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Tomlin aims for fourth win as Indians wrap set with Royals

Apr 21, 2011 - 2:42 PM (Sports Network) - Josh Tomlin goes after his fourth win on the young season this evening when the Cleveland Indians go for the series win in the finale of their four-game set with the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

Tomlin has been a big reason behind the Indians' surprising run to the top of the American League Central standings. He won his third straight start on Saturday against Baltimore, as he held the club to two runs and six hits in six innings.

"He labored a little bit ... but he knows what to do and gave us six good innings of baseball," Indians manager Manny Acta said of his starter.

Tomlin, who is already half way to his win total from 2010, has faced the Royals three times and is 2-1 against them with a 5.68 ERA.

Cleveland continued to impress on Wednesday, as Jack Hannahan went 2-for-4 with a two-run double to lead the Indians to a 7-5 win.

"Everybody is just stepping up and doing their part," Indians first baseman Matt LaPorta said. "If one guy doesn't get it done, somebody else is right there getting it done. We're trusting in our abilities and relying on everybody to come through. We have been."

Justin Masterson (4-0) lasted six-plus innings and allowed two runs on six hits and five walks while striking out three for the Indians, who have won five of their past six and are now tied with the Colorado Rockies for the best record in the majors at 13-5.

In their past 16 games, Cleveland starters are 10-2 with a 2.43 ERA and 14 quality starts. Tribe starters have surrendered 28 earned runs in 103 2/3 innings during that span.

Alex Gordon extended his hitting streak to 14 games and Jeff Francoeur went 2- for-4 with three RBI -- including a two-run homer -- for Kansas City, which has lost three of its last four.

Luke Hochevar (2-2) carried a perfect game into the sixth inning, but it was broken up by a leadoff Michael Brantley single. Hochevar allowed four runs on five hits, one walk and two balks in the inning. He pitched into the seventh and was charged with six runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four.

"I was really throwing the ball well and then I don't know," Hochevar said. "The two balks -- that was my fault, obviously. But there's really no excuse for it."

Heading to the hill tonight for the Royals will be righty Sean O'Sullivan, who won his first start of the year, as he held the Seattle Mariners scoreless over five innings. He had surrendered five runs in four innings and was charged with a loss two relief outings before getting the start on Saturday.

O'Sullivan is 1-1 in two starts against the Tribe with a 6.30 ERA.

Cleveland was 10-8 against the Royals last season.