CLEVELAND _ The Indians had to struggle, but the streak is still alive.
An early 1-0 deficit _ only the second time during the streak that the opposition scored first _ was quickly erased, and the Indians led for the rest of the way in a 5-3 win against the Detroit Tigers in front of a crowd at Progressive Field that brought a playoff-like atmosphere.
With the win, the Indians' incredible winning streak was extended to 21 games. That also sets an American League record and is tied with the 1935 Chicago Cubs for the longest winning streak of all time. The 1916 New York Giants won 26 in a row but had a tie in the middle.
An oddity in their last 21 games, the Indians trailed in the first. With two on and two out, Tigers third baseman Jeimer Candelario doubled home a run to left-center field. It was the first run scored against Clevinger in his last four outings, Wednesday included.
That lead lasted approximately 18 minutes. With two on and two out, Jay Bruce in the bottom of the first belted a three-run home run to left field that just cleared the 19-foot wall. It meant the Indians still only trailed at the end of four complete innings in 21 games.
The Indians (90-56) never again trailed but had to work to protect their lead.
Jose Ramirez created a run in the third inning, driving a ball to the right-center gap and legging out a double by just beating JaCoby Jones' throw in to second base. Edwin Encarnacion followed with a bloop single on which Ramirez was able to score, making it 4-1.
The Tigers drew to within one run in the sixth inning. Miguel Cabrera reached on an error by Yandy Diaz and was followed by Nick Castellanos, who ripped a double to make it 4-2. Andrew Romine with two outs singled to score Castellanos and end Clevinger's day. Nick Goody entered and escaped the inning.
Clevinger (10-5) lasted 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and six strikeouts.
Roberto Perez added an insurance run in the seventh via a solo home run to center field. He is now hitting .378 during the streak in the best offensive stretch of his career.
The Tigers (60-85) threatened in the eighth with Bryan Shaw on the mound. Miguel Cabrera singled to right and with one out, Candelario reached on an error by Shaw in what was not one of the more athletic plays you'll see on a baseball diamond.
A few pitches later, Giovanny Urshela made up for it with a highlight-reel, diving stop and throw to second base for the second out that probably saved a run. Romine then grounded out to Urshela to end the inning with the Indians still holding a two-run advantage.
In the ninth, Cody Allen (27 saves) nailed down win No. 21, in what has become one of the most impressive winning streaks in baseball history.
The Tigers let out some frustration in the third inning, and it led to the ejection of both catcher James McCann and manager Brad Ausmus. Bruce drew a walk, which prompted McCann to have some words with home-plate umpire Quinn Wolcott. Other Tigers players, namely Cabrera, a few times this series have also shared words after a called third strike.
McCann was quickly tossed, followed by Ausmus, who had to hold his catcher back. A few pitches later, catcher John Hicks, who replaced McCann, then missed a pitch from Buck Farmer (4-3). The pitch struck Wolcott square in the upper chest area. He was down for a few moments but remained in the game.
