Cleveland Indians: 3 takeaways from the series win in Tampa Bay

The Cleveland Indians won three of four games against the Tampa Bay Rays in what felt like a home series. Here is what stood out.

The Cleveland Indians seemed to be up to their old, inconsistent ways after the team lost Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The starting pitching did well, but a lack of production on offense cost the team in a 4-1 defeat. A late three-run home run didn’t help either.

Then Jay Bruce entered the starting lineup and the team hasn’t lost since. The Rays didn’t even score a single run on Friday or Saturday, and could only muster three in Sunday’s game, which was another loss for the Wild Card-hopeful team.

The series certainly felt like a home series for the Indians, as there were far more cheers for the away team in what is notoriously not a great park in terms of attendance. The Indians are now headed to Boston for one game, but before we look ahead to that game let’s take a look back at what stood out against the Rays.

Bruce’s arrival

Jay Bruce hurried down to join his new team after being traded, surely ready to get out of New York and begin playing winning baseball.

He appeared in Thursday’s game, popping out in his only at-bat, but his presence began to be felt once he got in the starting lineup.

He started the final three games of the series, going a combined 5-11 with three RBI and one run scored.

Bruce becomes a weapon in the fifth spot in the lineup, and figures to receive everyday playing time even once Lonnie Chisenhall returns. Terry Francona will have to get creative with his lineups, but don’t expect Bruce’s bat to be out of the order often.

A dominant showing from the rotation

The Rays scored a total of seven runs in the four games, with only four of those being charged to an Indians starting pitcher. Three were charged to Corey Kluber, showing just how great the others were.

Carlos Carrasco and Mike Clevinger combined to allow zero runs in 15 innings of work, while Danny Salazar allowed one run in 5.1 innings.

The fact Kluber was the one who allowed the most runs is rather funny, considering the Indians still won the game. With a rotation this strong and Bruce added to the lineup, there is no reason why this three-game win streak can’t keep growing.

Kluber’s streak continues

Corey Kluber is beyond the level of being a mere ace. He has evolved to a further echelon of dominance.

It is hard to ever expect him to record less than eight strikeouts in a game the rest of the season, and even just eight is a low number for him.

Next: Best prospects from the first half of the season

The Indians are not a perfect team, but Kluber is close to being a perfect pitcher.