On a winning streak that just won't stop, the Cleveland Indians have posted shutouts, blowouts, and routine wins. All that was missing were a walk-off victory and extra innings. "Check those two off," closer Cody Allen said, per the AP. "We're checking all the boxes." And check this out: 22 in a row. Jay Bruce hit an RBI double in the 10th inning—after Francisco Lindor tied it with a clutch double in the ninth—as the Indians rallied for their 22nd straight win to extend their AL record, beating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Thursday night. Cleveland moved within four wins of matching the 1916 New York Giants for the longest streak in major league history. A few hours later, it became the first AL team to clinch a postseason spot when the Angels lost to the Astros.
The Indians entered the day tied with the 1935 Chicago Cubs for the second-longest streak, and now only trail those '16 Giants, who won 26 in a row—all at home. The Giants won 12 straight, played a 1-1 tie, and then won 14 in a row. But because the tied game was replayed from the start the next day, it didn't technically count and therefore didn't stop New York's streak. Unlike many of Cleveland's game's over the past three weeks, this one required a little late-innings work by the Indians, who have outscored their opponents 142-37 during this unimaginable run that has put them on the cusp of winning another Central title and possibly finishing with the league's best record. (More Cleveland Indians stories.)