Cleveland Indians: 3 takeaways from a record-breaking win in KC

The Cleveland Indians picked up a 3-2 win on the Fourth of July to sweep the Royals. But one feat from the win stood out above the rest.

I hope everyone is recovering well from a scorching Fourth of July holiday. It rained where I was, which meant a perfect excuse to sit inside and watch the entire Cleveland Indians game. Nothing like using sports as a way out of family gatherings.

The game ended in a 3-2 victory for the Indians that gave the Kansas City Royals loss No. 61 on the year. 61! That is just embarrassing.

And in case you missed the rest of the MLB results, the Indians now own a 11.5-game lead over the Tigers in the AL Central. The Twins, who some considered to be preseason contenders, are 12 games back.

The lead is awesome and so was the sweep, but the win was important for one player in particular. Let’s look at that and more in the takeaways from the win.

Cody’s big night

Cody Allen picked up a routine save over the Royals. However, this save was special for the man who has been playing for the Indians since 2012.

Allen passed the legendary Bob Wickman and stands all alone in Indians history. Say what you want about the save statistic, but this record shows longevity and how Allen has remained a reliable member of the bullpen for so long.

He has picked up at least 30 saves in each of the last three seasons and is already at 18 in 2018. 30 should be a breeze once again.

Bauer in the All-Star Game

Here is another Trevor Bauer quote that will wrongfully make some people mad.

No need for any faux outrage because the young man is right.

Bauer is fifth in the AL in ERA, third in strikeouts, first in innings pitched and tenth in WHIP. He has emerged as the best pitcher on the staff, for now, and should be a lock for the All-Star Game.

I see no problem with the way Bauer thinks on this issue. If he isn’t striving to be the best, then he shouldn’t be on the mound in the first place.

As for his latest performance, Bauer logged 7.2 innings of two-run baseball, striking out eight in the process. He also picked up his eighth win for those who care about such things.

Making it count

The offense didn’t have the greatest of nights. The group managed four total hits and drove in only three runs, but that can sometimes be enough with this pitching staff.

Two runs scored via the sacrifice fly and the other came in via a Michael Brantley double. It had the makings of another night where we scream at the offense for wasting a great outing. Luckily, the Royals aren’t good enough to take advantage of such weak showings.

Next: Lonnie Chisenhall dealing with same injury once again

Now there is a day off before taking on the A’s at home.