Indians 3rd team since 1950 to record 18-game win streak
Break up the Cleveland Indians.
Cleveland did it again Sunday night, defeating the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 to run its win streak to 18 games. It's only the third time since 1950 that a team has recorded at least 18 victories in a row.
Catcher Roberto Perez and shortstop Francisco Lindor launched back-to-back home runs off Orioles starter Jeremy Hellickson in the sixth inning to give the Indians a lead they would not relinquish. Cody Allen locked up the victory with a flawless ninth inning to earn his 26th save.
With the victory, the Indians' magic number to clinch their second consecutive AL Central title was trimmed to seven. They also moved a full game ahead of Houston for the American League's best record at 87-56.
The Indians are the first team to win 18 consecutive games since the 2002 Oakland Athletics, who memorably won 20 straight. As of now, the Indians sit tied for the ninth-longest streak in MLB history.
Related: Comparing the Indians' win streak to that of the 'Moneyball' A's
Other teams who won exactly 18 games in a row include the 1885 Chicago White Stockings, 1891 Boston Beaneaters, 1904 New York Giants, and 1953 New York Yankees.
Cleveland will try and win No. 19 when the division rival Detroit Tigers pay a visit to Progressive Field on Monday night. Carlos Carrasco is scheduled to take the hill for the home side, opposite Detroit's Myles Jaye.