Player of the Game
While it wasn’t his best start of the season, tonight was the night that Corey Kluber struck out the most batters, impressive considering his already imposing K totals (more later). In addition to a career high 14 strike outs, Kluber threw seven innings and allowed just a single earned run, scored in the first inning. With the Indians almost assuredly out of the play-off race, Kluber’s primary goal can now be looking toward a possible 2014 Cy Young and he did a lot to cement his standing as one of the American League’s top three pitchers.

Feathers Up
The Indians offense continues to struggle, but Yan Gomes was able to come through in the sixth inning with a two run home run that made up the final difference in the score. Carlos Santana walked to start the inning, but Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall made quick outs with Santana left on first. Of course, that was still good enough for Gomes, who crushed a home run over the left field wall off Darin Downs.

KKKKKKKKKKKKKKluber Watch: If his 230 strike outs on the season weren’t enough, Kluber added a career high 14 tonight, including exactly two in every inning. Jumping to 244 on the season, Kluber surpassed four more pitchers on the all-time single season strike out list, moving to 12th all time. Those starters were Gaylord Perry (234 in his Cy Young winning 1972 season and 238 in 1973), Sam McDowell (236 in 1967) and Bob Feller (240 in 1938). With two starts left, Kluber is likely to finish the year with between 254 and 264, guaranteeing him a top ten all time finish.

Feathers Down
For the third straight game, Bryan Shaw was unable to get all the way through a hold, walking a batter and giving up two singles in the eighth before being relieved by Cody Allen, who earned a four out save. In each of his last two appearances, Shaw gave up two run home runs and blew saves, but this time he was able to be pulled after giving up just a single run, with the lead still intact. While it is likely this sudden increase in unpredictability is from overuse, it is hard to see Shaw being used in similar situations for the final two weeks of the season.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 4 – Houston Astros 2

Wild Card Magic #: 8

On Deck: Game three of this four game series will also take place at 8:10 EDT, tomorrow night in Houston. The Indians need to win in order to win the series.