2020 MLB Season: Simulating AL games, July 3-5

In this 2020 MLB season simulation, the Indians separate themselves from the Twins a bit.

In other AL action, the Oakland Athletics won two of three from the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland won two of three from the Minnesota Twins, Chicago won two of three from the Texas Rangers, and the Detroit Tigers swept the Kansas City Royals.

In interleague play, the Red Sox swept a three-game series from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Angels swept Atlanta, Tampa Bay took two of three games from the Cubs in Chicago, Seattle won two of three from Philadelphia, and the Washington Nationals beat the Houston Astros twice.

Cleveland’s series victory over Minnesota moved the Indians three and one-half games in front of the Twins in the AL Central. Mike Clevinger set the tempo Friday, shutting out Minnesota through eight innings in an eventual 5-0 victory. Clevinger allowed just five hits and struck out 10.

They took Sunday’s game in a 15-2 walkover, Francisco Lindor hitting two home runs and driving in four runs.  The Indians piled up 16 hits against Devin Smeltzer and Randy Dobnak. Jose Ramirez also drove in four runs.

Cleveland came close to a sweep, losing the July 4 game 6-4 in 11 innings. The Twins led 4-2 into the bottom of the ninth, when consecutive doubles by Lindor and Orlando Mercado tied the game.

But the Indians couldn’t push the winner across, and in the 11th home runs by Josh Donaldson and Max Kepler gave the Twins their winning edge.

AL Central                           W-L         Pct         GB

Cleveland Indians             60-30     .667         —

Minnesota Twins              57-34     .626        3.5

Chicago White Sox           48-43     .527        12.5

Detroit Tigers                    34-55     .382        25.5

Kansas City Royals          35-57     .380        26