As we get closer to October, Major League Baseball is gearing up for yet another run at the World Series title. Although the team was narrowly ousted in the 2016 Series finals, the 2017 regular season has brought many historic moments for last year’s second place Cleveland Indians.
We're on fire lately. So is Robo.
Here's Hammy: https://t.co/ZLTIv1lTmg pic.twitter.com/nXSwjW2ULi
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) September 13, 2017
Starting pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar have returned from injury along with outfielder Michael Brantley, and as of Wednesday, Sept. 13, the Indians are on a 21-game winning streak after beating the Detroit Tigers by a score of 5-3.
Jay Bruce led the offensive effort with a three-run homer, and Mike Clevinger won the pitching duel over Detroit starter Buck Farmer. Bruce’s mid-season move to Cleveland from the New York Mets has proven to be one of the best acquisitions for the team yet this season.
This is currently the longest streak throughout the 2017 season and ties a record of 21 consecutive wins shared by the 1880 Chicago White Stockings and the 1935 Chicago Cubs. Only the 1916 New York Giants hold a longer streak without a loss, but their 26-game feat includes a tie.
Although they have held first place in the American League’s Central Division for the majority of the regular season, they are currently running away with it. Second place in the AL Central is the Minnesota Twins, at 13.5 games back. As of Sept. 13, the Indians have the best record in the American League at 89-56, and the second-best record in baseball behind the 93-52 record of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It is obvious that the Indians are eyeing the 2017 World Series title after last year’s seven-game loss to the Chicago Cubs. However, their road to the World Series will not be easy.
Right behind Cleveland in wins are the Houston Astros, who lead the American League West Division. Their steady run production and recent pickup of longtime Tigers ace Justin Verlander proves that they are not to be underestimated.
The Boston Red Sox are also a contender this year, with a younger offense and the memory of being stepped on by the Indians in last year’s playoffs. In the National League, nothing short of perfect baseball will be required to stop the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers have overcome regular-season losing streaks to lead the league in wins and have a pitching staff that has only gotten deeper as the season progresses. This is mainly due to the addition of two formidable starting pitchers: Tony Cingrani from the Cincinnati Reds and former Texas Ranger Yu Darvish. Other contenders from the National League side include the Washington Nationals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Colorado Rockies.
We see you @KingJames! https://t.co/f3jkyX19LC
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) September 13, 2017
As the postseason nears, the Cleveland Indians are going in as likely World Series participants and possible champions. Staying healthy and maintaining momentum will be the keys for the 2017 Indians.
If they do win it all, this would be their first title since 1948, snapping the longest streak without a Series win in baseball. They have already made history with their regular season winning streak, and are in a position to make even more.
