PREVIEW: Battle of Ohio continues Tuesday night with Kluber on the mound

CINCINNATI-- The Battle of Ohio continues as the Cleveland Indians will look for their third straight wins versus the Cincinnati Reds. The Indians are 67-51 on

CINCINNATI-- The Battle of Ohio continues as the Cleveland Indians will look for their third straight wins versus the Cincinnati Reds. The Indians are 67-51 on the season. They currently lead the Minnesota Twins by 12.5 games. The Indians magic number to win the division and clinch the postseason is 33 games.

Time: 7:10 p.m.

Starting pitchers: CLE Corey Kluber (14-6, 2.74 ERA) vs. CIN Sal Romano (7-9, 4.94 ERA)

TV: STO

Online: MLB.TV

Radio: WTAM 1100 AM, WMMS 100.7 FM

Here are three keys for the tonight’s game.

1. Score Early

The past couple of games the Indians have been able to score in the early innings. Perhaps most importantly, it has allowed the starting pitchers to settle in. This is something that may not be talked about enough this season. Come playoff time, the Indians getting runs on early will put even more pressure on the opposition.

2. Clutch Hitting

Since the beginning of July, the Indians have gotten better at the clutch hitting situations, whether that is with two-outs, a walk-off, or even just simply a big moment in the game. For example, in last nights game against the Reds the Indians would score seven runs in the sixth inning. What’s the important part about that inning? The inning before the Reds had tied the game when RHP Mike Clevinger gave up a solo homer to Scooter Gennett. It says a lot that the offense was able to take the momentum back from Cincinnati right after that.

3. Kluber be Kluber:

Post knee injection, Kluber has been returning to his Cy Young form. Since July 29 at Detroit, Kluber is 3-0 in his last three starts. He has gone at least seven innings in all three starts. Within the last few starts, his command has returned and that has allowed Kluber to return to his dominant, filthy, and nearly unhittable self.