Cleveland Indians @croftdonart

Why you should:

It would be an amazing comeback at this point

Terry Francona

Jason Kipnis

You want Lonnie Chisenhall to succeed

BROHIO

The Indians should get more coverage within Cleveland than a backup quarterback

Michael Brantley, quite possibly the most bizarre MVP candidate

YAN GOMES

The crowd inside Progressive Field rose to its feet and grew louder as Trevor Bauer headed off the mound in the seventh inning on Sunday. Before disappearing down the dugout steps, the young pitcher answered the show of appreciation with a quick lift of his hat.

Cleveland’s rotation has provided plenty of reason for the fans to cheer of late. Building on the recent work of his fellow starters, Bauer turned in a strong performance against the Astros to guide the Tribe to a 3-1 victory at Progressive Field.

"It’s been unbelievable," Bauer said of the Tribe’s rotation. "Every day, you run a new guy out there and have this feeling that he’s going to post a really good start and we’re going to win the game. It’s nice to have that confidence as a team every day."

The Indians (66-63) have now captured three consecutive series wins and have won or split seven of their past eight series. Across that stretch, pitching has been the primary component that has kept the club on the edge of the postseason picture.

Back in the swing

Sports, May 30, 2014

Tony Briggman Lariccia, designer

The Indians were in a funk. Columnist Terry Pluto suggested ways for the Tribe to break out of it. Tony made it easy for them to follow, and a streak ensued.

Coincidence? Your not-so-plain blogger thinks not.

Follow Terry at @terrypluto