Tribe Thrashes Royals 16-0

The Indians are off to a slow start, but they’ve sent the Royals a clear message: The road to the Central Division title still goes through Cleveland. The Tribe ended Kansas City’s five game winning streak in resounding fashion, 16-0. It missed being the worst loss in Royals history by just one run. Kansas City lost to Detroit 17-0 in 1991. The first three Indians reached against Royals starter Chad Durbin, and Manny Ramirez hit a grand slam, making it 4-0 before Durbin retired a batter. Ramirez came to the plate with the bases loaded again in the second inning. This time, Royals catcher Jorge Fabergas tried to pick a runner off first, and threw the ball down the right field line for two runs. Cleveland scored nine times in the first two innings to put the game away. Durbin lasted just 1 and 2/3. Dan Reichert gave up five runs in 2/3 of an inning. The Royals play three more in Cleveland this weekend. Cleveland’s Bartolo Colon comes off the disabled list to start against the Royals tonight. Miguel Batista will go for Kansas City.