Right-hander Mike Clevinger made his first start of the season after being called up from Triple-A Columbus to replace the injured Corey Kluber. Clevinger gave up just one hit over 5 2/3 innings while walking four and striking out five. The Tribe's bullpen took over from there and blanked the Royals, who have the league's worst offense and scored just four runs in the three-game series. Cody Allen worked around a leadoff hit-by-pitch and a walk in the ninth to earn his ninth save.
Tough-luck starter Danny Duffy went 6 2/3 innings and gave up six hits and one run, while striking out two and walking two.