Cleveland Indians Stage Late Rally to Beat Atlanta Braves 5-3 for 11th Straight Win

Cleveland Indians beat Atlanta Braves for their 11th straight win

After becoming the first team to reach a ten-game winning streak this seasons, the Cleveland Indians defeated the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning to add yet another victory to their tally.  The Indians now have a five and a half game lead over the second-place Kansas City Royals, but it seems probable that the Royals will lose and increase their deficit.  For the Braves, this marks their National League-worst 51^st loss, placing them in company with the Minnesota Twins for the only teams with more than 50 losses. 

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Corey Kluber did an excellent job of keeping the Tribe in the game, as he allowed just two earned runs over seven innings.  More impressive, he held the Braves to just one walk and three singles, all while striking out seven batters.  The strong outing lowers his season earned run average to 3.50, although advanced metrics all feel that his work has been better than that.

The Indians’ offense also had another good night.  While five runs are the fewest amount that they have scored in over a week, the batters still found a way to get the job done.  Jose Ramirez got the ball rolling with an RBI single in the first inning, and Francisco Lindor promptly stole home on the next at-bat.  The score remained at 2-0 until the sixth inning, when Braves outfielder Ender Inciarte knocked in two runs with a single that he failed to stretch into a double.

There was very little action until the Indians managed to get a few men on base in the ninth inning.  Carlos Santana then slapped a grounder into right field to drive in Tyler Naquin to give the Indians back the lead.  One batter later, Erick Aybar allowed Francisco Lindor to reach on a two-out error with Rajai Davis scoring in the process.  Jose Ramirez capitalized on Aybar’s blunder with his second RBI single of the day.

Cody Allen entered the game in the bottom of the ninth in an attempt to slam the door for the Tribe.  Striking out Chase d’Arnaud, things set off on a good note, but Jace Peterson launched a home run into the center field bleachers on the next play.  The drama only rose on during the next at-bat when Ender Inciarte grounded out to first base, but the Braves challenged and lost the play.  A brief ruckus ensued, and Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur was ejected.

Once things had calmed down, Freddie Freeman stepped to the plate and hit a triple on a three-two count.  Fortunately, the Indians had won the challenge on the prior at-bat, or the game may have ended a lot closer than otherwise needed.  With two outs and a runner on third base, Cody Allen got Nick Markakis to fly out to left field, and the game was over.

Next: Almonte's Return Puts the Indians in a Tough Spot

The Cleveland Indians will go for the sweep tomorrow, and that game should hopefully feature less bottom-of-the-ninth theatrics.  Danny Salazar will take the mound for the Tribe in an effort to continue what has been a dominant season.  His 2.40 earned run average is currently the second-best mark in the American League.  The Braves have yet to announce a starter for tomorrow’s game, which begins at 7:10 EST.