Cleveland Sweeps Toronto, Royals Sweep White Sox in Tight A.L Central Race

Corey Kluber struck out 14 Blue Jays as the Cleveland Indians beat Toronto 8-1 on July 23rd to complete a three game weekend sweep. Before this series, the defending American League champs and current leaders of the American League Central Division had lost five of six at San Francisco and Oakland, two teams firmly entrenched in last place in their respective divisions. It seems the Indians found the San Francisco Bay Area not conducive to victory, but upon returning home, the Indians beat the Jays 13-3, 2-1, and 8-1.

It was a good thing for the Indians that they got back on the winning track as the Kansas City Royals continue to creep up in the Central standings and were just a game and half back at the conclusion of play on July 23rd. While the Indians were beating the Blue Jays, the Royals were beating up on the Chicago White Sox, sweeping their three game weekend series. The Royals have won five in a row. Still in the mix for the Central championship are the Minnesota Twins, who are 2-1/2 games back. Minnesota has lost seven of 11 and may be beginning to slip just a little after overachieving the first half of the season.