The Indians have turned things up a notch over the past two weeks, and that looks like bad news for the rest of the American League Central. On Sunday, Carlos Santana and Corey Kluber helped power Cleveland to a 7-1 win over the Twins, helping the Tribe continue to pull away from the pack.
With their win at Target Field, the Indians not only took two of three in the series, but increased their lead over the Tigers to seven games in the division. Santana’s three-run home run in the second inning, combined with a stellar seven-inning performance from Kluber, paved the way to the win column for the 10th time in 13 games for Cleveland.
“We’re still trying to take it a day at a time and hopefully not get ahead of ourselves,” Kluber said. “I think that, if we do start getting ahead of ourselves, then that kind of opens the door for dangerous things to happen. We’re just trying to keep going a game at a time. That’s what’s gotten us to this point so far.”
Kluber struck out 10 batters and scattered four hits en route to his 16th win of the season. He was charged with one unearned run, which came via an RBI single by Twins outfielder Byron Buxton in the fourth inning.
“Man, it’s a good feeling knowing that your ace is going to pick us up,” Indians catcher Roberto Perez said. “I’ve said it before, every time he steps on the mound, he gives you 100 percent. He’s always ready to go from the first pitch. That’s what he was doing today.”
Rookie starter Jose Berrios took the loss after allowing five runs (three earned) in 2 2/3 innings during an error-filled afternoon for the Twins. Santana’s home run (No. 31 on the year for the Tribe’s designated hitter) came against Berrios, while Tyler Naquin, Perez and Michael Martinez each chipped in a run-scoring hit off the Minnesota bullpen.
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