Indians Beat Rays, but Eliminated from Contention

Sep 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Kluber Spins Another Fantastic Performance, but A’s Beat Rangers

On Friday night, Corey Kluber once again did what he does so well and led the Indians to a vital victory.  He went eight scoreless innings, striking out everything with a pulse, and collected the win to put him in a tie for the American League lead.  Kluber’s 11 strikeouts raised his season total to 269, good for the sixth best season in Tribe history in that category.  Only Sam MacDowell and Bob Feller have had more strikeouts in a season as an Indian.

Chris Archer threw a great game, allowing just one run on a homer to Jose Ramirez in the top of the first.  The flaw was a fatal one for the former Indians pitcher, however, and he took a tough luck loss in the 1-0 game.

While the Indians did all they could at this point by earning a win, it was too little too late as the A’s victory mathematically eliminated the Indians from the postseason race.

The Positives

Who knew Jose Ramirez had a random spurt of power in him?  And yes, Corey Kluber was lethal, but we’re used to hearing that by now.  Cody Allen pitched a scoreless ninth for his 24th save.

The Negatives

The Cleveland offense continues to sputter.  Hopefully they can find some life next season.  Michael Brantley‘s 15-game hitting streak came to an end, and he’ll have to wait til tomorrow for another chance to collect his 200th hit.

Check It Out
-Although one former Indians’ pitcher couldn’t eliminate the Indians from contention tonight (Chris Archer), another one (Scott Kazmir) was able to put the nail in the coffin.
-Sam MacDowell was the last Indian to have 269 strikeouts in a season, back in 1970. He was also the last Indian until Kluber to have 11 double-digit strikeout games.
-Michael Brantley is third in the AL in average with two games left to play.