Cleveland Indians continue to make history with relative ease

The Cleveland Indians have set a new American League record for consecutive wins after sweeping the Detroit Tigers this afternoon.

A rare thing happened on Wednesday afternoon. The Cleveland Indians actually trailed in a game.

The Detroit Tigers took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first, so naturally the Indians responded with a three-run home run from Jay Bruce in the bottom half of the inning to take a lead that would never be relinquished.

The Indians have now won 21 straight games, a new American League record. The AL has been around since 1901.

The 1935 Chicago Cubs are the only other MLB team with 21 consecutive wins, while the 1916 New York Giants own a 26-game unbeaten streak, as one game was a tie. But there is no tying in baseball, as the saying goes, so a win tomorrow and the 2017 Indians shall be on a stage of their own.

Wednesday’s win was just another routine win for this team in what should have been a pressure-filled game. The stadium was packed for an afternoon game, which is rare, and obviously the team had the pressure of continuing the streak.

Yet it has become clear during this streak that the Indians aren’t getting lucky, or pressing in any way. They are just playing great baseball.

The pitching staff has led the charge, as was seen again in win No. 21 as Mike Clevinger logged 5.2 innings of three-run baseball, fresh off three starts where he went six scoreless innings in all three.

The win gives him 10 on the year, and helps stake his claim to making the postseason roster, whether as a starter or in the bullpen.

All this winning is crazy and we will likely never see such a streak again, but many fans probably thought the same last year when the team won 14 straight. A certain window company sure did.

This team doesn’t seem exhausted, mentally or physically, except for maybe Carlos Santana who was waved home in the eighth inning for a potential inside-the-park home run. He didn’t stand a chance, but I’m glad Mike Sarbaugh sent him. He may as well with the way things have gone.

The Kansas City Royals now come to town for four games. Remember the last time the Royals were in town? They were swept by a combined score of 20-0.

Next: How the Verlander trade impacts the Indians

As I said after Tuesday’s win, there is no sign of this team slowing down. But instead of making bold claims, we can all raise a glass and exchange a smile as the Indians stand all alone in American League history with 21 consecutive wins.