CLEVELAND _ Even an ice-cold offense doesn't need to do much with the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner on the mound.
Corey Kluber was dominant against a hapless Detroit Tigers lineup, and one stroke of power was enough to propel the Indians to a 2-0 win Monday night at Progressive Field.
Kluber couldn't be touched all night. He struck out at least two batters in each of the first five innings and ended with 13 in eight innings. It was his 40th career game with double-digit strikeouts and the 10th time he has logged at least 13.
The Tigers (4-5) managed only two hits against Kluber and never had a runner reach second base. Victor Martinez singled in the second inning and Nick Castellanos singled in the fourth. Both innings ended with a strikeout.
Leonys Martin walked in the sixth with one out, but that inning didn't go anywhere for the Tigers, either. Jeimer Candelario grounded into a fielder's choice and Miguel Cabrera lined out to Francisco Lindor.
Kluber (1-1) entered Monday night's start with a 2.40 ERA _ now lowered to 1.57 _ and 14 strikeouts in 15 innings. Thus far, he has been every bit and then some the pitcher who won his second Cy Young Award last season _ even in temperatures better suited for ice fishing.
The Indians lineup came away with just one big break, but it was enough. Yan Gomes, who hit a walk-off home run in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals, singled to left field in the fifth and Bradley Zimmer, facing left-hander Francisco Liriano (1-1) in a less-than-ideal matchup, belted a two-run home run, his first of the season, to center field.
The Indians (5-5) were otherwise quiet offensively, but it came on a night that didn't require much noise.
Andrew Miller worked the ninth to earn his first save of the season.
