Naquin strengthens case for AL Rookie of the Year

Tyler Naquin had a huge day for the Indians on Wednesday, helping his club complete a series win over the division-rival Royals and extend their lead in the American League Central to 7.5 games over the second-place Tigers.

In the 3rd inning, Naquin hit his 11th home run, an opposite-field solo blast that put the Tribe on top 2-0.

A two-run double to right in the 4th plated Lonnie Chisenhall and Rajai Davis, giving the Indians a 4-0 lead.

Those same guys were on base in the 5th when Naquin launched a three-run blast to center for an 11-0 advantage.

At that point, the rookie was 3-3 with 6 RBI, and the stats started rolling in.

Naquin is the first Indians rookie since Turner Ward in 1990 to have 6 RBI in one game. Coincidentally, Ward accomplished that feat against the Royals.

He is the first Tribe rookie to have 6 RBI and 2 HR in a game since Cory Snyder in 1986.

He is the first Indian since Paul Sorrento in 1995 to collect 6 RBI from the #8 spot in the lineup.

At day's end, Naquin's slash line stood at .324/.387/.636 with 12 HR and 29 RBI. And with another big game on Friday when the Indians visit Baltimore, Naquin could join some rare, elite Indians company.