CLEVELAND _ The Indians celebrated after the game, but the party was on several hours before that.
In what was a foregone conclusion months ago, the Indians locked up the American League Central divisional title Saturday. And, they did it in style, crushing the Detroit Tigers, 15-0, in a blowout celebration at Progressive Field.
Saturday's game was all but over early. The Indians pounded the Tigers, scoring six runs in the first inning, five in the second and two in the third and fourth innings, building a 15-run lead and leaving no doubt.
It secured the Indians' third consecutive American League Central crown after they went seven seasons (2008-2014) looking up to the top between division titles. This season, the Indians towered far above their divisional foes, effectively putting the race away prior to July 1.
The Tigers, Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals have made up some of the worst teams in baseball this season, and the Minnesota Twins took a step back and failed to genuinely challenge the Indians at any point in the second half. Once the Indians pushed their lead to 7.5 games, it never again dropped below that point. The Indians have also maintained a double-digit games lead in the division since Aug. 8.
Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley led off the first inning with back-to-back solo home runs, and the rout was on from there. All nine hitters in the starting lineup drove in at least one run. The Tigers kicked the ball around, making a series of misplays and committing three errors _ including two on back-to-back plays after the back-to-back home runs in the first. Yonder Alonso later added a two-run home run. He, Encarnacion, Jose Ramirez and Michael Brantley all finished with three-hit games. Encarnacion left the game with a mild right ankle sprain.
