Clevinger strikes out 10 as Indians beat White Sox 6-3

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CLEVELAND (AP) Mike Clevinger has become a vital member of the Cleveland Indians' rotation.

Clevinger struck out 10 and allowed one run in 7 2/3 innings, and Cleveland beat the Chicago White Sox 6-3 on Tuesday night.

Clevinger (6-2) beat Chicago for the third time this season and was in command after giving up a first-inning run. He retired 13 straight between the second and sixth while allowing five hits.

The right-hander, in his first full season as a starter, has earned the trust of manager Terry Francona.

''He's doing everything you would ever ask of any guy,'' Francona said. ''He works hard. He's prepared. He competes like crazy. He's got three good pitches that seem to be getting better.''

Clevinger is pleased to know Francona has confidence in him.

''Obviously, it took a process to get there with him, but I'm enjoying the benefits of getting that trust now,'' Clevinger said.

Clevinger struck out a career-high 11 against the White Sox last week. This time, he was pulled after two walks in the eighth. He has held Chicago to three earned runs in 21 1/3 innings over three starts.

''His fastball had a lot of life and his changeup was working pretty well,'' White Sox manager Rick Renteria said. ''Really, he's got a pretty good repertoire.''

Francisco Lindor's two-run single was the key hit in the second when Cleveland scored four times. Yonder Alonso, Michael Brantley and Edwin Encarnacion also drove in runs for the Indians.

Yoan Moncada had a two-run double with two outs in the ninth off Zach McAllister. Second baseman Erik Gonzalez booted Yolmer Sanchez's ground ball putting two runners on. Cody Allen retired Jose Abreu on fly ball for his 15th save in 16 chances.

Cleveland improved to 16-4 in its past 20 home games against Chicago.

Carlos Rodon (0-2) allowed four runs in 6 1/3 innings. The left-hander made his third start of the season after having shoulder surgery in August.

The White Sox lost their sixth straight and dropped a season-high 24 games under .500. Chicago is 11-23 against the AL Central.

Abreu's single put Chicago ahead three batters into the game, but the lead lasted one inning. Alonso tied the game with an RBI single in the second, and Cleveland went ahead on Rodon's wild pitch.

Lindor singled into right-center with runners on second and third for a 4-1 lead. Brantley and Encarnacion drove in runs in the seventh.

Rodon pitched into the seventh inning for the first time this season, throwing 98 pitches.

''I feel healthy and my arm feels good, but I've got to be better,'' he said. ''When you lose, you're never satisfied. It's good that I went into the seventh, but I really hurt myself in the second.''

Abreu had a home run overturned in the third. His drive down the left field line was called fair by third base umpire Lance Barksdale. The ruling was reversed after a review that lasted 44 seconds. Abreu then struck out.

Moncada led off the first with a double and scored when Abreu hit a sharp ground ball through the right side.

Brandon Guyer and Rajai Davis stole bases for the Indians, who have stolen 23 bases without being caught since May 23.

HIGH NUMBER

RHP George Kontos became the 17th pitcher to be in Cleveland's bullpen this season when he had his contract purchased from Triple-A Columbus. Kontos, 33, was released by Pittsburgh last month. RHP Evan Marshall (sore elbow) is on the 10-day disabled list. He was removed in the eighth inning Monday with the injury.

CLEAN IT UP

The White Sox committed three errors Monday and continued to struggle in the field Tuesday. Catcher Omar Narvaez threw the ball into center field when Guyer stole second base in the third. Rodon and Bruce Rondon threw wild pitches.

The Indians were also sloppy. Jason Kipnis dropped a soft underhanded flip from Lindor that would have forced Abreu at second base in the first. Clevinger threw wildly trying to pick Charlie Tilson off first the following inning. Gonzalez's error forced Allen into the game in an inning that began with a 6-1 lead.

TRAINER'S ROOM

White Sox: OF Leury Garcia (sprained left knee), who has been on the disabled list since May 24, has three hits and three runs in the first two games of his rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte.

UP NEXT

Indians RHP Corey Kluber (10-3, 2.24 ERA), coming off a rare loss, starts the series finale. He allowed four runs in five innings - his shortest outing of the season - against the Twins on Friday. RHP Reynaldo Lopez (2-4, 3.26 ERA) starts for the White Sox.

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