SEATTLE (AP) – Corey Kluber struck out 13 in seven innings to win his third straight decision, Jason Kipnis continued his hot May with two hits and two RBIs, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Seattle Mariners 5-3 on Thursday night.
Cleveland won for the eighth time in 10 games, inching closer to .500 after struggling the first six weeks of the season. Kluber, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, improved to 3-0 with 50 strikeouts and two walks in his last four starts.
Kluber (3-5) gave up a pair of home runs to Mike Zunino in the third and Dustin Ackley in the sixth, but Seattle was able to mount little otherwise. Kluber earned his first road victory of the season.
Eight of the final nine outs recorded by Kluber came via strikeout. He threw 112 pitches, one off his season high of 113 when he struck out 18 against St. Louis.
Cody Allen pitched the ninth for his 10th save in 11 chances.