(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH -- The Kansas City Royals got on the board early in the first inning, on what was a phantom balk call that left the entire stadium confused. The tribe answered back in the bottom half of the first to tie the game, before a huge third inning in which they drove in four runs. Once gaining the lead, the Indians never looked back, cruising to a 10-5 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals.
Oscar Mercado had himself a career day, going 5 for 5 with 2 RBI's. Before today, the most base hits Mercado had in a game was three. The last Indians player to have a five hit game was Jose Ramirez on September 3rd, 2017.
Indians right fielder Tyler Naquin remains sizzling hot both in the field and in the batter's box. Naquin ended the top of the third on an impressive double play in which he caught a pop fly, then proceeded to throw the runner out at home plate, as Roberto Perez flopped around the plate before finally making the tag. In the bottom of the third, Naquin jumped on a hanging breaking ball, launching the baseball off the top of the right field foul pole for a 2-run homer, giving the Indians a 3-2 lead.
Shane Bieber earned his ninth win of the season, throwing 5.2 innings giving up 5 earned runs, striking out six batters and walking four. After tonight's victory, the tribe have won six games in a row, and move to 56-40 on the year. The Indians will take on the Royals on Saturday evening in game three of the four-game weekend series. Adam Plutko will get the nod for the home town tribe, taking on Kansas City hurler Jake Junis. First pitch is set for 7:10 pm ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Check out highlights from tonight's win below!