Kluber allows 2 homers, walk in loss

CLEVELAND — Corey Kluber had a rare rocky performance, lasting just five innings and losing for the first time in seven starts as the Twins beat the Indians 6-3 on Friday night.

Kluber (10-3) allowed a home run on his fourth pitch of the game to Eddie Rosario and was pulled after throwing just 65 pitches. It was the shortest outing this season for the All-Star, who came in 5-0 with a 0.76 ERA against AL Central teams and was riding several other impressive streaks.

The Twins figured to have a tough time with Kluber, who has been as dominant this season as any stretch of his career and was seeking to become baseball’s first 11-game winner. Kluber, though, wasn’t Kluber. With Joe Mauer returning from the disabled list after missing 25 games with a strained neck, Twins manager Paul Molitor dropped Brian Dozier from the leadoff spot to No. 5 — and the second baseman responded with a two-run homer and three RBIs.

After Rosario doubled leading off the fourth, Kluber walked Eduardo Escobar, snapping his string without a walk at 461⁄3 innings. Rosario then scored when Lindor’s return throw to first after a forceout nearly went into the dugout.

Dozier followed by snapping a 0-for-20 slump with his 10th home run to make it 4-0.

Kluber had not given up more than three runs in a game since Aug. 3, a span of 27 starts.

Kyle Gibson (2-4) limited the Indians to one run on three hits in seven innings and got his first win since his season debut March 31.

Yan Gomes homered in the ninth and the Indians closed to 6-3 before Fernando Rodney struck out Francisco Lindor with one on for his 15th save.