Century marked: Indians win 100th

CLEVELAND — Carlos Carrasco struck out 14, Jason Kipnis and Roberto Perez hit two-run homers and the Indians joined an elite group with their 100th victory after a 5-2 win Thursday over the understandably sluggish Twins, who had just celebrated their AL wild-card berth.

“First, it’s a lot better than losing 100,” Kipnis said. “I’ve been on that team before. I’ve been on the teams where no matter what you do, you’re going to lose. This is one of those teams where no matter what you do, it feels like you’re going to win.”

After getting to extra innings in Game 7 of last year’s World Series before losing to the Cubs, these Indians don’t care about any pre-October milestones — no matter how impressive.

“That’s not our goal,” said All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. “It’s something amazing, special. It will be there for a long time. We’re just enjoying it and focusing on our daily job, which is to win.”

The Indians are the seventh team to reach 100 wins in the last decade.

Carrasco (18-6) dominated a Twins lineup loaded with reserves and September call-ups playing because several regulars rested just hours after clinching a wild-card spot.

Carrasco allowed six hits, all singles, in 81⁄3 innings and moved into a tie for the league lead in wins with teammate Corey Kluber and the Royals’ Jason Vargas. Carrasco will be slotted behind Kluber in the playoff rotation, providing a lethal 1-2 punch.

“He’s a bona fide ace in our mind,” Kipnis said. “When he’s on, he’s pretty lights out.”

The Indians stayed ahead of the Astros for the AL’s best record and home-field advantage until the Series. They also hold the tiebreaker over the Astros.