Cleveland Indians Stay Hot, Sweep Twin Bill Against White Sox

After a long day of baseball mixed with some heavy rain, the Indians (17-11) continued to stay red hot as they completed a sweep of Chicago in a day-night doubleheader at Progressive Field on Monday night. 

The Indians managed to weather two separate rain delays throughout the day and into the night led by strong performances by starting pitchers Zach McAllister and Josh Tomlin.

McAllister earned his first major league victory in game one and Josh Tomlin struck out a career-high eight in 7.1 innings of work. Cleveland starters have now registered quality starts in each of their last 11 games.

Manager Manny Acta was very thankful for Tomlin's performance when speaking with the media after the Tribe's second victory of the day. From the News-Herald:

"He was fantastic." Acta said of Tomlin's performance. “If it wasn’t for the rain, he would have been better.”

Acta also praised the effort of his All-Star shortstop Asrubal Cabrera who went 4-6 on the day, raising his batting average to .358 on the season.

“He [Cabrera] was on the bases all day."

After beginning the season 1-4, the Indians have become one of the hottest teams in baseball winning 16 of their last 23 games and six of their last seven. They now have a three game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central Division.

The Tigers had another meltdown Monday night in Seattle, allowing the Mariners to come back from a 0-2 deficit in the ninth, losing 3-2.

Although it's exciting for Tribe fans to see their team at the top of the division and surging into the month of May, Manager Manny Acta reminded us that hot streaks can end just as easily as they begin.

“Momentum is only as good as the guy who pitches tomorrow," said Acta.

Indians Opening Day starter Justin Masterson (1-2) looks to continue that momentum tonight at Progressive Field against John Danks (2-4) and the White Sox.

Follow Jim McCarthy Jr. on Twitter: @JimMcCarthyJr