Indians win 9th straight at home, top Kansas City

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

The Cleveland Indians have surged to the top of the AL Central. Orlando Cabrera believes they just might stay there.

“It seems like nobody else wants it in this division, so we’re going to take it,” the Indians second baseman said. “Why not, right?

Why not.

Cabrera hit a three-run double in the first inning to make things easier for Cleveland starter Josh Tomlin and the first-place Indians won their ninth straight at home, 7-2 on Wednesday night over the Kansas City Royals.

Cabrera’s bases-loaded double off Jeff Francis (0-3) helped the Indians jump to a 5-0 lead. That was all the support Tomlin (4-0) would need in sending Kansas City to its fifth straight loss.

Meanwhile, the Indians have the AL’s best record as well as their longest winning streak at Progressive Field since 2005. Cleveland hasn’t won 10 in a row at home since 1996, and Cabrera said it’s vital for the Indians’ future that they make the most of being home.

“It gives us a sense of security when we’re not playing good on the road,” said Cabrera, signed by the Indians as a free agent in February. “Come back home and establish ourselves as a team that doesn’t lose here. Guys hit the ball well here and we pitch really well, too.”

Tomlin gave up solo homers to Jeff Francoeur and Mike Aviles in the second, but blanked Kansas City over the next four. The right-hander allowed five hits and has gone at least five innings in each of his first 17 appearances in the majors — a club record.

Kansas City’s Alex Gordon was hitless in three at-bats, ending his hitting streak at 19 games. First baseman Shelley Duncan robbed him of a hit in the third with a leaping grab.

Carrasco on DL

Starter Carlos Carrasco was placed on disabled list with a sore elbow. Carrasco was unable to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday after feeling tightness in his arm while playing long toss. He will be placed on the 15-day DL.