KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Mike Clevinger had no apprehension turning over a one-run lead in the sixth inning to the Cleveland bullpen.
Clevinger and four relievers combined for a one-hitter as the Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 1-0 Sunday.
Carlos Santana had three hits, including an RBI single in the fifth that followed Yan Gomes‘ double for the game’s only run.
“We’re not hitting on all cylinders,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “But it’s a heck of a lot better to win 1-0 instead of losing 1-0.”
Clevinger (1-0), making his first start in place of the injured Corey Kluber, gave up a double to Salvador Perez with one out in the fourth for the Royals’ hit. He walked four and struck out five in 5 2/3 innings, and was removed after throwing 91 pitches.
“A lot of worry,” Clevinger said and laughed about the Indians’ bullpen holding the lead. “Once the ball is handed off to the bullpen, I knew we were in safe hands.”
Boone Logan came on and walked Eric Hosmer, before Bryan Shaw replaced him and struck out all four batters he faced. Andrew Miller pitched a perfect eighth – keeping his ERA at 0.00 over 15 2/3 innings this season – and Cody Allen got the last three outs, getting Brandon Moss on a fly ball with two runners on for his ninth save in nine chances.
“I made it a little interesting in the ninth,” Allen said.
The last time the Royals were limited to one hit was Sept. 25, 2015 against the Indians.
Danny Duffy (2-3), who had given up 12 runs and 19 hits over 9 2/3 innings in losing his previous two starts, held the Indians to one run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings.
Photo Credit-Orlin Wagner/Associated Press/Kansas City, MO