Indians beat Angels 6-3 for 25th win in 26 games

ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Associated Press

Jay Bruce had a triple and a double among his three hits, Austin Jackson singled four times and the incredible Cleveland Indians rolled on by beating the Los Angeles Angels 6-3 Tuesday night for their 25th victory in 26 games.

Roberto Perez added a solo home run for the AL Central champions to support a strong outing by Mike Clevinger (11-5).

Los Angeles’ offense struggled for the third consecutive game as the Angels missed a chance to gain ground on Minnesota in their bid for the final American League playoff berth.

The loss was the fourth in five games for the Angels, who remained 1 1/2 games behind the Twins for the second AL wild card. In each of the team’s previous two games, Los Angeles scored two runs on four hits.

Clevinger, drafted by the Angels in 2011, allowed one run and three hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out six. The right-hander did not give up his first hit until the fifth.

Tyler Skaggs (2-6) took the loss, allowing two runs on eight hits and a walk. Skaggs has gone 1-5 since coming off the disabled list Aug. 5.

After having their AL-record 22-game winning streak snapped, the Indians have come back to win their next three.

Cleveland’s pitching staff has allowed four or fewer runs in 25 consecutive games.

After the Angels pulled within one in the eighth on Brandon Phillips’ RBI single, the Indians put the game away with three runs in the ninth, two on Edwin Encarnacion’s single.

Justin Upton hit a solo home run in the ninth for the Angels, giving him a career-high 32 homers.

The Indians upped their AL-best record to 94-57.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Indians: Three injured players did not make the trip as Cleveland opened its three-game series in Anaheim: OFs Lonnie Chisenhall (calf), Brandon Guyer (wrist) and Michael Brantley (ankle). ... RHP Danny Salazar, who came out of the bullpen in his last two appearances after returning from a sore elbow, is scheduled to start Thursday.

Angels: 3B Yunel Escobar (oblique) took infield and hit in the cage. Manager Mike Scioscia said the next step would be for Escobar to take batting practice with the team. ... RHP Huston Street (groin strain) remains at the team’s facility in Arizona, but Scioscia said Street is running out of time to rejoin the club this season.

UP NEXT

Indians: RHP Josh Tomlin (9-9, 5.04 ERA) is scheduled to make his first start against the Angels in two years. He is 2-2 with a 4.09 ERA in five previous starts.

Angels: RHP Ricky Nolasco (6-14, 5.11) continues his search for consistency. He will be looking for his first career victory against the Indians after going 0-3 with a 5.32 ERA in eight games (seven starts).