Indians 2, Mariners 0
Corey Kluber pitched a three-hitter to outduel record-setting Felix Hernandez and Yan Gomes recorded a two-run double as host Cleveland defeated Seattle.
Hernandez (11-3) allowed two runs in seven innings, marking the 14th consecutive outing in which he’s given up two or fewer earned runs in seven or more frames to surpass the major-league mark set by Hall-of-Famer Tom Seaver in 1971. The All-Star right-hander gave up four hits and two walks while striking out five in his first loss since June 13.
Kluber (11-6) was even better than Hernandez, striking out eight and without issuing a walk in an 85-pitch effort. The number of pitches – only 16 were balls – are the fewest in a complete game this season as Kluber tossed his first career shutout and won his fourth straight decision.
Hernandez retired the first 12 batters he faced before walking Carlos Santana on a full-count pitch to start the fifth. Lonnie Chisenhall followed with a double to right-center field and Nick Swisher reached on an infield single, but neither runner advanced.
After David Murphy hit into a fielder’s choice, Gomes bounced a 2-1 pitch just inside the first-base line to drive in Chisenhall and Swisher. Kluber did the rest as he retired every batter he faced over the final four innings to complete a 2-hour, 10-minute masterpiece.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Cleveland traded RHP Justin Masterson to the St. Louis Cardinals for Double-A OF James Ramsey. … Mariners LHP James Paxton (shoulder) threw a 45-pitch bullpen session and could be activated to start on Saturday against Baltimore. … Kluber threw 22 first-pitch strikes and never once had a three-ball count.