Clevinger, ‘pen step up as offense struggles

CHICAGO — With the Indians’ potent offense, limiting the opponent to two runs in nine innings usually is the recipe for success. But despite strong work from starter Mike Clevinger and four relievers, they came up short Thursday as the White Sox pushed across a run in the bottom of the ninth in a 2-1 Cleveland loss at U.S. Cellular Field.

Clevinger allowed just one run on three hits before he left the game after four innings and 85 pitches. It was just his second straight start after being in the bullpen, and it has to be considered a positive step forward.

“In a sense, yeah,” the 25-year-old right-hander said. “But we came away with two L’s in those two games, so I have to find a way to be more efficient.”

Efficiency was the main reason Clevinger lasted only four innings. The first frame was a prime example. After retiring the first two batters, he loaded the bases before getting catcher Omar Narvaez to pop out in foul territory to end the inning.

“With …

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