Washington: The Cleveland Indians stretched their historic winning streak to 22 straight games on Thursday with a dramatic 3-2, 10-inning triumph over the Kansas City Royals.
Jay Bruce hit a run-scoring double in the 10th as the Indians stretched their streak, already the longest in the history of the American League.
With five more wins they would surpass the longest winning streak in Major League Baseball history — the 26-game run of the 1916 New York Giants.
Thursday’s victory was the first walk-off win for the Indians in the streak and there was plenty of drama leading up to the Indians’ latest ecstatic celebrations before home fans in Cleveland.
The Indians trailed 2-1 and were down to their last strike in the bottom of the ninth when Francisco Lindor smacked a pitch from Kelvin Herrera to deep left field.
The ball hit the outfield wall, eluding Royals outfielder Alex Gordon, which allowed pinch-runner Erik Gonzalez to score from first base and tie the game.
After Cleveland closer Cody Allen pitched a scoreless top of the 10th, Jose Ramirez led off the bottom of the 10th with a hustling double to centrefield, his fourth hit of the game.
Edwin Encarnacion drew a walk before Bruce delivered the game-winning double.
