CLEVELAND, OH -- Tyler Naquin and Francisco Lindor each drove in two runs in a huge fourth inning, and Brad Hand bounced back from his recent struggles as he shut the door on the pesky Royals, earning his 30th save in a 4-1 tribe victory.
The Indians All-Star closer Brad Hand had given up three consecutive blown saves before tonight's outing. Alex Gordon got the ninth inning started with a leadoff single off of Hand. Pinch-hitter Cheslor Cuthbert was forced into a double play that took away all of Kansas City's momentum, before Bubba Starling grounded out to end the game.
Indians rookie right hander Zach Plesac (7-4) had yet another brilliant start. Plesac allowed one lone run in 5 2/3 innings, as the youngster moves to 3-0 on the Kansas City Royals this season.
Jose Ramirez has been red-hot against the Kansas City Royals throughout the entire season, and he remained hot in tonight's matchup. Ramirez ripped his 14th extra base hit of the season against the Royals.
While the Indians defeated the Kansas City Royals, the Detroit Tigers took care of business in Minnesota, rolling past the division leading Minnesota Twins 9-6. The Cleveland Indians are now 3.0 games back from the Twins in the American League Central Division. The tribe will take on the Royals in game two of the three game set on Saturday evening. Mike Clevinger will square off against Kansas City right hander Glenn Sparkman. First pitch is set for 7:10 pm ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Check out highlights from tonight's victory below!