Cleveland tops Red Sox in clash of division leaders

BOSTON — Greg Allen hit a tiebreaking homer right after Boston pitcher Rick Porcello was struck in the midsection by a line drive, and Corey Kluber tied for the major league wins lead as Cleveland beat the Red Sox 5-4 Monday night.

Kluber (16-6) pitched into the seventh inning and matched Washington’s Max Scherzer and the Yankees’ Luis Severino for the most victories in the majors. Michael Brantley and Melky Cabrera also homered to help AL Central-leading Cleveland improve to 14-4 in August.

Xander Bogaerts had an early two-run single and an RBI single in the ninth for East-leading Boston. Ian Kinsler flied out with two runners on base, leaving the Red Sox with just their fifth loss in 22 games.

In a matchup of the AL’s last two Cy Young Award winners, it was 3-3 into the seventh. Porcello (15-6) retired the leadoff batter and retired the next hitter. Yan Gomes followed with a liner that hit Porcello near the stomach – Porcello retrieved the ball near the mound, threw to second for a force out and then slid to his knees, grabbing the spot where he was hit.

Porcello was checked on the mound, took a practice toss or two, and stayed in the game. Two pitches later, Allen hit a drive into the Cleveland bullpen for his second home run of the season.

Kluber, who won his second Cy Young last season, gave up three runs and nine hits.