Gomes’ 5 RBIs key Indians’ sweep

HOUSTON — In an up-anddown season, the AL champion Indians are feeling pretty good after sweeping the Astros.

Yan Gomes homered and tied a career high with five RBIs to key an 8-6 victory Sunday.

“This is the best team in the AL right now, and there’s a reason for it, and when we play good ballgames I think we’re going to beat a lot of people,” Gomes said. “So it was good to see us do that.”

Gomes’ third-inning homer off Joe Musgrove (3-4) gave the Indians a 3-1 lead.

The Indians took all three games and are 5-1 against the MLB-leading Astros this season, dealing them two of their three series losses.

“The Indians outplayed us in just about every area,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “They did a really good job this series, and that’s why they came away with the wins.”

Danny Salazar (3-4) yielded three runs and four hits in 52⁄3 innings with seven strikeouts. Manager Terry Francona is still looking for more from Salazar.

“We set up a high bar for Danny because of his stuff,” Francona said. “I just know that there’s more in there, and we want him to reach that level so bad. I’m thrilled we won. I just think he can set himself up the way he’s pitched to have more success.”

Musgrove gave up a seasonhigh seven runs and matched a high with eight hits allowed. He lasted three-plus innings in his shortest start this season, and his ERA rose from 4.57 to 5.63.

“I put together good ones here and there,” he said, “but I haven’t felt normal the whole year.”

Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and Carlos Beltran had a solo shot for the Astros, who tied their season high with their third straight loss.