Sweet 16: Indians roll to 16th straight, 5-0 over Orioles

Cleveland Indians' Edwin Encarnacion watches the ball after hitting a three-run home run off Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wade Miley in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, in Cleveland. Austin Jackson and Yandy Diaz also scored on the play. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) Cleveland Indians' Edwin Encarnacion watches the ball after hitting a three-run home run off Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wade Miley in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, in Cleveland. Austin Jackson and Yandy Diaz also scored on the play. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

By Associated Press September 8, 2017 1 min read

CLEVELAND (AP) – Edwin Encarnacion and the Cleveland Indians won their 16th straight game, extending the best streak in franchise history by beating the Baltimore Orioles 5-0 Friday night.

Encarnacion hit a three-run homer in the first inning into some trees next to Heritage Park, the team’s hallowed area where past Cleveland stars and teams are immortalized.

These 2017 Indians are making a case for their inclusion.

Mike Clevinger (9-5) improved his chances to pitch in the postseason with six strong innings as AL Central leaders became just the third team in the expansion era – since 1961 – to win 16 straight in a season.

Cleveland’s string is the longest in the majors since Oakland won 20 straight in 2002.