Indians make it 16 victories in a row

CLEVELAND — Edwin Encarnacion and the Cleveland Indians won their 16th straight game, extending the best streak in franchise history by beating the Baltimore Orioles, 5-0, in American League baseball action Friday night.

Encarnacion hit a three-run homer in the first inning into some trees in centre field next to Heritage Park, the team’s hallowed area where past Cleveland stars and teams are immortalized.

These 2017 Indians are making a case for their inclusion.

Mike Clevinger (9-5) improved his chances to pitch in the postseason with six strong innings as AL Central leaders became just the third team in the expansion era — since 1961 — to win 16 straight in a season.

Cleveland’s string is the longest in the majors since Oakland won 20 straight in 2002. The longest winning streak in major league history is 21 by the 1935 Chicago Cubs.

The 1916 New York Giants had a string of 26 wins and one tie.

The Indians haven’t lost since Aug. 23. Perhaps more impressively, the defending AL champions have trailed only twice during the 16game span and have outscored their opponents 114-28.

And these Indians might not be done streaking.

Back from going 11-0 on the road, Cleveland began a 10-game homestand with its fifth shutout during the 16-game roll.