Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor is working hard to come back from knee scopes one month apart in October and November, the second of which was more involved than the first.

AURORA, Ohio -- Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor wore a sleeve on his surgically-repaired right knee and walked with a limp at the Cleveland Browns Foundation golf outing Friday, but he was reasonably sure to reach his goal.

"I'm just coming out here to mess up the grass,'' Taylor said, as he sat on his golf cart, waiting for the scramble to begin at Barrington Golf Club.

But that Taylor was out on the links at all was a great sign for the massive tackle. In the final year of a contract that pays him $5.477 million last year, Taylor missed 11 games last season with the knee injury that required two arthroscopic surgeries, including one in November that was more than just a typical cleanup.

"It was, but like I said, we're taking our time with it right now and I'll be ready (for camp),'' he said.

As for how the knee is coming along in general, he said, "We'll see. We're just taking it a day at a time right now."

Taylor declined to be specific about the nature of the second surgery, but said it was not the microfracture procedure, which can take up to a year to heal from as scar tissue replaces lost cartilage.

"(It was a) scope,'' he said. "If you guys want to know any more than that you gotta ask (head athletic trainer) Joe Sheehan."

Taylor, the Browns' first-round pick in 2011, acknowledged he'll be limited in Organized Team Activities this month and the mandatory minicamp in mid-June.

"I'll be able to do something,'' he said of minicamp.

Browns coach Mike Pettine revealed during draft weekend that Taylor might have some lingering issues with the knee, which is another reason the club felt great about drafting nosetackle Danny Shelton No. 12 overall.

"Phil obviously had the injury and we're hopeful to get him back at 100 percent, but there is some uncertainty there,'' said Pettine. "We did adjust a few things schematically but felt that we needed that big guy in the middle. We're also hopeful that Kitch (defensive tackle Ishmaa'ily Kitchen) can step up and be productive for us, as well, and when we get into real obvious run situations that we can put a pretty heavy front out there."

Taylor, who's set to be a free agent after this season, has enthusiastically embraced the selection of Shelton, both in person and on twitter.

"I think it was an awesome pick,'' he said. "We do need depth on the D-line and I think he'll make a great addition to the defensive line."

Taylor has already his imparted his words of wisdom on the Washington noseguard.

 "Yeah I've talked to him and just let him know just to be ready, get in the playbook and things like that,'' said Taylor.

 Taylor, who started the first four games at left end last year in Pettine's hybrid 3-4 scheme, initially suffered the injury in the second quarter of the Tennessee game Oct. 5 and underwent the scope Oct. 8. He sat out the next four games and returned Nov. 6 at Cincinnati, only to suffer another injury to the same knee, unrelated to the first.

He underwent surgery again and was placed on injured reserve for the season. Now, six months later, he's still working on his comeback, and the Browns are cautiously optimistic.

"I do expect Phil (for camp),'' said Browns general manager Ray Farmer. "He's on track as far as I've been told by trainers and he's been out on the field and I think it's a product of him getting where he needs to go. Him having the compression thing (on his knee) is probably what he was advised to have because he was going to be on his feet all day. From what I've been told, the trainers, doctors all seem like things are heading in the right direction and we're looking forward to seeing what that culminates come training camp.''

In the meantime, the Browns will prepare Shelton to man the middle, and hope that Taylor can start messing up the Stadium grass soon too.

See spring sports highlights from May 15, 2015.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are spring sports highlights from Friday's action based on box scores reported to the Northeast Ohio Media Group.

For more information on how to report box scores, please email High School Sports Manager Kristen Davis (kdavis@cleveland.com).

Baseball

Connor Formick's RBI single in the top of the seventh inning gave Rootstown's baseball team a 4-3 Division III Copley sectional final against Leavittsburg LaBrae. Formick had two doubles and three RBI for Rootstown in the win.

Garrettsville Garfield had a 5-0 lead against Warren Champion, but fell to a late rally including three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and lost, 6-5, in the Division III Euclid sectional final.

Softball

Parma's Andrea Scali struck out 16 hitters as the Redmen shut out Strongsville, 7-0, in a Division I Parma sectional final. Scali also had five RBI for Parma. Scali and Parma will face North Royalton on Wednesday in the district semifinal.

Barberton scored two runs in the sixth and seventh innings to break a 3-3 tie against Medina and advanced to the Division I Barberton District semifinal with a 7-4 win. Kayla Rorrer and Riley Ries each had two RBI for Barberton.

Elyria pitcher Elizabeth Ellis pitched a complete game, allowing one run on four hits to lead the Pioneers to a 4-1 Division I Avon Lake sectional final against North Ridgeville. Anna Daly had two RBI to lead Elyria.

Westlake's Katie Lew pitched five shutout innings and struck out 11 hitters as the Demons beat Avon Lake, 10-0, in a Division I Avon Lake sectional final. Grace Turgeon and Audrey Lyle each had two RBI.

Boys tennis

St. Ignatius' Nathan Griffin won the Division I Oberlin Sectional championship on Friday, defeating Avon's Nico Mostardi, 6-3, 6-4.

Westlake's doubles team of Connor Michelich and Cal Craven won the doubles championship, beating the St. Edward duo of Aditya Jha and Jack Ryan, 6-4, 6-4.

DIVISION I SECTIONAL

At Oberlin College

Singles

Semifinals: Griffin (St. Ignatius) d. Hsia (SI) 6-1, 7-5; Mostardi (Avon) d. Schuette (SI) 6-2, 6-1.

Championship: Griffin (SI) d. Mostardi (A) 6-3, 6-4.

Third place: Hsia (SI) d. Schuette (SI) 6-4, 6-4.

Doubles

Semifinals: Michelich/Craven (Westlake) d. Callanan/Sicilliano (SI) 6-1, 6-0; Jha/Ryan (St. Edward) d. Pallaki/Mhanna (SI) 6-4, 6-3.

Championship: Michelich/Craven (W) d. Jha/Ryan (SE) 6-4, 6-4.

Third place: Sicilliano/Callanan (SI) d. Pallaki/Mhanna (SI) 5-7, 7-5, 7-5.

Get all the scores

Check out scores from the following sports this evening: baseball, softball and girls lacrosse.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will head on the road to face the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers will head on the road to face the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Cleveland advanced after an impressive 94-73 win in Game 6 against Chicago on Thursday night. The Hawks punched their ticket one day later, holding off a late charge from the Wizards Friday. Paul Pierce's game tying three-pointer was waved off after a video review, giving the Atlanta the 94-91 win. 

It was the second straight series for the Hawks that lasted six games, ousting eighth-seeded Brooklyn in Round One.

The series between the Cavs and Hawks, the top two seeds in the East, will begin on Wednesday at Philips Arena, with the 60-win Hawks holding homecourt advantage. Tipoff for the opener, and every game, will be at 8:30 p.m. ET. Game 2 will be played on Friday as the schedule sets up for a meeting every other day. The first game of the series at Quicken Loans Arena will be Sunday, May 24.

The Hawks won the regular season series, 3-1.

The first three games, two wins by Atlanta, came before a pair of midseason trades transformed the Cavs into one of the top teams in the NBA. The Cavs played the third contest without LeBron James, who celebrated his birthday in a suit because of a sore left knee. The Hawks won, 109-101, despite not having Al Horford, the team's third-leading scorer in the regular season.

The only win for the Cavs came on Nov. 15 as they raced out to an early lead and made 19 three-pointers en route to an easy 127-94 win.

James, the Cavs' leading scorer in the postseason, averaged 23.7 points on 53 percent shooting in three games against the Hawks. He also added 5.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds. Kyrie Irving, who continues to recover from a strained right foot and left knee tendinitis, is averaging 19.8 points on 43 percent shooting in the 10 playoff games.

Before even knowing the opponent, James was asked about whether the banged-up Cavs are now the underdogs as the No. 2 seed.

"Underdog? Me?" he said with a smile. "I will never be an underdog. I think we have a great chance. That's what we're here for. We're gonna play hard, we're gonna give ourselves a fighting chance."

Las Vegas sees it the same way. While the first game has opened as a pick 'em, according to the latest odds from vegasinsider.com, the Cavaliers are 2/5 favorites to win the East. The Hawks, meanwhile, are getting 2/1 odds. 

The Cleveland Gladiators improve to 5-3 with a 64-42 victory over the New Orleans VooDoo.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Gladiators excelled in all three aspects of football -- offense, defense and special teams -- on Friday night at Quicken Loans Arena, and it paid off in a 64-42 Arena Football League victory over the New Orleans VooDoo.

Quarterback Shane Austin played a near-flawless game, completing 20 of 32 passes for 212 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions, and also running for a score.

Amarri Jackson caught just three passes from Austin, but two went for touchdowns, and he highlighted the contest with a 51-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Reliable Dominick Goodman caught three of Austin's scoring tosses and finished with nine catches for 97 yards. Collin Taylor's six-catch, 61-yard effort included a touchdown reception.

"We have three guys making catches," Gladiators coach Steve Thonn said. "And they're all scoring touchdowns. That makes it tougher to defend us. It makes it easier for me to call plays."

The Gladiators, the defending American Conference champions, are 5-3 and trail the first-place Philadelphia Soul (7-0) in the East Division standings. Nearly halfway through the 18-game regular season schedule, however, Cleveland has established itself as a primary contender for one of the two conference wild card spots. New Orleans is 2-6.

Cleveland led, 33-21, at halftime, and its defense forced the VooDoo to give up the football on downs at its 23 early in the third quarter. Austin then drilled a 10-yard touchdown pass to an open Jackson in the middle of the end zone for a 40-21 Gladiators lead.

Then, following a New Orleans score, Jackson fielded the kickoff and sprinted up the middle of the field for a 51-yard touchdown, breaking free with a nifty move at the Cleveland 22 that left a would-be tackler in his wake. The romp upped Cleveland's edge to 47-28.

"I have to say 'kudos' to everyone who did their job," said Jackson. "We emphasized (special teams) this week. We had some great blocking. With the playmakers we have on this team, anybody could have hit that one."

After another defensive stop, the Gladiators boosted their lead to 54-28 in the first minute of the fourth quarter as Austin found Jackson open in the end zone for a 14-yard scoring pass.

"Our defense really picked it up tonight," Thonn said. "We were more physical, especially in the defensive backfield. We forced fumbles and put some pressure on the quarterback."

Adrian Trevino's third field goal, from 19 yards, and an Austin-to-Goodman 11-yard touchdown connection capped the Gladiators' scoring.

Cleveland scored each time it had the football to build the 12-point halftime advantage. The Gladiators opened the scoring when Austin hit Taylor in stride in the right corner of the end zone for a 36-yard touchdown pass. Soon after, Austin scored on a 4-yard run, giving Cleveland a 14-7 lead.

Austin connected with Goodman for a pair of touchdown throws on fourth-and-goal plays in the second quarter.

First, Austin found Goodman in the middle of the end zone for six yards and a 21-14 Gladiators lead. Cleveland's Anthony Degrate then forced a fumble on the kickoff, with teammate Tim Cheatwood making the recovery at the New Orleans 10. Three plays later, Cleveland went up 27-14 when Austin spiraled a 4-yard touchdown toss to Goodman in the right corner of the end zone.

Trevino missed the extra point, but made up for it with field goals of 18 and 34 yards in the final 52 seconds of the half. Trevino set up the first field goal when -- following Goodman's second touchdown -- he recovered his own kickoff at the New Orleans 13 as the football bounced off the crossbar and thus became a free ball.

-- Mike Peticca, Special to The Plain Dealer

Tribe second baseman Jason Kipnis has reached safely at least three times in six straight games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley combined to go 7-for-8 with five runs as the Indians defeated the Rangers, 8-3, Friday night at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Tex. Here is a capsule look at the game after a DVR review of the Fox SportsTime Ohio telecast:

First things first: The Indians (13-21) improved to 2-10 in series openers.

Dominance: The Tribe has won seven straight and 12 of 14 against Texas.

Rockin' Raburn: Indians left fielder Ryan Raburn went 0-for-3 but made a defensive play that changed the complexion of the game.

With the Rangers leading, 3-2, Carlos Corporan led off the second inning against Tribe lefty Bruce Chen with a soft single to center. (Corporan should have been out on the previous pitch, but Tribe third baseman Zach Walters misplayed a pop near his dugout fence.)

Corporan advanced to second when Delino DeShields Jr. beat out a bunt. Former Indian Shin-Soo Choo sent a 2-0 pitch deep to left, where Raburn made the catch in full sprint and with his back to the plate. Raburn smashed into a STOP sign on the  wall but held on to the ball upon crumpling to the track.

If Raburn had not made the play, at least one run, and possibly two, would have scored -- even with Tribe center fielder Michael Brantley backing up Raburn. The Rangers could have led, 5-2, with none out and a runner on second or third. Instead, they had first and third with one out; while Corporan tagged, DeShields retreated to first.

That the double play remained in order proved enormous. Elvis Andrus, who has feasted on Tribe pitching in his career, grounded an 0-1 pitch sharply to second. Kipnis triggered a double play to keep the Tribe's deficit at one.

Raburn exited in the fifth because of a left-knee contusion sustained during the catch. The Indians said it was for precautionary reasons.

Tito time: Tribe manager Terry Francona's unwillingness to tempt fate with two of his pitchers paid off.

Soft-tossing Chen allowed back-to-back homers to Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre (No. 400) in the first and was in trouble in the second.

Fielder flied to left on the first pitch of the third. Two pitches later, Beltre doubled to left. Even though Chen had thrown just 35 pitches, Francona knew he wasn't missing many bats and hooked him for righty Ryan Webb.

Perhaps Chen would have settled in -- but the odds were against it. Francona played the odds.

Webb stranded Beltre. After the Indians tied it in the fourth, Webb retired the side in order. After the Indians took a 5-3 lead in the fifth, Webb retired the first batter, Fielder, on a fly to center. Webb got ahead of Beltre but plunked him.

Francona signaled for Zach McAllister, ending Webb's night at 39 pitches. McAllister stranded Beltre.

The Tribe tacked on three in the sixth, one of which came on catcher Brett Hayes's third homer.

Kip it and rip it: Kipnis, continuing to thrive in the leadoff spot, went 4-for-5 with three runs and five quality at-bats. The out came when Rangers second baseman Tommy Field ranged into the hole and onto the outfield grass to glove a third-inning grounder.

Kipnis has hit safely in seven consecutive games and reached at least three times in six straight. Kipnis became the first Indian since Travis Fryman in 1999 to reach three-plus times in six straight.

Here are the lines from his hitting streak:

May 8 vs. Minnesota: 1-for-4, BB, R

May 9 vs. Minnesota: 3-for-5, 2 SB, R

May 10 vs. Minnesota: 3-for-5, 2B, 3B, SB, 2 RBI, 2 R

May 12 vs. St. Louis: 3-for-4, 2 2B, BB, RBI, R

May 13 vs. St. Louis: 1-for-2, BB, 2 HBP, R

May 14 vs. St. Louis:  2-for-4, 2B, BB

May 15: @ Texas: 4-for-5, 3 R

Don't blow out the candles: No. 3 batter Brantley, who turned 28 on Friday, went 3-for-3 with two doubles, two walks, two RBI, two runs and one steal. He saw 26 pitches. He successfully navigated the interesting zone of plate umpire Joe West.

Swishalicious: Fox SportsTime Ohio play-by-play voice Matt Underwood nicknamed Kipnis and Brantley the "caped crusaders.'' When No. 5 batter Nick Swisher also produced, Underwood said he was "Commissioner Gordon.''

Swisher went 3-for-4 with two doubles, one walk and three RBI -- his first of the season.

Almost as important as the hits were their locations: All went the opposite way against Rangers lefty Wandy Rodriguez. Swisher stayed compact, didn't get greedy and took what Rodriguez gave him.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday night because details will be discussed at the owners' meetings in San Francisco next week

The NFL plans to change guidelines regarding the way footballs are handled before games, a person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday night because details will be discussed at the owners' meetings in San Francisco next week. The procedural changes result from the "Deflategate" saga.

The league wants to avoid the possibility that teams could tamper with footballs. Any change wouldn't require a vote from owners.

Exactly what will be the new rules? There was some speculation Friday.

"Regardless of whether or not the New England Patriots did anything to the footballs, it was inevitable that a rule change would have to take place," writes Rich Hill at patspulpit.com. "The league officials were extremely lax about protocol regarding the footballs and they didn't really follow the guidelines in place. It wouldn't be surprising if the new procedures involves the referees taking the balls from the lockers to the field, instead of utilizing a ball attendant."

Tom Brady was suspended for four games and the Patriots were fined $1 million and docked a pair of draft picks after independent investigator Ted Wells, hired by the NFL, found that the Super Bowl champions used illegally under-inflated balls in the AFC title game. Brady has filed an appeal through the NFL Players Association.

Current rules state that footballs are sent directly to teams. Equipment managers can brush them and even use a damp towel to rub off the oil used to preserve the leather to the preferences of each quarterback. The quarterbacks can even practice with the footballs during a game week as long as the footballs remain in good enough condition to pass the referee's pre-game inspection as a new ball. Each team brings at least 12 balls.

The footballs must be delivered to the officials' dressing room 2 hours, 15 minutes before kickoff. The referee inspects each one, with a pump provided by the home team to adjust air pressure as needed. Footballs are required to have at least 12.5 psi and no more than 13.5 psi.

The referee is the sole judge of whether a ball is fit for play and marks each one approved for the game. The rule says the footballs "shall remain under the supervision of the referee until they are delivered to the ball attendant just prior to the start of the game."

What Terry Francona, Michael Brantley, Ryan Webb, Nick Swisher and Jason Kipnis had to say about Friday's victory over Texas.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Here's what the Cleveland Indians had to say about their 8-3 victory over Texas on Friday night at Globe Life Park.

Manager Terry Francona

How's Ryan Raburn's left knee?

"I think he'll be OK. That was the play of the game. If he doesn't make that play, we're looking at a big inning (for Texas). That was a great catch.

"He obviously sacrificed himself. He hit the wall hard and banged his knee. It's just a contusion, but we're going to Chicago and facing four straight lefties, we wanted him to get some ice on that thing because he's been helping us too much."

Explanation: In the second inning Raburn robbed Shin-Soo Choo with a running catch in left center field. There were two on and no outs and Texas was leading, 3-2. He hit the wall hard after the catch and was knocked to the ground. He left the game in the fifth inning.

What did you think of the bullpen?

"Everybody came in an did exactly what they were supposed to do. It started with Ryan Webb. You could tell Texas felt pretty with the way they were swinging it."

Explanation:Webb relieved starter Bruce Chen with one out in the third inning and pitched two scoreless innings for his first win as an Indian.

What does Webb do when he's on?

"When he's good, he throws a lot of ground balls. Hopefully, with consistent work he cannot only get those ground balls, but go more than an inning like he did tonight."

What's Webb's limit?

"I'd say 40 pitches. He talked me into going back out for the fifth, but I just didn't want to let him get too far."

How impressed were you with Michael Brantley getting on base five times (three hits, two walks)?

"I've been impressed with Brantley since the day I got here. . .He's everything you want in a player. That's all you need to know."

On Nick Swisher getting three hits against lefty Wandy Rodriguez.

"When he swings the bat like that right-handed, it's so big for us. He swung the bat really well. Anytime someone hits the ball with authority the other way, there's a pretty good chance they feel good."

On Jason Kipnis going 4-for-5 and hitting .519 (28-for-54) in May.

"Kipnis has looked good at the plate for a while now. We've seen it before when he gets so hot at the plate.

"He's been so good in that leadoff spot. In his first at-bat, he's already in mid-game form. He's not giving away anything. He's been really good for us."

On five players being hit by pitches and plate umpire Joe West issuing warnings to both teams after Jose Ramirez was drilled in the back by Texas reliever Kyuji Fujikawa in the sixth inning.

"We're you watching the game? One guy got hit with a curveball. Another guy got hit with a change up.

"You'd have to ask their guy (Fujikawa) about Ramirez. That looked a little. . .If he wanted to get out attention, he did. If that was his intention, he did a good job."

What is next for Chen, who has had two tough starts?

"We're going to talk through something."

Michael Brantley

On starting this seven-game trip with a victory.

"It was a nice game for the team. It was a good first step to start this road trip on."

On Raburn's catch in left center field

"It was a huge play. We got out of the inning without allowing any runs. We turned a double play right after that. We got the momentum back on our side."

Are you and Kipnis having a battle to see who can get on base the most time?

"I never battle my teammates. I always pull for each and everyone of them. The way he's swinging the bat right now, you've got to take your hat off to him. He's hitting the ball hard and finding a lot of holes. It's fun to watch."

Ryan Webb

How many pitches can you throw?

"I'm not sure I have a pitch limit here. I told Tito I could go five if they needed me to. I'm just happy to do whatever I could for the team today."

How tough is it to come into a game that early (third inning)?

"I think that's the first time in my career I've had to warm up in the first inning. Then I warmed up a little in the second."

Nick Swisher

What did this game mean to the Indians?

"No.1, there was a group of people in the bullpen who pitched their butt's off. I could not be more proud of them.

"No.2, was the Ryan Raburn catch in left center. If he does not make that catch, we do not win that game. That was a huge game-changing play for us."

On going 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBI and a walk.

"It felt good to go out there and just be me again. I was in extended and Triple-A and I had everything together. All of a sudden, I come here and I feel I have to create stuff. . .That I have to do something.

"Tonight was just me being me. I didn't feel I had to hit a home run to get the crowd on it's feet. It was nice to go out and hit the solid and get some base hits."

Jason Kipnis

On the importance of the first at-bat of the game.

"When I led off a little bit last year, I don't think I fully grasped the concept of setting the right tone.

"It's a lot easier to set the tone going the way I'm going right now. It's not always going to be like that, but you still want to swing at the right pitches. You want to have a good at bat and you want to look like you're ready from the first pitch on."

Francona said you approach the first at-bat of the game with mid-game intensity. How do you do that?

"You're making sure you're all in on the first at-bat. You're not trying to feel out your body or try to find where the pitcher's release point is. You've got all that down.

"You want to let the other team know that you're ready to play from the first pitch going."

Will the Indians, with the season slipping away, conduct a fire sale or dip into the minors to blend their prospects with the current 25-man roster?

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Do you have a question that you'd like to have answered in Hey, Hoynsie? Submit it here.

Hey, Hoynsie: Since the Indians are past the "it's still early stage" of the season, do you think they will have a fire sale or just bring up prospects and try to find the right match between prospects and veterans for the season? - Sean Ferguson, Belleville, Ill.

Hey, Sean: Fire sales are conducted in July and August so I don't think the Indians are ready to strike a match just yet. Besides the guys they'd prefer to move probably don't have much of a market, regardless of what month it is.

Still, every team usually goes into the season with two or three plans depending on their performance. At 12-21 following Thursday's loss to the Cardinals, I'm sure GM Chris Antonetti is keeping his options open.

When you look at the roster, there are a lot of emerging players signed to multiyear deals. They are supposed to be the team's core so I don't see the Indians trading them no matter how bad things get.

Hey, Hoynsie: I understand the Tribe's service time strategy. I also know Francisco Lindor isn't going to save team, especially this year, but can someone give us a definitive timetable as to when he will be called up? All we get from the front office are ambiguous responses about some undefined strategy it has for bringing him along. The Indians are terrible so it should be a stress-free, low-pressure environment right now - Bobby Griego, Albuquerque, N.M.

Hey, Bobby: Lindor is the only one who can define his timetable and the Indians have told him that.

If he dominates offensively and defensively at Class AAA Columbus, he'll be in Cleveland. It's that simple because from GM Chris Antonetti on down the food chain, no one in the front office thinks he's ready for the big leagues. So he's going to have to prove it.

Like you, however, I think it's time for Lindor to be promoted. I think he's the kind of player who will play better on a bigger stage. He might not be polished defensively, but a lot of players have learned on the fly in the big leagues.

Hey, Hoynsie: What is the name of the umpire who looks like a teenager? - Timothy Abraham, Canfield.

Hey, Timothy: Really?

Hey, Hoynsie: How many teams have to go to the opposite field and up the middle for the Tribe's hitters to learn that's the way to do it? St. Louis consciously went the other way time and time again in its series-opening victory over the Tribe on Tuesday night. Detroit pounded the Indians during the home-opening series with many of its hits going up the middle or to the opposite field. With a few exceptions such as Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall, the Indians don't do that. It's one of the reason they have no clutch hitting. - Geoffrey Lee, Strongsville.

Hey, Geoffrey: I think more hitters are trying to go to the opposite field to beat the many infield shifts they face. But they have to have the talent and right approach to do it. They also have to get the right pitch.

In the off-season, manager Terry Francona talked about the game correcting itself against the growth of shifts by more hitters going the opposite way. It seems to be happening on other teams, but not so much on the Indians.

Hey, Hoynsie: If the Indians don't want to bring up Francisco Lindor, do you see Zach Walters staying with the club, Jose Ramirez getting optioned to Class AAA Columbus and Mike Aviles being the starting shortstop until they feel Lindor is ready? - Paul Welling, Rossford.

Hey, Paul: I think there's a strong possibility of that happening as soon as Aviles rejoins the team after his stay on the family emergency list.

Hey, Hoynsie: Have you heard if Chris Perez is close to signing with a team? I don't mean is he signing with Cleveland, I was just wondering if he's getting another contract? -- Ryan Smith, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Hey, Ryan: I have not heard much about Perez since he asked for and was given his release by the Brewers after he appeared in six game from Class AAA Colorado Springs.

The Indians are gathering spare parts with their rotation depth thin and their bullpen inconsistent, but it would take a huge upset for them to consider bringing back their former closer.

Hey, Hoynsie: Any chance that the Indians kick the tires on an Aramis Ramirez deal with the Brewers? He's a veteran right-handed hitting third baseman with power, who has not started the season well. He could be available in the Brewers impending fire sale. - Bobby Reichert, La Crosse, Wis.

Hey, Bobby: You have been watching the Indians this season, right? Do they really look like a team that's going to add a 36-year-old third baseman who is making $14 million this year?

Doesn't a team have to get on a hot streak to nudge management into making the kind of trade you're talking about? The Indians are still in a deep freeze.

My suggestion to you is buckle up. There's turbulence ahead.

Hey, Hoynsie: Years ago there was a rule that forbade all the infielders from attending meetings on the mound. One of them had to stay out of the meeting. But for many years now, all the infielders attend these meetings. Any idea why and when that rule changed? -- Curtis Sholl, Cleveland.

Hey, Curtis: I have no recollection of that rule, but that doesn't mean there wasn't one. Now most trips to the mound by a manager or pitching coach look like a company picnic. I'm surprised the ballboys aren't included and somebody doesn't wheel out a grill with burgers at the sizzle.

Two thoughts on why all infielders go to the mound - No.1, they're lonely. No.2, they want some face time on TV.

Seattle's Felix Hernandez finished second to Indians right-hander Corey Kluber last year in balloting for the the AL Cy Young award.

ARLINGTON, Texas - It's a long way to September and the end of the season, but here's a look at the American League Cy Young race from the perspective of Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes. (Stats are through Thursday).

No. 1: RHP Felix Hernandez, Mariners (6-0, 1.85): King Felix is 6-0 with a 1.85 ERA in seven starts. He's struck out 50 and walked eight in 48 2/3 innings.

No. 2: LHP Dallas Keuchel, Astros (4-0, 1.39): Keuchel leads AL starters in ERA. The Astros are 6-1 in his seven starts and the opposition is hitting .163 against him.

No. 3: RHP Michael Pineda, Yankees (5-0, 2.72): Pineda, who made just 13 starts last year because of injury, is coming off a 16-strikeout performance against Baltimore.

No. 4: RHP Sonny Gray, Athletics (4-1, 1.61): Gray leads AL starters with 56 innings. He's pitching for the last place A's - they're 4-4 in his eight starts - but the opposition is hitting just .186.

No. 5: LHP Andrew Miller, Yankees (0-0, 0.00, 13 saves): Miller has yet to allow a run in 16 games covering 16 2/3 innings. He's struck out 29, walked eight and allowed three hits.

No. 6: RHP Wade Davis, Royals (2-0, 0.00, six saves): Davis is back in the set-up role after filling in for injured closer Greg Holland. He has not allowed a run in 16 innings.

No. 7: LHP Scott Kazmir, Athletics (2-1, 2.78): Kazmir, with Oakland struggling, is already the topic of trade discussion.

No. 8: RHP Danny Salazar, Indians (4-1, 3.27): He didn't open the season with the Tribe, but he's won four of his first five starts and is averaging 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

No. 9: RHP Alfredo Simon, Tigers (4-1, 3.05): The 6-6, 265-pound Simon has allowed 11 walks and 42 hits in 44 1/3 innings, but he keeps winning.

No. 10: RHP Chris Archer, Rays (3-4, 2.59): He's lost his last two decisions, but he's second in the AL with 58 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings.

Also in the conversation: Carlos Carrasco, Mark Buehrle, Trevor Bauer, Shane Greene, Colin McHugh, Dellin Betances.

Previous rankings: Kazmir (No.1), Hernandez (No.2), Davis (No.3), Bauer (No.4), Miller (No.5), Gray (No.6), Keuchel (No.7), Greene (No.8), McHugh (No.9), Simon (No.10).

Next week: NL Cy Young race.

Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley and Nick Swisher combined for 10 of the Indians 12 hits in a one-sided victory over Texas.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Bruce Chen turned in a short night's work Friday, but the Indians' feast-or-famine offense and inconsistent bullpen earned some overtime against Texas at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

Chen didn't make it through the third inning, but Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley and Nick Swisher combined for 10 of the Indians' 12 hits in a 8-3 victory over the Rangers.

Kipnis led the way with four hits and three runs. Swisher had three hits and three RBI. Brantley had three hits and two RBI.

Manager Terry Francona went to his bullpen five times with Ryan Webb (1-0) going two innings to earn his first win as an Indian. Zach McAllister, Scott Atchison, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen finished the game with 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

The Indians took a 2-0 lead in the first off Wandy Rodriguez (2-1, 3.86) on doubles by Brantley and Swisher. Kipnis opened the game with a single.

Kipnis has scored 17 runs and is hitting .419 (31-for-74) since moving into the leadoff spot on April 26.

Friday was his second four-hit game of the season.

Chen immediately lost the lead as Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre hit consecutive homers with one out in the first for a 3-2 lead. The Indians made it a 3-3 game in the fourth on a single by Zach Walters.

They moved into the lead on Swisher's two-run single with two out in the fifth off Rodriguez. They padded the 5-3 lead with three more runs in the sixth, the first coming on a leadoff homer by Brett Hayes.

Hayes has three homers this season.

What does it mean?

The Indians, since the start of the 2013 season, are 25-6 against teams from Texas. They're 12-2 against the Rangers and 13-4 against the Astros.

Short outing

Chen lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. In two starts with the Tribe, Chen has allowed nine runs and 17 hits in 6 1/3 innings.

It seems the Indians will be in the market for another fifth starter when his turn comes up next in the rotation.

Running man

Brantley stole second base in the third inning. It made him 5-for-5 in steals this year and 29-for-30 going back to last season.

Biff, bang, boom

Ryan Raburn never met an outfield fence that he didn't want to run into.

He proved that again Friday. Not only did he rob Shin-Soo Choo of extra bases and two RBI with a running catch in left center in the second, he slammed into the outfield fence in the process.

The advertisement on the fence that Raburn hit had a stop sign with this message: Stop @ DQ (Dairy Queen). Raburn stopped all right, but it wasn't to order a Blizzard.

Raburn left the game in the fifth inning with a bruised left knee. It was the same knee he underwent surgery on in September. Raburn injured the knee running into an outfield wall in spring training.

Plus minus

Walters made his first start of the season at third base and made two errors before the first three innings were complete.

The first one was a tough call on a high pop in front of the Indians dugout by Carlos Corporan in the second inning. In the third, he made a bad throw to first on Beltre's grounder to third.

The two errors did not lead to a run, which put Walters on the plus side when he singled home Swisher ion the fourth to pull the Indians into a 3-3 tie. It was his first hit and RBI of the season.

Mr. 400

Beltre hit the 400th homer of his career in the first inning against Chen. Since the start of the 2012 season, he's hit six homers against the Indians. It was his 17th career homer against the Tribe.

Warning, warning, warning

Plate umpire Joe West warned both teams after Tribe shortstop Jose Ramirez was hit in the back by a pitch from Kyuji Fujikawa in the sixth inning.

Webb hit Thomas Field and Beltre during his two innings of work in relief of Chen. Rodriguez hit Brandon Moss in the fifth before leaving the game.

Atchison hit Fielder with one out in the seventh, but West did not eject him.

End of the line

Choo's 14-game hitting streak came to an end in the 3 hour and 17 minute game. It was the longest streak in the AL.

What's next?

RHP Danny Salazar (4-1, 3.27) vs. Texas right-hander Coldy Lewis (3-2, 2.40) on Saturday at 8:05 p.m. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM AM/1100, WMMS FM/100.7. will carry the game.

Salazar, who has won four of his five starts, will be facing the Rangers for the second time in his career. He was the winning pitcher last year when the Indians beat the Rangers, 12-2, on Aug. 14.

Lewis is 2-1 with a 6.37 ERA lifetime against the Tribe. He has not faced the Indians since 2012.

Runners, their families and friends are invited to share their 2015 Cleveland Marathon experience with us at #RunCLE

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's the day before the big race. You're checking the weather forecast, carbo-loading and hydrating as you prepare for Sunday's running of the 38th Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon.

And we want you to share your race experience with us and all the other runners by using the hashtag #RunCLE to send your thoughts, pictures and anything else.

Close to 20,000 runners are expected to participate in the races Sunday, which includes the marathon, half-marathon and 10K.

Weather forecasts are calling for cloudy skies with temperatures in the low- to mid-60s and the chance of spotty showers. Humidity is expected to be about 85 percent, with the dew point at 60 and that's why hydration is so important.

The Cleveland Clinic offers a "Fueling Food for A Marathon Run" infographic for runners.

You can get updates throughout the race at cleveland.com/marathon as well as Plain Dealer stories and photos about the runners and races.

What: 38th Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon.
When: Sunday, 7 a.m.
Where: Start line on Ontario St. next to Quicken Loans Arena. Finish line at Mall C on Lakeside Ave.
Who: Approximately 20,000 participants in the various races.
Races: Sunday - Marathon, half marathon and 10K races, 7 a.m.; Finish Line Rock Party, 8:30 a.m. Mall C.
Health & Fitness Expo and Registration: Cleveland Convention Center, Hall A, Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. No race day registration.
Information: clevelandmarathon.com
Course: Redesigned in 2014, stays primarily in downtown and near west side. Flat and fast. Elevation ranges between 568 and 711 feet above sea level.
Prize money: Offered in full marathon and 10K races, totaling $22,800.

Kyrie Irving is held out of Saturday's practice session to heal up and he could sit out longer.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - Kyrie Irving sat out of Saturday's practice session to rest and receive treatment on his sore left knee and his right foot strain, coach David Blatt said.

Of Irving's status for Wednesday's Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Blatt doesn't know.

"For sure? No," he said of Irving's availability. "But we hope so."

Leading up to Game 1, the Cavaliers' plan is to take day-to-day when it comes to how Irving is feeling.

On Friday Irving met with Dr. Richard Parker, the team's head physician. It was then determined that the point guard should take a decelerated rehabilitation approach before rejoining the team for live action.

There is a possibility that he could concentrate on rehabilitation, and not practice until Wednesday.

"He's going through a lot of treatment," Blatt said. "We're monitoring and just hoping that he progresses."

Irving's knee, the same knee that's battling tendinitis, was re-aggravated in the closeout game versus Chicago on Thursday when he stepped on the shoe of teammate Tristan Thompson.

He hobbled to the locker room where his knee was re-wrapped and cleared for action, but never returned to the game -- in part due to the significant lead his team had.

In the last four games, Irving is averaging 13.5 points and shooting 39 percent from the field.

LeBron James and David Blatt talk about their upcoming matchup with the Atlanta Hawks in the ECF.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - It was only right on so many levels. Most knew Atlanta vs. Cleveland would eventually be the Eastern Conference Finals matchup.

These were the two best teams.

The Cavaliers will be hitting the road for a Game 1 encounter with the Hawks on Wednesday. Atlanta secured the best record in the conference with a unique blend of good, but far from great, players. Mike Budenholzer was named the NBA Coach of the Year. Because of their selfless brand of basketball, four Hawks were selected to the East's All-Star team this year.

The regular season and postseason are night and day, but it must be noted that the Hawks took three of the four games against the Cavaliers. LeBron James has a plus-minus of -8 against Atlanta, his lowest tally he registered vs. any team during the season.

After the end of Saturday's practice, James offered his thoughts on his next opponent.

"They're a great team. They've been a great team all year," James said. "They've been the No. 1 seed in our conference all year for a reason and it's going to be highly competitive."

Cleveland hasn't begun its preparation for Atlanta. That will take place on Sunday.

The names on the back of the Hawks' jerseys aren't terrifying by any stretch of the imagination. However, when they come together, they're an absolute handful. James elaborated on what makes the Hawks so tough to beat.

"They're balanced," he said. "You can't just key in on one guy. All five guys that's on the floor at that time, you have to have your antennas up. I think it starts with (point guard) Jeff Teague. He's an All-Star for a reason. His aggressiveness, the way he pushes the tempo and then it just falls into everyone else on that team. They do a great job of playing together."

It will be the first time this postseason that the Cavaliers won't have the luxury of beginning a series at The Q. But to James, it doesn't matter. He argued that home-court advantage is a misleading premise.

"We understand what we're in and it's no difference," James said. "It shouldn't be any difference. We've lost at home before to start off the series, so it shouldn't be too much of an adjustment."

Blatt later differed, saying "I think very much so" that the dynamic changes.

"Well, normally I think starting on the road actually puts more pressure on the home team," he said.

The Hawks are 5-1 at Phillips Arena during this postseason. Slowly but surely it has become a nuisance of an atmosphere for opposing teams. A banner season has Hawks fans excited.

But before the Cavaliers embark on that southern journey, these next few days are about strategizing the right method of attack and most importantly, healing.

Kyrie Irving was held out of practice on Sunday and Blatt said he is hopeful his point guard can suit up on Wednesday. Tristan Thompson participated in practice after suffering a scary fall in Thursday's closeout game, in which he bruised his left shoulder.

Iman Shumpert continues to play with a sore groin and James says he's nicked up here and there. Despite their wounds, the Cavaliers are ready for the next chapter. They're four victories away from The Finals and can't wait to tip that ball up.

"We're looking forward to it," James said.

With Bruce Chen designated for assignment, who will the Indians start on Wednesday against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field?

ARLINGTON, Texas -- After two poor starts, veteran left-hander Bruce Chen has been designated for assignment by the Indians. Right-hander Austin Adams has been recalled from Class AAA Columbus to take Chen's spot on the 25-man roster.

Chen started Friday night's 8-3 victory over Texas and was gone after 2 1/3 innings. It took one of the Tribe's biggest offensive nights of the season to come back and secure the victory.

In two starts, Chen allowed nine earned runs and 17 hits in 6 1/3 innings. The 37-year-old lefty struck out four and walked one.

The Indians gave Chen a 2-0 lead in the first inning Friday night, but he quickly gave it right back as Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre hit consecutive homers in the bottom of the frame to put Texas ahead, 3-2.

Chen started the season at Columbus where he went 2-1 with a 1.74 ERA. The Indians purchased his contract when No.5 starter TJ House went on the disabled list with a sore left shoulder on May 1.

The Indians will need a fifth starter Wednesday against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. House threw three innings on a rehab assignment at Class A Lake County on Friday, but it's not known if he'll be ready to pitch on Wednesday.

The Indians could also purchase the contract of veteran right-hander Shaun Marcum, who is pitching at Columbus.

Adams opened the season with the Indians. This will be his third trip to the big leagues this year. In eight relief appearances at Columbus, Adams is 1-2 with a 5.68 ERA. He's struck out 10 and walked seven in 6 1/3 innings.

The kids came in all sizes to Saturday's Cleveland Metroparks children's fishing Derby at Walleye Lake. So did the fish.

BEREA, Ohio - The kids came in all sizes at Saturday's Cleveland Metroparks Children's Fishing Derby at Wallace Lake. So did the fish.

The future of fishing is on display at the weekend fishing derbies, which continue today at the canal waters nestled in the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights. Youngsters all along the shoreline at Wallace Lake were catching fish, some bluegills so small they could be cradled in the tiny hands of a 4-year-old.

The youngsters were proud of their catch, no matter its size. It was a fish that tugged on their fishing line, and they had set the hook and reeled them in. The kids caught rainbow trout, bluegill, catfish and even gobies on canned corn, wriggling red worms or tiny maggots. There was enough finny fun to hook hundreds of youngsters on fishing.

Aquatic Specialist Mike Durkalec of the park system made sure there was a wealth of stocked fish to catch. He also had the foresight to reward the smallest catch, as well as the biggest fish.

Kevin Graelis of Columbia Station knows how the Children's Fishing Derbies can entice a youngster to put down the electronic games and turn off the Saturday morning television and go fishing.

"I brought my nephew, Brandon Enderby of LaGrange, to seven kid's derbies in a row from the age of eight until he was 15," said Graelis. "Brandon is an avid fishermen now. He caught a bunch of walleye last night on Lake Erie."

Graelis' son, Colin, 6, caught his first trout at last year's derby. His sister Emma, 3, came along Saturday and caught her first bluegill while Colin was learning to bait his own hook.

"My granddad got me hooked on fishing when he used to take me to the old Medina Trout Hatchery for a day of fishing," said Rex Napier. "He used to tell me I needed flying fish, because I'd cast and cast all day long."

On Saturday morning, Napier and his wife, Jennifer, had their son, Rex Jr., 4, working on his casting and trying to catch his first fish.

It takes an army of volunteers and a variety of sponsoring groups to make the derbies a success. At Durkalec's elbow was Steve Nyetrae, his right-hand volunteer the past four years.

"And I'm not a fisherman," said Nyetrae, with a laugh. "But I enjoy working with the kids."

Nyetrae was recently given a Medical Mutual Senior Volunteer Award for performing more than 800 hours of volunteer service at the Cleveland Metroparks.

Sunfish and catfish are very hardy species. Almost all of the fish brought to be measured were quickly placed in an aquarium. They were still lively, and the aquarium became a magnet for the youngsters, giving them a close look at the just-caught fish.

The aquarium also gave Durkalec the chance to identify the various panfish and other species for youngsters and adults. Most of the stocked catfish were in the foot-long range, but some of the whiskered fish swimming in Wallace Lake are quite a bit larger. So are more than a few of the largemouth bass.

Durkalec and Cleveland Metroparks crews have rounded up thousands of panfish, catfish and some surprisingly hefty largemouth bass from lakes in the area that were being drained and reclaimed. Those fish have become a bonus for the many anglers who flock to Wallace, Shadow, Hinckley, Judge's and Ledge lakes in the park system.

For the many regulars who fish those lakes, the many stockings keep them coming back in winter and summer. For the youngsters trying to catch a feisty fish this weekend, says Durkalec, the well-stocked lakes can help to flip the fishing switch and turn kids into life-long anglers.

The Indians enter Saturday night's game with a 6-7 record in May. The need one victory to match their seven victories in April. They went 7-14 in April.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Here are the lineups for Saturday night's game between the Indians and Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. First pitch is 8:05 p.m. ET.

Indians

2B Jason Kipnis.

1B Carlos Santana.

LF Michael Brantley.

DH David Murphy.

RF Brandon Moss.

3B Lonnie Chisenhall.

CF Michael Bourn.

C Roberto Perez.

SS Jose Ramirez.

RHP Danny Salazar (4-1, 3.27).

Rangers

RF Shin-Soo Choo.

LF Delino DeShields.

DH Prince Fielder.

3B Adrian Beltre.

1B Mitch Moreland.

SS Elvis Andrus.

CF Leonys Martin.

2B Thomas Field.

C Robinson Chirinos.

RHP Colby Lewis (3-2, 2.40).

Umpires

H Gabe Morales.

1B David Rackley.

2B Rob Drake.

3B Joe West, crew chief.

Premier stakes-winning mare Caviar N Champagne suffered a heart attack and died on Friday as Hiram trainer Jeff Radosevich prepared the six-year-old for her first race of the 2015 season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Hiram trainer Jeff Radosevich had a heavy heart as he prepared Culpepper Creek, his six-year-old gelding, for Saturday's 12^th running of the Michael F. Rowland Memorial Handicap at ThistleDown Racino.

Radosevich took his outstanding stakes mare Caviar N Champagne out on the ThistleDown track on Friday in preparation for her first start of the 2015 season. The six-year-old stakes winner seemed healthy and happy, he said. But after a short gallop, Caviar N Champagne suffered a heart attack and immediately collapsed and died.

"Believe me, I cried," said Radosevich. "Owner Ron Paolucci (of Loooch Racing Stables in Stow) was devastated by it."

Caviar N Champagne was an especially astute $40,000 claim three years ago by Paolucci. "Ron does a good job of picking and choosing horses," said Radosevich, "and Caviar N Champagne was a great addition to the stable."

Lightly raced Caviar N Champaign was coming off a 2014 season where she won four of seven starts with three seconds, and $184,640. She'd won 11 of 32 career starts and $405,544. Popular with the ThistleDown fans, the bay daughter of Formal Dinner won last year's Petro Memorial Handicap and the Mackey Memorial Stakes at ThistleDown. She won the Vivacious Handicap and the $150,000 Best of Ohio Distaff Stakes at Belterra Park in 2014, as well.

"Caviar N Champagne seemed happy to go for a gallop," said Radosevich, a former jockey and long-time trainer who was in the saddle. "We had just gone out on the track and she was going smoothly when she coughed, then panicked. Within a sixteenth of a mile she was down on the racetrack.

"I firmly believe Caviar N Champagne was Ohio's horse of the year last year among the fillies and mares," he said. "She ran big races and beat every horse she ran against."

Radosevich's Culpepper Creek and jockey Jeffrey Skerrett put together a valiant stretch drive on Saturday in the Rowland Memorial, but none of the other horses in the 10-horse field could match Jac's Fact and rider Megan Fadlovich, who started slowly. Ninth at the half-mile and sixth at the top of the stretch in the 6-furlong test, Jac's Fact exploded for a 23/4-length victory. The four-year-old colt covered the distance in 1:13.08 to boost his career earnings to $244,920.

The 4-5 favorite to win his second in four starts this season, Jac's Facts returned $3.80, 2.60, and 2.10. Startin Something was second, $4.80, 3.60, followed by Culpepper Creek, $3.80. Plain Ol' Willard, who had beaten Jac's Fact twice in 2014, was fourth.

The winner of Saturday's Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course is American Pharoah amid heavy rain.

BALTIMORE -- Minutes before the Preakness, it was an ominous scene at Pimlico Race Course. Thunder and lightning. Wind and rain. A record crowd scrambling for cover. A drenched racetrack.

Nothing -- absolutely nothing -- was going to stop American Pharoah, especially the competition.

Thunder rumbled as the starting gate opened, and the Kentucky Derby winner took charge early on and overpowered seven rivals, winning by seven lengths to put trainer Bob Baffert back in the Triple Crown groove.

"Great horses do great things," Baffert said after his sixth Preakness victory, "and he showed it today. He's just an incredible horse."

And in three weeks, the stage will be set for the ultimate drama in racing -- a Triple Crown attempt at the Belmont Stakes in New York.

"I don't even want to think about the Triple Crown right now,' the 62-year-old trainer said. "I want to enjoy this. It's tough up there."

American Pharoah, who started from the rail under Victor Espinoza, will be 14th Derby-Preakness winner to have a shot at becoming the first to sweep the Derby, Preakness and Belmont since Affirmed in 1978.

For Baffert, he'll be making an unprecedented fourth attempt at a Triple. He won the Derby and Preakness with Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998 and War Emblem in 2002. All three fell short in the Belmont.

A rainstorm began about 15 minutes before the race went off, preceded by several lightning bolts, but it didn't affect American Pharoah, a sweet-striding 3-year-old. The colt dealt with similar conditions in winning the Rebel Stakes in March.

Part of the record crowd of 131,680 may have missed the race as they fled the infield and huddled under tents. No matter. The result was not a surprise.

The dominating win confirmed owner Ahmed Zayat's belief that American Pharoah is a champion in the making.

"I always told everybody American Pharoah would show up today," said Zayat, drenched after his trip to the winner's circle. "Indeed he did. He is the real deal."

American Pharoah may have only half a tail and sensitive ears that Baffert stuffs with cotton, but he's pretty close to perfection. Bought back at auction by Zayat for $300,000, American Pharoah earned $900,000 for the win to boost his winnings to $3.7 million.

A Triple Crown is priceless.

"He put on a show today," said Zayat, a businessman from Egypt who lives in Teaneck, New Jersey. "Nobody came close to him.

He added: "The sport without star is not a sport."

Baffert, who was unhappy American Pharoah drew the inside post, was concerned when the rains came.

"That was crazy," Baffert said. "These horses, I could tell they didn't like it when they got pelted like that. I was worried about the cotton balls in his ears. What if they're getting soaking wet?"

Espinoza has his chance at history, too. Although his horse in the previous race was scratched when it reared up in the starting gate and fell, Espinoza remained unfazed.

In fact, he became the first jockey to have a third try at a Triple Crown. The 42-year-old rider from Mexico won the Derby and Preakness with War Emblem in 2002 and California Chrome last year, but fell short in the Belmont.

"I hope the third one is the charm," Espinoza said.

American Pharoah broke a step slow before Espinoza hustled him to the lead. He then fended off a brief bid from Mr. Z, while American Pharoah's stablemate, Dortmund, and Derby runner-up Firing Line were never factors.

"He didn't like the sloppy track," said Dortmund's rider, Martin Garcia. "He didn't come out good from the gate. He didn't like the mud in his face."

Simon Callaghan, who trains Firing Line, said the horse lost all chance when he stumbled a stride out of the gate.

"That took his momentum and then he never really got hold of the track," Callaghan said.

American Pharoah comes into the 1 1/2-mile Belmont with a six-race winning streak. His margin of victory in the Preakness was the largest since Smarty Jones won by a record 11 1/2 lengths in 2004. It matched the sixth-largest margin in Preakness history.

Tale of Verve was a distant second, followed by Divining Rod, Dortmund, Mr. Z, Danzig Moon, Firing Line and Bodhisattva. The winning time for the 1 3-16th miles was 1:58.46.

American Pharoah was sent off as the 4-5 favorite and returned $3.80, $3.40 and $2.80. Tale of Verve returned $19 and $8.80, and Divining Rod paid $5.20.

"It went very well," Espinoza said. "He bounced out of there. He broke a little tiny bit slow and I pushed him to the front."

Ron Turcotte, who rode Secretariat to the 1973 Triple Crown, is pulling for a new member to join the club.

"There is no denying American Pharoah was impressive today and we should all savor his performance," Turcotte said in a statement. "The sport needs a Triple Crown winner and he could very well be the one."

The Belmont, also known as the Test of the Champion, looms. Among those preparing to spoil the party are Frosted (fourth in the Derby), Materiality (sixth), Keen Ice (seventh), Mubtaahij (eighth), Carpe Diem (10th) and Frammento (11th). Also set to run is Peter Pan winner Madefromlucky.

___

AP Racing Writer Richard Rosenblatt wrote this report.

Danny Salazar makes his sixth start of the season for the Indians on Saturday night as he faces Colby Lewis and the Texas Rangers. Salazar is coming off a 8-2 victory over Minnesota in which he allowed one run in seven innings with 11 strikeouts.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Get live updates and chat with beat writers Paul Hoynes and Zack Meisel in the comments section below as the Indians play the middle game of a three-game series against Texas at Globe Life Park in Arlington on Saturday

Game 35: Indians (13-21) vs. Rangers (15-21).

First pitch: 8:05 p.m. ET.

The Cardinals brought their act to Cleveland earlier this week and took two out of three from the Indians. It was their first series victory ever against the Tribe.

ARLINGTON, Texas - St. Louis came to Progressive Field earlier this week and while they didn't thump their chest and proclaim themselves to be the best baseball team in the land, they did take two out of three from the Indians, a team they'd never won a series against.

The Cardinals still have the best record in the big leagues and retained their No.1 ranking in this week's edition of MLB's power rankings by Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes.

But there was movement among MLB's 29 other teams not the least of which include Milwaukee climbing out of the cellar for the first time this season. Here's how MLB's 30 teams stacked up headed into the seventh week of the season.

(Records are through Friday)

No.1. St. Louis Cardinals.

Last week: No.1

Record: 24-11.

Manager: Mike Matheny.

What gives: The Cardinals have to be happy they won't see Corey Kluber again this year.

No. 2. Los Angeles Dodgers.

Last week: No. 2.

Record: 23-12.

Manager: Don Mattingly.

What gives: The Dodgers are leading the NL in runs, doubles and homers.

No. 3. Kansas City Royals.

Last week: No.5.

Record: 23-13.

Manager: Ned Yost.

What gives: The Royals, with have won five of their last seven games, lead the AL in batting average and runs.

No. 4. Detroit Tigers.

Last week: No.4.

Record: 22-14.

Manager: Brad Ausmus.

What gives: Miguel Cabrera went 6-for-10 with three homers and seven RBI on Thursday against the Twins and Friday against the Cardinals. Take heart Indians fans, he does this against other teams as well.

No. 5. New York Yankees.

Last week: No. 3.

Record: 21-16.

Manger: Joe Girardi

What gives: The Yankees lost three out of four to Tampa Bay and Michael Pineda followed his 16-strikeout game against Baltimore by getting thumped by the Royals on Friday night.

No.6. Houston Astros.

Last week: No. 6.

Record: 23-13.

Manager: A. J. Hinch.

What gives: Lefty Dallas Keuchel improved to 5-0 with a win Friday night over Toronto.

No. 7. Minnesota Twins.

Last week: No. 8.

Record: 20-16.

Manager: Paul Molitor.

What gives: The Twins rank 14^th in the AL in homers, but fifth in runs.

No. 8. Chicago Cubs.

Last week: No. 9.

Record: 20-15.

Manager: Joe Maddon.

What gives: Rookie Kris Bryant has hit his first four big-league homers in his last seven games.

No. 9. Tampa Bay Rays.

Last week: No. 10.

Record: 20-17.

Manager: Kevin Cash.

What gives: They took three out of four from the AL East-leading Yankees before losing to the Twins on Friday. Former Indian Asdrubal Cabrera on Friday made his first error as a shortstop since June 22, 2014.

No. 10. New York Mets.

Last week: No. 7.

Record: 20-16.

Manager: Terry Collins.

What gives: The Mets have lost five straight and scored three or fewer runs in 13 of their last 17 games. The rumble they hear behind them in the NL East belongs to the Washington Nationals.

No. 11. Washington Nationals.

Last week: No. 13.

Record: 20-17.

Manager: Matt Williams.

What gives: Bryce Harper hit his 13^th homer Friday night, matching his total from last year when he was limited to 100 games because of injuries.

No. 12. San Diego Padres.

Last week: No.11.

Record: 19-18.

Manager: Bud Black.

What gives: James Shields is 5-0, but pitching isn't the Padres' problem. In spite of all the moves they made during the winter to improve the offense, they're been shut out an MLB-high six times this season.

No. 13. San Francisco Giants.

Last week: No. 12.

Record: 18-18.

Manager: Bruce Bochy.

What gives: The Giants have been treading water for the first 36 games of the season. Maybe the return of Hunter Pence on Saturday can get them back into the mainstream in the NL West.

No. 14. Cincinnati Reds.

Last week: No. 14.

Record: 18-18.

Manager: Bryan Price.

What gives: The Reds are still playing .500 ball and Great American Ballpark didn't burn down Friday night when one of the steamboat smokestacks caught fire behind the bleachers caught fire. That's a win-win.

No. 15. Los Angeles Angels.

Last week: No. 18.

Record: 18-17.

Manager Mike Scioscia.

What gives: The Angels starters, in their last five games, are 4-0 with a 1.61 ERA. Lead-dog starter Jered Weaver is 2-4, but has won his last two starts.

No. 16. Boston Red Sox.

Last week: No. 16.

Record: 17-19.

Manager: John Farrell.

What gives: The Red Sox have won four of their last seven games, but it's going to be a while before Farrell pitches to Seattle's Nelson Cruz again in a game situation. Cruz, with first base open in the ninth inning Friday, beat Boston with a walk-off single.

No. 17. Pittsburgh Pirates.

Last week: No. 17.

Record: 17-19.

Manager: Clint Hurdle.

What gives: The Pirates are 0-5 in extra inning games.

No. 18. Toronto Blue Jays.

Last week: No. 15.

Record: 17-20.

Manager: John Gibbons.

What gives: Here's the Blue Jays' big problem - they lead the AL in runs, while allowing the second-most runs in the league.

No. 19. Chicago White Sox.

Last week: No. 28.

Record 15-17.

Manager: Robin Ventura.

What gives: The White Sox have scored 57 runs and hit 12 homers in the last 12 games.

No. 20. Seattle Mariners.

Last week: 23.

Record: 16-19.

Manager: Lloyd McClendon.

What gives: The Mariners are 9-8 in one-run games this season.

No. 21. Atlanta Braves.

Last week: No. 21.

Record: 16-19.

Manager: Fredi Gonzalez.

What gives: The Braves are hitting .208 (16-for-77) through seven games of a nine-game trip that ends Sunday in Miami.

No. 22. Baltimore Orioles.

Last week: No. 20.

Record: 15-18.

Manager: Buck Showalter.

What gives: The Orioles have lost seven of their last 10, but their bullpen has been excellent since the end of April.

No. 23. Arizona Diamondbacks.

Last week: No.22.

Record: 15-19.

Manager: Chip Hale.

What gives: Paul Goldschmidt leads the D-backs in batting average (.344), homers (nine), RBI (30), on base percentage (.446) and hits (43). They've split their last 10 games.

No. 24: Miami Marlins.

Last week: No. 19.

Record: 16-20.

Manager: Mike Redmond.

What's up: Dee Gordon has 61 hits through his first 33 games this season. It ties him with Rod Carew and George Sisler for the second most by a player since 1914.

No. 25. Texas Rangers

Last week: No. 25.

Record: 15-21.

Manager: Jeff Banister.

What gives: After going 7-14 in April, the Rangers are 8-7 in May.

No.26. Indians.

Last week: No. 28.

Record: 13-21.

What gives: When you look at the games Carlos Carrasco, Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer pitched over the last homestand, it makes you realize just how much good pitching the Indians are wasting.

No. 27. Philadelphia Phillies.

Last week: No. 27.

Record: 14-23.

Manager: Ryne Sandberg.

What gives: When the Phillies beat Arizona on Friday night it gave them a three-game winning streak for the first time this season.

No. 28: Colorado Rockies.

Last week: No. 24.

Record: 12-20.

Manager: Walt Weiss.

What gives: The Rockies, after winning seven of their first nine games, have lost 18 of their last 23.

No. 29. Milwaukee Brewers.

Last week: No.30.

Record: 13-23.

Manager: Craig Counsel.

What gives: The Brewers have split their last 10 games, but have spent 34 straight days in last place in the NL Central.

No. 30. Oakland Athletics.

Last week: No. 26.

Record: 13-24.

Manager: Bob Melvin.

What gives: The A's, who have lost eight of their last 10 games, have replaced the Brewers as the cellar-dwellers of the power rankings. They have won consecutive games once this season.