Rosado Masterful Against Indians

Jose Rosado finally pitched a complete game and won.

Cleveland’s bid for the best record in the American League was stalled Wednesday night when Kansas City’s Rosado pitched a four-hitter to lead the Royals over the Indians, 5-2.

Rosado struck out five--all in a six-batter span--and walked one in his fifth complete game this season and 11th of his career. Rosado lost his first four complete games this year.

“Rosado pitches us like he’s Cy Young,” Cleveland Manager Mike Hargrove said. “Every time I’ve ever seen him pitch against us it’s been lights out.”

Rosado (10-14) didn’t shine too brightly in the first when he gave up singles to Enrique Wilson and Roberto Alomar. Manny Ramirez then put the Indians ahead with a groundout and his 161st run batted in, the most in the majors since Jimmie Foxx drove in 175 in 1938. Ramirez is one short of the Indian record set by Hal Trosky in 1936. But then Rosado retired 20 of the next 22 batters to beat Charles Nagy (17-11) and stop Cleveland’s four-game winning streak.

“I think Cleveland was looking for soft stuff and he had a good fastball,” Royal Manager Tony Muser said.

Cleveland, trying to gain home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, dropped to 96-62 with four games remaining. The New York Yankees are 95-62 with five games to go.