Indians beat A’s, trade for Yanks’ reliever

Published 12:54 am Monday, August 1, 2016

CLEVELAND (AP) — Corey Kluber limited Oakland to five hits in seven innings, Mike Napoli hit a two-run homer and the Cleveland Indians completed a three-game sweep of the Athletics with an 8-0 win Sunday after boosting their postseason hopes by acquiring reliever Andrew Miller.

Kluber (10-8) struck out seven and walked two, retiring Max Muncy and Ryon Healy to strand runners on second and third in the seventh. He is 4-1 in his last seven starts.

Three relievers completed the six-hitter.

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Miller was obtained from the Yankees for four prospects and figures to become a setup man for closer Cody Allen.

The Indians’ attempt to acquire Jonathan Lucroy from Milwaukee fell through when the All-Star catcher refused to waive his no-trade provision.

Sonny Gray (5-10) gave up seven runs and eight hits in 3 1/3 innings for the A’s, who started 9-4 after the All-Star break before getting swept.

Following a 36-minute rain delay at the start, Cleveland went ahead in a five-run third that included Napoli’s homer, Jason Kipnis’ two-run single and Francisco Lindor’s sacrifice fly.

Napoli’s team-leading 24th home run this season was his 1,000th career hit. Kipnis drove in three runs, and Lonnie Chisenhall, Tyler Naquin and Abraham Almonte each had two hits.

Roberto Perez was 1 for 23 this season when Gray walked him in the third, loading the bases. Perez singled in a run in the fourth.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Athletics: LHP Rich Hill (middle finger blister) could start Friday against the Chicago Cubs. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, retroactive to July 20.

UP NEXT

Athletics: LHP Sean Manaea faces the Angels for the first time in his career Monday in the opener of a three-game series. He hasn’t walked a batter in 26 2/3 innings over his last four appearances.

Indians: RHP Danny Salazar has a 2.97 ERA, the fourth lowest in the AL going into Monday’s start against Minnesota. He’s 6-0 with a 2.68 ERA in eight starts this season against AL Central teams.