Kluber’s brief lapse enough to sink Indians

CLEVELAND — Indians ace Corey Kluber waved catcher Roberto Perez to the mound following a mistake pitch that led to a three-run homer, and the two had a brief discussion to link back up in the second inning on Tuesday night.

“We were talking about sequences,” Perez said after Cleveland’s 4-3 loss to Houston at Progressive Field. “I think we’ll always be on the same page again.”

But the damage had been done, and the rare flinch by Kluber proved to be the difference in the game. Kluber was charged with four runs on four hits across seven innings — leading to his first loss since July 3, and snapping a seven-game winning streak by the reigning American League Pitcher of the Month. He also saw his run of 10 straight quality starts come to an end.

“It wasn’t his best performance,” manager Terry Francona said. “But, yet, if not for a hanging 0-2 pitch, he would have given up one [run]. He’s pretty good.”

Kluber’s catcher agreed.

“Oh man, he’s been great, especially for this playoff run we’re trying to get,” Perez said. …

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