Kluber Fans 13, Tribe Falls 4-2 to Twins; 3 Takeaways from the Loss

Corey Kluber continued to pitch like a Cy Young Award-winner Saturday night, striking out a season-high 13 batters, making it his third consecutive double-digit strikeout outing (second-most in team history, behind Bob Feller).

Kluber allowed two runs in the first inning, both of which were unearned, as a pair of pivotal throwing errors proved costly, but the right hander was dominant the rest of the night, allowing only three hits in seven innings.

The offense provided too little, too late and the bullpen didn't hold up its end of the bargain on a frustrating night in front of 33,111 fans.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

1. Uncharacteristic Defense

Kluber started off the game with every pitcher's dream - a one-pitch routine groundout near shortstop.

Jason Kipnis was pulled over to the shortstop area in the shift and made a poor throw, which allowed Brian Dozier to reach base.

Kluber walked the next batter and gave up a double to Robbie Grossman, which made it a 1-0 game.

With runners at second and third and nobody out, catcher Yan Gomes attempted to pick Joe Mauer at third base.

The backpick backfired, as the throw sailed into left field and Mauer scored to make it 2-0.

The rest of the way, Kluber was as flawless as anyone could hope for.

That rough inning may have cost Kluber the opportunity to stay in the game to work the eighth inning, which leads us to our second takeaway:

2. Bullpen Blew It

Cody Allen came into work the top of the eighth with a 2-2 tie. He promptly allowed a solo homer to Dozier, who has a long track record of capitalizing off of Indians pitchers, hitting 19 home runs in the last three and a half seasons against the Tribe.

It was Allen's first appearance since coming back from paternity leave.

The Tribe trailed 3-2 heading into the top of the ninth and Zach McAllister entered to try to keep it a one-run game.

He gave up a solo shot to Chris Giminez, who has never been known for his bat and is batting .209 on the season.

Those two runs weren't the only reason the Tribe lost, but certainly dimmed what little hopes for a come-from-behind victory were left.

3. Offense Stagnant

The Tribe stranded nine runners on base and could not get to Twins right hander Kyle Gibson (6.23 ERA) early in the game.

Cleveland grounded into two double plays in the first three innings.

Jose Ramirez sparked the offense with a much-needed solo shot in the bottom of the fourth and the Tribe had Gibson on the ropes in the fifth with a chance to tie or take the lead.

Right handed reliever Tyler Duffey, who worked two shutout innings the night before, stifled the Tribe once again.

Duffey got out of the jam with two outs in the fifth and set the side down in order in the sixth.

Cleveland tied the game in the bottom of the seventh, capitalizing on a Minnesota throwing error, but could not add on to take the lead.

It was a rough day for the offense, which has scored only two total runs in the first two games of this series.

The Tribe's lead in the American Central Division shrinks to only one half game and the winner of Sunday's series finale will determine who sits in first place heading into next week.

The Tribe will look to avoid the sweep when Josh Tomin squares off against Ervin Santana at 1:10 pm ET.