Clevinger, Indians shut down Royals

Mike Clevinger was masterful as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-0 Wednesday night in Kansas City. Roberto Perez had a home run, a triple and two RBIs for the Tribe. The Indians will go for the three-game sweep in a Thursday matinee.

Clevinger (2-2) continued his dominance of the Royals. He improved his career mark to 7-0, his most wins against any opponent. He lowered his career ERA against Kansas City from 2.25 to 2.03. Clevinger scattered four singles in six innings. He didn't walk a batter and struck out nine Royals. He only allowed one runner to reach second base. He also was very efficient, using only 79 pitches.

Danny Duffy (3-5) pitched well, but once again lacked run support. In his last eight starts, including Wednesday, the Royals have scored 20 runs with him in the game. It's an unfortunate reversal of fortune after Duffy had the third-most runs per start (8.16) in the American League through May 19. Duffy hasn't won since a three-game winning streak May 7-19. He has been less than stellar in those eight starts. He is 0-4 with a 4.79 ERA, allowing 44 hits -- 10 of them home runs -- and 18 walks with 38 strikeouts.

Duffy gave up two runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings Wednesday. He struck out three and walked five, including three in his last inning of work. After the first two innings where Duffy threw a total of 13 pitches, the Indians finally got to Duffy in the third. Roberto Perez led off the inning with a triple to right. The throw beat Perez to the bag, but he eluded the tag. He then scored on a wild pitch, again avoiding the tag at the plate.

The Indians got their second run in the fourth inning as Carlos Santana hit his 19th home run into the Indians' bullpen, marking the 26th straight game reaching base safely for Santana. Cleveland's final runs came on Perez's two-run home run in the eighth.

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