Mike Clevinger allowed only three hits with nine strikeouts in seven innings, José Ramírez drove in three runs, and the Indians struck first in this four-game series between the division front-runners with a 7-5 victory on Thursday that cut the Twins’ division lead to one game.
Indians closer Brad Hand ended the game by retiring Eddie Rosario on a routine flyout with the bases loaded, recording his 29th save in dramatic fashion after facing the last four batters of a three-run eighth by the Twins.
Minnesota has been in sole possession of first place since April 27, a lead that was 11½ games on June 3 and was still 7½ games on July 13. The Indians are 40-16 since June 4, the best record in baseball in that span.
The Twins lost surging designated hitter Nelson Cruz to a strained left wrist, after he swung and missed at a pitch from Clevinger in the fourth, and Kyle Gibson (11-5) allowed six runs in less than five innings behind a career-high six walks.
