White Sox third baseman Tyler Saladino tagging Escobar on the shoulder before his feet reached the bag.

“I wanted to be aggressive to get to third but I was out,” Escobar told The Star in Spanish. “That’s just what happens. Sometimes we’re going to make mistakes and we have to learn from them. … It cost us in the first inning and it cost us with my mistake in the eighth.”

This is the Royals’ new normal. Or maybe it’s not so new anymore, since the last time they got a starter to finish the seventh inning was Danny Duffy on July 31. Eric Skoglund offered little relief Wednesday, as he allowed three runs and only pitched three innings.

The fact remains: The Royals had to dig into their taxed bullpen in the fourth inning on Wednesday. They’ll travel to Cleveland with a relief corps that has thrown a majors-leading 59 innings in September. They’ll run head-first into a team that during a historic stretch has outscored opponents 139-35.

In that same stretch, which began Aug. 24, the Royals (72-73) have amassed an 8-12 record and lost by 11 or more runs four times. They went from two games above .500 to one below the even mark after losing this series to the White Sox.

Overcoming future mistakes won’t be easy.

“We’re all working together to battle and battle to win whatever way we can,” Escobar said.

The Kansas City Star LOADED: 09.14.2017