Cleveland Indians Beat Tigers 4-0 Behind Corey Kluber’s Gem

Indians Beat Tigers 4-0 Behind Kluber’s Gem

For the second night in a row the Cleveland Indians best their division rival the Detroit Tigers, this time by a score of 4-0.  Tribe starter Corey Kluber pitched a complete game shutout while the offense strung together a series of clutch hits in the fourth inning to put up a four spot.

Kluber pitched nine shutout innings, allowing just five hits and two walks while striking out seven. He got into a bit of trouble in the second inning. With one out he loaded the bases allowing a single and a pair of walks; however, he worked out of the jam, getting Jose Iglesias to ground into a force out at the plate and leadoff man Ian Kinsler to strike out. 

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The turning point in the game came when Kluber again got into some trouble, this time in the fourth inning. After a leadoff double by Justin Upton (which probably should have been an out by Tyler Naquin) and single by hot-hitting Nick Castellanos put runners on the corners with no outs. However, the Kluber was able to get the next batter, James McCann, to ground into a double play, which should have scored Upton from third, but third baseman Juan Uribe was able to look Upton back before turning the 5-4-3 double play. Kluber was then able to work his magic getting Anthony Gose looking to end the inning and maintaining a 0-0 tie.

The Indians offense, which only managed five hits in the game, was able to eek just enough in the bottom half of the fourth inning. Back in the leadoff spot, Carlos Santana led off the fourth with a walk and after Francisco Lindor was hit by a pitch with one out, Michael Brantley came through with a big hit, scoring Santana giving the Tribe a lead that Kluber would make last. Mike Napoli though doubled in both Brantley and Lindor, while Yan Gomes doubled to center giving the Tribe their 4-0 lead.

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The Indians will look to sweep the Tigers for the second time this year tomorrow when the two clubs finish up their three-game series. Trevor Bauer will go for the Indians, making his second start of the season while rookie Michael Fulmer will go for the Tigers, also making his second start of the season (and his career).  Up next for the Indians will be a three-game set against the World Champion Kansas City Royals this weekend.