Cleveland Indians in Search of Their Fourth Straight Win

Tribe in search of fourth-straight as Salazar takes the mound

What a difference a week makes. The Cleveland Indians have changed their second half fortunes with a three-game win streak and look to make it four behind Danny Salazar (9-6, 3.38) and a revitalized offense. They face a scuffling New York Yankees team that will need former Indian C.C. Sabathia (4-8, 5.34). The Tribe drafted Sabathia 17 years ago.

The Indians (52-59) have had a sudden influx of offense, scoring 39 runs in the past four games. In the seven games prior to that they managed just 16. Last night’s here Michael Brantley has struggled against Sabathia going just 1-for-11 with six strikeouts. It’s been contributions from everybody that have helped support a sterling starting staff.

Salazar has a 1.53 ERA over his last five starts and will face a Yankees (61-50) offense that has lost its mojo as they are in danger of falling out of first place as the red-hot Blue Jays are in pursuit. They’ve batted just .159 during this recent 1-5 stretch, and the top of the order is owed much of the blame. The first four hitters went a combined 1-for-25 with nine strikeouts in Tuesday’s loss,

In the absence of All-Star Jason Kipnis, Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor have filled in well at the top of the order. each is currently riding a six-game hitting streak. In Progressive Fields history, no pitcher has more wins (51), starts (121), innings (775), and strikeouts (702) than Sabathia.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Progressive Field. SportsTime Ohio will have the television broadcast while WMMS 100.7 and WTAM 1100 will have the radio broadcast.

Here are the starting lineups for tonight’s matchup: