Magic runs out as streak ends at 22

CLEVELAND — The Indians can return to clinching their division and playoff preparations.

Their historic winning streak is, well, history.

The Indians’ AL-record run stopped at 22 straight games Friday night when they were beaten 4-3 by the Royals, who became the first team to conquer the defending league champions since Aug. 23.

Jason Vargas (16-10) pitched into the sixth and Brandon Moss homered off Trevor Bauer (16-9) as the Royals ended baseball’s longest winning streak in 101 years. The Indians also came within four of matching the overall record held by the 1916 New York Giants.

After a walk-off win in extra innings Thursday night, the Indians couldn’t muster another late rally.

When Francisco Lindor struck out with a runner on first to end it, the sellout crowd gave the Indians a prolonged standing ovation. Manager Terry Francona brought the players out of the dugout to salute their fans, whose ovation grew louder and louder.

This was something they’ll likely never see again in their lifetimes, and both the Indians and their fans wanted to savor every second of an accomplishment while looking forward to October, when the games become more meaningful.

The Indians not only broke the previous record held by the 2002 “Moneyball” Athletics, they also served notice that they’re the team to beat in the postseason as they attempt to get back to the World Series and perhaps end their 68-year title drought after losing to the Cubs in 2016.

With one last chance in the ninth, the Indians put the tying run on base before Royals reliever Mike Minor struck out the side for his first pro save, getting Lindor on a pitch in the dirt for the final out.

It was Lindor who had prolonged the streak Thursday with a two-out, two-strike RBI double in the ninth inning before Jay Bruce doubled home the winning run in the 10th for win No. 22.