Cleveland Indians: 3 takeaways from the 6-3 win over the Chicago White Sox

The Cleveland Indians entered Tuesday night after a series opening victory over the White Sox on Monday night. They looked to get their third straight win and secure the series victory behind Mike Clevinger in game two.

The Cleveland Indians have played better recently but still are not where they need to be. They could use this part of the schedule to get into a groove.

There is this series with Chicago followed by the Detroit Tigers in a weekend series before heading on the road for nine games.

The Indians offense played well Monday evening scoring six runs. Those runs did come with some help from Chicago and their three errors in the game but the offense took advantage of their chances.

Here is what stood out from Tuesday’s win.

Clevinger continues season long dominance

Mike Clevinger was on the mound and continued to show that he’s a key part of the Indians staff. His night started off a little shaky as he gave up a run on two hits in the first inning.

After the shaky start, Clevinger settled in and took off. He finished the game to the tune of 7.2 innings pitched, five hits, 10 strikeouts and one walk. He only gave up the one earned run in the first inning.

Clevinger’s dominant start comes just five days after he had a similar stat line in Chicago striking out 11 in seven innings and giving up one earned run.

The double-digit strikeout start adds to the total for the staff. Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Clevinger have now combined for 16 starts with 10-plus strikeouts which is the most by any major league staff.

Offense takes advantage of chances

The Indians offense took advantage of their opportunities in a big way. The team as a whole batted 4-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Two-out RBI opportunities were plentiful and the Indians answered the call. Five of the team’s six runs were knocked in with two outs. Francisco Lindor led the charge with two while Michael Brantley and Edwin Encarnacion followed with one each.

Seeing the Indians get the hits they need in big spots does my heart good after living off the long ball for much of the start to 2018. These hits come in handy in the postseason and if the Indians want to make it there, and sustain success, they will need to continue taking advantage of these opportunities each night.

Indians stolen base streak extends to 23 in a row

The Indians are on some type of tear on the base paths. The team as a whole came into the game stealing 21 straight bases.

Brandon Guyer and Rajai Davis each snagged a base tonight extending the streak to 23 straight. I love seeing the team aggressive and being successful in their chances.

Base running was a big part of the Indians 2016 run. Getting runners in scoring position and manufacturing runs goes a long way for an offense.

The Indians took the game tonight after a rocky ninth inning. An inning that started 6-1 saw two runners reach that could, and should, have been outs. Cody Allen came on with two outs and two on and the score 6-3.

Allen came on and closed out the game with a Jose Abreu fly out to secure the 6-3 win. With that save, Cleveland secured the series victory ahead of the 1:10 pm afternoon series finale tomorrow.

Next: Roundtable: Debating the starting catcher position

The Indians will look to get out the brooms against the White Sox tomorrow with Corey Kluber pitching. A series sweep of the Sox with Detroit coming to town this weekend would be great for Cleveland. It will also help their cause in their chase for a third straight AL Central divisional championship.