Kluber dominates Reds as Indians take Game 1 of Ohio Cup

Kluber dominates Reds as Indians take Game 1 of Ohio Cup

Published Aug. 4, 2014 10:08 p.m. ET

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Corey Kluber allowed one run in 7 1-3 innings to win his fifth straight decision and lead the Cleveland Indians to a 7-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.

Kluber (12-6), who hasn't lost since June 30, held the Reds to six hits, struck out seven and walked two, as he continued a dominant stretch of pitching.

Kluber's 17-inning scoreless streak ended in the eighth on Brayan Pena's RBI double off reliever Nick Hagadone. That also ended the right-hander's stretch of not allowing an earned run at 25 innings.

Lonnie Chisenhall hit a three-run homer in the fourth off Alfredo Simon (12-7). Yan Gomes hit a two-run homer in the eighth as Cleveland won its fourth straight.

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The series between the intrastate rivals features teams trying to remain in playoff contention. The win lifted the Indians (57-55) two games over .500 for the first time since July 22. The Reds are 5-12 since the All-Star break and fell to .500 (56-56).

Kluber stopped Seattle on a three-hitter Wednesday and took a perfect game into the seventh inning against Kansas City on July 24 in his previous start, with the Royals scoring an unearned run in the eighth.

Kluber's scoreless streak was still intact going into the eighth when Jay Bruce started the inning with a single. After Todd Frazier struck out, Devin Mesoraco's single ended Kluber's night.

Manager Terry Francona pulled Kluber, who received a standing ovation from the 18,696 fans. The crowd groaned when Pena's hit pushed a run across the plate.

Kluber's only loss in his brilliant stretch came in a 1-0 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Michael Brantley added an RBI groundout in the first inning and a run-scoring single in the fifth.

Kluber issued a one-out walk to Jack Hannahan in the second, snapping a stretch of 23 consecutive innings without allowing a base on balls.

Kluber benefited from a replay challenge in the sixth. First baseman Carlos Santana booted Frazier's grounder and first base umpire Greg Gibson ruled the throw to Kluber was late. The call was reversed after a video review.

John Axford pitched the final 1 2-3 innings for his 10th save.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Reds: Second baseman Brandon Phillips is traveling with the team as he continues to rehab from a torn ligament in his left thumb. Manager Bryan Price said Phillips still can't swing a bat, but has been taking ground balls, throwing and running. Phillips hasn't played since July 9.

Indians: Designated hitter Nick Swisher is optimistic his strained right wrist won't sideline him for more than a couple of days. "I've been through stuff like this before," he said. "It's just a little tight." He injured the wrist in his last at-bat Sunday against Texas' Yu Darvish.

ON DECK

Reds: All-Star right-hander Johnny Cueto (12-6) will start Tuesday. He leads the NL in innings pitched (162 2-3) and opponents' batting average (.183) and is second in ERA (2.05) and strikeouts (186). Cueto is 3-0 in five career starts against Cleveland.

Indians: Right-hander Josh Tomlin (5-7) will be called up from Triple-A Columbus to start Tuesday. He was sent to the minors on July 26 and made one start in Columbus. Tomlin hasn't won since pitching a one-hitter on June 28. He's 1-1 in three career appearances against Cincinnati.

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