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Kluber, Tribe resume playoff push against Twins

Sep 21, 2014 - 1:15 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Awards would be nice, but playoffs are the immediate priority for Cleveland's Corey Kluber.

The right-hander will take the mound on Sunday afternoon among the American League elites in several pitching categories as the Indians visit Target Field for the finale of a three-game series with the Minnesota Twins.

Kluber's 16 victories, 2.54 earned run average and 10.0 strikeouts per nine innings are among the top figures in the league and his 244 strikeouts are the most for the franchise since Sam McDowell's 304 in 1970.

He has two starts remaining and could become Cleveland's third Cy Young Award winner after CC Sabathia in 2007 and Gaylord Perry in 1972.

Kluber has won three starts in a row while compiling a 1.11 ERA and striking out 29 batters in 24 1/3 innings. He was an 8-3 winner over the Twins when the teams met on Sept. 11 and he allowed two runs in 8 1/3 innings.

In one start since, he struck out 14 in a 4-2 defeat of Houston on Tuesday.

"He worked ahead," manager Terry Francona said. "He usually starts the game out establishing his fastball command. I think he had to work into it. But his stuff is just so late moving and going both directions. Pitching in and opening up away, there's a reason he had those strikeouts."

The Indians are 3 1/2 games behind in the chase for the AL's second wild card playoff spot with a week to go in the season. The Kansas City Royals lead the chase and will visit Cleveland for three games starting Monday, along with the completion of a suspended game from Aug. 31.

Minnesota replies on Sunday with Anthony Swarzak, who's making a second start for injured teammate Tommy Milone.

Swarzak has started twice in 96 appearances over two seasons, and he was tagged for six runs and 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings in Minnesota's 8-6 loss to Detroit on Monday. In one other start this season, he defeated Cleveland, 3-1, on July 23, with one run and two hits allowed in five innings.

In four other relief outings against the Indians, he's allowed five runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings.

On Saturday, Yan Gomes went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBI to lead the Indians to a 7-3 victory over Minnesota.

Mike Aviles added a two-run triple and David Murphy finished 2-for-3 with a run scored for Cleveland.

T.J. House (4-3) allowed two runs while striking out five over five-plus innings to earn the win.

Brian Dozier ended 3-for-4 with a solo homer to pace Minnesota offensively. Starter Trevor May (3-5) was blasted for seven runs over 4 2/3 innings.

Cleveland is 10-8 versus the Twins this season.