Indians 2, Astros 1 (7)
Ryan Raburn scored the decisive run on a throwing error by Chris Carter as Cleveland defeated visiting Houston in a game called after 6 1/2 innings and a 69-minute rain delay.
Mike Aviles drove in a run and Zach McAllister allowed one run in five-plus innings as the Indians moved one-half game ahead of Texas for the second American League wild-card spot. The Astros have lost seven straight contests.
McAllister (9-9) allowed four hits and two walks, including one to the leadoff batter in the sixth that led to his exit. Mark Rzepczynski recorded two outs and Bryan Shaw struck out three of the four batters he faced for his third career save and first this season.
The Indians had runners on first and second with one out in the fourth inning when Michael Brantley sent a bouncer toward Carter. The Houston first baseman attempted a throw to second to start an inning-ending double play but threw wildly into left field, and Raburn scored to give Cleveland the lead.
Brandon Laird smashed a two-out homer in the second off McAllister for the early lead. The Indians tied it in the bottom of the inning against Brett Oberholtzer (4-4) on Aviles’ RBI fielder's choice.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Oberholtzer gave up four hits and two unearned runs in six innings … Astros 3B Matt Dominguez (left hand) sat out one day after being plunked by a pitch. … Indians 1B Nick Swisher went 0-for-3 to halt a nine-game hitting streak.