Party delayed as Tribe looks ahead to key series

CLEVELAND — There was champagne on hand at Progressive Field on Sunday, but it never made it to the Indians’ clubhouse. Rather than the sound of popping corks and jubilant shouts from within a plastic-wrapped room, there was only the shuffling of feet, hushed voices and bags being packed.

Cleveland knew what was at stake. The scoreboard kept flashing updates from the Tigers’ game against Kansas City, and the players could hear the Progressive Field crowd roaring with delight at each Royals run. White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon just did not play along. He handcuffed the Tribe’s bats and cost the Indians the chance to wrap up an American League Central crown by dealing them a 3-0 defeat.

For at least one more day, the Indians will wait to hold a long-awaited party.

“We know what the task is and we’re prepared for it,” said Indians starter Josh Tomlin, who pitched 6 2/3 innings on Sunday. “Hopefully, we get it done sooner rather than later.”

Courtesy of Detroit’s loss to the Royals on Sunday, through, Cleveland’s magic number to clinch the division was whittled down to one. Come Monday, the Indians will be at Comerica Park for the opener of a four-game set against the Tigers, so the Tribe …

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