Cleveland's Next Champ?

Days after the NBA Cavaliers gave Cleveland its first pro sports title since 1964, Northern Ohio's baseball team is making waves. The Indians, managed by Terry Francona and featuring shortstop Francisco Lindor, are certainly the American League's hottest team -- making the case that between a strong lineup and outstanding starting pitching, they could be a legitimate contender this fall.
Sunday, the Tribe won their 9th game in a row and Lindor (seen here against the Yankees last August) was in the center of the action. He went three-for-five and scored a pair of runs in a 9-3 demolition of division rival Detroit. Also noteworthy was a four-hit game from teammate Lonnie Chisenhall.
Not only are the Indians hot -- they're winning big on the road! The victory -- in which they pounded Detroit ace Justin Verlander for eight runs in less than five innings -- keeps them 5 up on second place Kansas City in the loss column. Compare that to a strong outing from Cleveland's Josh Tomlin, who allowed three runs in eight innings and raised his record to 9 - 1.
Playing in the same division with the defending champion Royals and the always-potent Tigers, not a lot of experts penciled the Indians in as a dominant team. But they've now put together the longest winning streak this season by any major league team. And they've won all nine of their games so far in '16 against Detroit.

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