Tribe wins 10th straight

Offense propels Indians to longest winning streak in 2016

Associated Press

ATLANTA

Trevor Bauer complained that he wasn’t as sharp as in recent outings.

The way Cleveland has been hitting, Bauer didn’t have to be sharp to help extend the longest winning streak in the majors this season.

Lonnie Chisenhall hit a three-run homer, Bauer gave up two runs in six innings and the Indians beat the Atlanta Braves 8-3 on Monday night for their 10th straight win.

Jason Kipnis added a homer in the ninth.

“It’s contagious,” Chisenhall said after hitting a homer for the second straight game.

“It’s fun going in the batter’s box when the guy in front of you and the guy behind you is hitting.”

The Indians have outscored opponents 68-21 and have hit 21 homers, including 10 in their last three games, during the streak.

The Indians had 14 hits as they scored at least six runs for the seventh straight game. Mike Napoli drove in a run with three hits.

“We know we can hit,” Bauer said. “Getting everyone going at the same time is big for us. It makes our job as pitchers a lot easier.”

The AL Central-leading Indians extended their longest streak since closing the 2013 regular season with 10 straight wins.

Chisenhall’s homer in the fourth inning off Tyrell Jenkins (0-1) broke a 1-1 tie. Jenkins relieved rookie right-hander John Gant, who left the game in the third inning with a left oblique strain.

Gant grabbed his left side near his ribs after throwing a pitch to Bauer with no outs in the third. Assistant trainer Jim Lovell and interim manager Brian Snitker joined Gant on the mound. Gant left with Lovell after throwing a warm-up pitch.

The Braves said Gant’s status will be evaluated Tuesday, but Snitker was bracing for an extended absence.

“Those things just don’t ever heal real quick,” Snitker said.

Tyler Flowers led off the fourth with a homer, one of five hits allowed by Bauer (6-2). He walked three batters and threw 100 pitches in six innings.

“It was a struggle,” Bauer said. “As sharp as I’ve been in the last couple, I wasn’t sharp today. ... I wish I would have made it a little easier on myself.”

UMPIRE LAYNE INJURED

Home plate umpire Jerry Layne left the game in the bottom of the eighth after he was hit by a foul tip from Nick Markakis. There was a delay while Hunter Wendelstedt, who had been the second base umpire, put on the gear to complete the game behind the plate.

Layne was staggered by the foul tip, which appeared to hit the right side of his head beyond the area covered by his mask. He stepped back and grabbed Cleveland catcher Chris Gimenez’s arm to keep from falling.

Lovell escorted Layne from the field.