Cleveland Indians Beat the Twins Behind Corey Kluber’s Complete Game

Tribe win behind another gem from Kluber

This almost isn’t news anymore. The Cleveland Indians got another complete game from a starter, in this case, the second straight from Corey Kluber (8-12, 3.34) against the Minnesota Twins. He allowed just one hit–a solo home run to Joe Mauer in the fourth–as the Tribe beat the Twins 6-1 on Friday night at Target Field.

The Indians (54-60) continued to play much-improved baseball and now may have to do it without Michael Brantley for a few games. With Jason Kipnis still on the DL, Brantley is sitting with a sore left shoulder. It’s concerning as this is similar to how the Kipnis news started before his trip to the DL.

Even without two of their stars, the Indians gave Kluber plenty of support. The Twins (57-58) were limited as starter Trevor May (8-8, 4.15) was on a pitch count after being moved from the bullpen for Friday’s start. That only got him into the third, as Giovanny Urshela‘s two-run home run in the second set the tone for the Tribe.

After Mauer’s solo shot in the fourth cut it to three one, Kluber went right back to work. After retiring the first 10 of the game,  he retired the final 16 after the Twins lone hit. Kluber struck out seven and has posted a 1.38 ERA in three starts against Minnesota this season.

The Indians tacked on in the sixth with three more runs. Lonnie Chisenhall knocked in Abraham Almonte with a single and was followed by a Mike Aviles double for his second RBI of the game. Lindor would drive in Aviles with one of his three hits as the Indians continue to close in on .500.

With Cody Anderson on the DL, the Indians will call up Josh Tomlin to make his season debut on Saturday. Tomlin underwent shoulder surgery which cost him a shot at a spot in the rotation.Tyler Duffey will start for Minnesota as he makes just his second Major League start.