Indians finally looking like defending AL champs

Cleveland Indians’ Jose Ramirez, left, Francisco Lindor, center, and Erik Gonzalez celebrate a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels. AP

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians are finally starting to look like the defending American League champions.

Cleveland ran its winning streak to a seven games — its longest of the season — and moved to a season-high 10 games over .500 with Thursday’s 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Manager Terry Francona knows the streak has come at a critical point for his team, which stumbled out of the All-Star break with a 1-5 road trip.

“We needed it, but needing it and doing it are two different things,” he said.

“We’re trying to play the game the right way, that’s what we did,” said Francisco Lindor, who singled to break a tie in the seventh. “It helps a lot. You win a couple of games in a row and it definitely builds up your confidence.”

Trevor Bauer (9-8) pitched a season-high eight innings, striking out six and allowing seven hits. Cody Allen pitched the ninth for his 18th save while JC Ramirez (9-9) took the loss.

Bauer worked out of a jam in the seventh that began with runners on second and third and no out. The right-hander realized he had one of two options.

“I either give up runs and we probably lose or I find a way to get out of it,” he said. “Thankfully, it worked out.”

The Angels were swept for the first time since April 14-16 at Kansas City.

“We’re not going to look back at the series,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “Those guys, that’s a good team over there, and we cracked open the door for them a couple of times.”