CLEVELAND _ The Indians' incredible winning streak has reached 19 games. And this one looked easy.
The Indians put together a five-run second inning that opened up a sizable lead as Carlos Carrasco shut down the Detroit Tigers in an 11-0 win at Progressive Field on Monday night.
The Indians' 19-game winning streak stands among the best in baseball history. The only longer streak in the expansion era (since 1961) belongs to the 2002 Oakland A's, who won 20 in a row. The Indians can tie that record on Tuesday night, when they have ace Corey Kluber on the mound.
As for the modern era (since 1901), the Indians' 19-game winning streak is tied for the third longest (without a tie) with the 1947 New York Yankees and 1906 Chicago White Sox. After the 2002 A's, the 1935 Chicago White Sox hold the record for the longest winning streak in history without a tie at 21 games. The 1916 New York Giants had a 26-game streak, but that included a tie.
Regardless, the Indians have one of the five best winning streaks in history. Within those 19 games, they have posted a run differential of plus-100, winning games by an average of 5.26 runs, and have trailed at the end of only four innings.
Monday night's, No. 19, was one of the most seamless in the streak. Facing Tigers starter Myles Jaye in the second inning, Yan Gomes put the Indians on top 1-0 with an RBI single up the middle. It marked the 18th time in the last 19 games that the Indians scored first. Greg Allen then drew a walk to load the bases for Francisco Lindor, who drilled a bases-clearing triple to the gap in right-center field to make it 4-0. Jose Ramirez later added a sacrifice fly to score Lindor, and the rout was on.
The lead was never in doubt. Carlos Carrasco continued the Indians' historic pace for starting pitchers, delivering six scoreless innings and striking out nine. Indians starting pitchers have been nearly untouchable, posting a 1.84 ERA during the winning streak. For an offense averaging 6.95 runs per game, few have been nail biters.
Two innings later, Jose Ramirez belted a two-run home run down the right-field line. It was the 26th home run of his season, as he continues his bid to be an MVP finalist.
Though, for the second straight night, the Indians had a player exit the game. This time it was Ramirez, who had a pitch hit off his bat and then his left forearm. He was taken out for precautionary reasons. It was not the same wrist that forced his exit from the lineup for a few days earlier this month.
It was also announced during the game that Bradley Zimmer, who left Sunday's game after fracturing a bone in his left hand, will require surgery Tuesday morning. It will be preformed by Dr. Thomas Graham in New York. No timetable has been established for his return.
