The Indians knew what they had to do against the Royals this week. Unfortunately for Cleveland, a chasm separated knowing from doing and the Tribe has lost its footing in an attempt to remain relevant in the American League Wild Card race.
On Tuesday night, the Indians arrived at Progressive Field looking to start a five-game winning streak with a victory over the Royals. That was the surest way to increase the chances of improbably reaching the postseason. Kansas City then dealt the Tribe a 7-1 loss that has now pushed Cleveland to the brink of elimination.
“We’re not eliminated yet,” manager Terry Francona said sharply. “When they make us go home, or they tell us that we’re not eligible, then we’ll make some adjustments. Until then, you keep playing. They’ll keep playing.”
Following three impressive innings, Tribe starter Danny Salazar melted down on the mound and was out of the game before the end of the fifth. Cleveland’s offense, which was blanked in a discouraging loss to the Royals on Monday, saw its scoreless streak reach 19 innings at the most critical point in the team’s floundering season.
When the smoke cleared Tuesday, Cleveland sat 4 1/2 games behind Kansas City in the chase for the AL’s second Wild Card spot. The Indians only have four games left on the schedule, while the Royals have five remaining before possibly experiencing October baseball for the first time since 1985.
The Mariners remain 1 1/2 games ahead of the Indians in the Wild Card picture. One more Royals win or Indians loss will eliminate the Tribe from postseason contention. With Detroit’s win over the White Sox on Tuesday night, Cleveland was knocked out of the running for the AL Central crown.
“You have to be realistic about the situation,” center fielder Michael Bourn said. “It’s tough. I’m not going to sit here and lie to you and say it’s easy, because it’s not easy. You have to win. There’s no other option. If we lose, we’re out.”
Leading the charge on this night for Kansas City was 23-year-old right-hander Yordano Ventura, who spun seven shutout innings en route to his 14th victory of the season. Cleveland did not have a runner reach third base against Ventura, who escaped a pair of two-on, two-out jams through the first five innings.
The Indians (82-76) had two runners aboard in the first inning, but Ventura then ran through a dozen batters in a row without relinquishing a hit. Cleveland loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh inning, but Ventura halted that potential rally by striking out rookie shortstop Jose Ramirez.
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