Cleveland Indians Win Rain-Shortened Game Over Royals

Bauer sharp again as Tribe win shortened contest

Sometimes your best reliever out of the bullpen can be Mother Nature. The

picked up a 6-2 win over the Kansas City Royals in a game that was called in the eighth inning. Indians starter

went 6 2/3 innings allowing just two runs while

hit his second home run of the series to help lead the way.

The Indians (26-27) got some early help from a familiar face as Jason Kipnis drove in Michael Bourn with just his second hit of the series after slapping 51 in May. The Tribe would add three more off of Royals starter Chris Young (4-2, 2.56) who lost for the second straight start.

Bauer (5-2, 2.94) picked up his fifth straight quality start and his third win in four outings. His only mistake came in the third inning when he gave up a two-run home run to Lorenzo Cain for his fourth long ball of the year.

Moss would tack on two more in the fifth with his home run, which would be the final inning for the Royals’ Young. Kansas City’s pen held the Tribe down, but Bauer kept the Royals off-balance all night before the game was called official in the bottom of the eighth due to the rain.

What Stood Out:

Bauer continues his evolution as a pitcher, as the Indians are slowly developing one of the most dominant pitching staffs in the league, without spending a ton of money to do it..at least for now. If they keep this up, The Indians should find themselves right back in the race for the Central.

Moss hit his second home run of the series and his tenth on the season. The Tribe could use his power numbers as several other Indians are still struggling at the plate. Driving in a few with the long ball can help take pressure off the guys not hitting well towards the bottom of the order.

What’s Next:

The Baltimore Orioles come to Cleveland for a three-game set, as Shaun Marcum (2-0, 5.49) faces the O’s Chris Tillman (2-7, 5.94). Tillman is 0-6 over his last seven starts with a 6.10 ERA in that span.

Next: The Central refuses to leave the Indians behind