CLEVELAND – We were all witnesses again.

Wednesday afternoon at Progressive Field, right across the street from where the evil LeBron James used to lurk, Cleveland fans were forced to take in yet another dubious moment in the history of their sports teams, when the Angels’ Ervin Santana tossed a no-hitter to beat the Indians 3-1.

It was the first-ever no-hitter at Jacobs/Progressive Field, and maybe not that ironically enough after all, a Cleveland pitcher didn’t pull off the milestone.

The Indians weren’t witnesses. They actually participated in the game, but served merely as bystanders to Santana’s greatness, which magnified their inefficiency.

“He was on. We weren’t,” said left fielder Michael Brantley, who made the final out of the game, lifting a soft fly ball to center fielder Peter Bourjos, as the Angels flooded the field to celebrate the first no-hitter in the seven-year career of the 28-year-old right-hander. “It’s disappointing that we didn’t win the game. That’s all you can say.”

Not quite. If it was possible to raise the embarrassment bar further, the Indians, who have lost six of their last seven games (eight of nine at home), accomplished that, committing an unfathomable five errors with a passed ball to boot.

“Some of them were silly mistakes,” said first baseman Matt LaPorta, who committed one of them on an unnecessary throw in the ninth inning, one of two innings in which Cleveland committed two errors. “We just can’t have that if we want to be a championship ballclub.”

While the Indians, other than starting pitcher David Huff – one earned run on five hits over 5 2/3 innings — were a sloppy bunch, Santana, a native of the Dominican Republic, was near perfect.

Yes, Cleveland got a run in the opening inning, but it was thanks to an error on shortstop Erick Aybar. Indians leadoff hitter Ezequiel Carrera reached on the error, stole second, and moved to third on a ground out before coming home on a wild pitch from Santana. That and an eighth-inning walk to Lonnie Chisenhall were the only blemishes on the line of Santana, who retired 22 straight Indians after Carrera reached and struck out five of the last eight he faced. He struck out 10 on the day.

Santana’s no-hitter is the first in Cleveland since Toronto’s Dave Stieb accomplished as much, Sept. 2, 1990, at Municipal Stadium, and it was the first overall against the Indians since New York’s Jim Abbott no-hit them Sept. 4, 1993, at old Yankee Stadium.

In addition to wicked stuff and pinpoint location, Santana had another thing working in his favor – the Indians’ offense, which has scuffled for much of the season, especially over the past week.

“We have struggled,” Acta said of a Cleveland offense that has scored fewer than two runs four times in its last seven games. “I was not anticipating these kids from Triple-A coming over and trying to put the lineup on their shoulders. Our pitching has given us a chance. That’s why we’ve won games. Our offense is still a work in progress.

“Regardless of how our offense is going, you can’t take credit away from (Santana). He was terrific. We’ve seen guys throw harder with better stuff, but a lot of times you don’t have to have your best stuff.”

With three rookies — Carrera (CF), third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall and second baseman Jason Kipnis – and plenty of other inexperienced players, Santana’s arsenal was simply too much. Kipnis actually provided the Indians with their best chance for a hit in the sixth inning, sending a grounder past Santana that second baseman Howie Kendrick dove to stop and quickly got to his feet in time to throw for the out.

“He was just hitting his spots really well,” said LaPorta, who struck out twice in three at-bats. “The guy threw a great game. He was throwing pitches for strikes and making us chase.”

The Indians pitched well enough to win, starting with Huff, who enabled his team to carry its early lead by shutting out the Angels over the first four innings until Santana’s teammates finally broke free for consecutive runs in the fifth and sixth.

“My hats off to him,” Huff said. “Santana had all of his stuff today and he was locating it everywhere.”

With a Tigers loss to the White Sox on Wednesday, Cleveland’s deficit remained at two games in the Central Division standings, but there is little doubt that the injury-depleted offensively-challenged Indians are reeling.

Since May 24, the Indians, who owned the majors’ best record for first two months and led the division until the final day prior to All-Star break, are 22-35 and have lost nine games in the standings. At 52-50, the Indians are only two games over .500 for the first time since April 7.

“It’s kind of a stressful time for us right now,” said outfielder Travis Buck, who struck out as a pinch hitter for Austin Kearns to lead off the ninth. “We’re a couple games behind the Tigers and you’ve got the trading deadline coming. You just try to block that stuff out, but it’s still in the back of your mind.”

If general manager Chris Antonetti needed more proof that the Indians are in dire need of offensive help, he got it Wednesday at the hands of Santana.

Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Fan him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

CLEVELAND – It’s only been two starts, but David Huff already looks like a different pitcher than the one that’s been in and out of the Indians’ rotation the past two years.

With a new delivery and a better mindset that has produced positive results in his first two big league starts of the season – one earned run in 12 2/3 innings — the left-hander has more than likely secured the rotation spot of Mitch Talbot (lower back strain), who is not expected to rejoin the starting five when he is ready to leave the disabled list.

The mental side was on display Wednesday, as Huff’s will was tested by three errors from his fielders during his 5 2/3 innings on the mound, two in the third inning of a no-hitter by his counterpart, Los Angeles’ Ervin Santana.

In the past, Huff might have let the shoddy defense get to him, but this time he didn’t, pitching through both innings in which Cleveland committed errors behind him without a run crossing the plate.

“I don’t think the errors bothered David,” said Indians manager Manny Acta. “I thought he did well. It wasn’t about David Huff. We just could do anything against Santana.”

“Errors happen. It’s nothing I can control,” Huff said. “You just have to move on and get the next guy. Today was just bad luck.”

Huff tinkered with his delivery at Triple-A Columbus, where he has spent the majority of the season after making 38 starts for Cleveland the past two years. It paid off, with Huff going 8-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 17 starts for the Clippers.

“He worked at Triple-A at being a little more aggressive with his delivery,” Acta said. “His fastball velocity has been better, and he’s also developed a cutter. It’s only been two outings, but so far, he’s been good.”

Huff, who didn’t allow a run over seven innings of his season debut July 18 at Minnesota, said he has added deception to his delivery.

“It’s nice to be able to blow a fastball by a guy instead of having him foul it off because he can see it earlier,” Huff said. “It’s a work in progress, but it’s been good so far.”

Just like Huff.

Elusive choice?

The Indians have yet to agree to terms with first-round draft pick Francisco Lindor, a shortstop out of Montverde Academy in Clermont, Fla.

General manager Chris Antonetti said the club is still in the midst of talks with Lindor, the eighth overall pick, who has verbally committed to Florida State. Scouting director Brad Grant is handling the negotiations with Lindor.

The Indians have until Aug. 15 to sign Lindor, who they project as their future shortstop.

Next up

The Indians are off today, wrapping up the homestand with a three-game series against Kansas City that begins Friday night at 7:05.

Carlos Carrasco (8-8, 4.25 ERA) opens the set for Cleveland, opposing LHP Jeff Francis (3-11, 4.65).

Justin Masterson (8-7, 2.57) goes for the Indians on Saturday (7:05) against RHP Felipe Paulino (1-4, 3.86), while Fausto Carmona (5-10, 5.34) starts the series finale Sunday (1:05), KC countering with RHP Kyle Davies (1-9, 6.75).

The Indians are 7-2 against the Royals this season, including a 3-0 mark at home.

Minor details

Tim Fedroff was a home run shy of the cycle Tuesday in Columbus’ 3-0 victory at Syracuse. He went 3-for-5 with two RBIs.

**Left fielder John Drennen had the only multihit game for Double-A Akron on Tuesday, going 2-for-4 in the Aeros’ 4-3 loss to Trenton. Drennen, the 33rd overall draft pick in 2005, entered Wednesday batting .250 with three homers and 19 RBIs in 50 games for Akron.

**High-A Kinston center fielder Tyler Holt had two of his team’s five hits Tuesday in a 9-2 loss at Winston-Salem. Holt, a 10th-round draft pick last year out of Florida State, was hitting .258 with two homers, 22 RBIs and 23 stolen bases in 92 games through Tuesday.  

Roundin’ third

Of the nine games the Indians and Angels played this season, eight of the nine were decided by two runs or fewer, with seven of the nine decided by a run. Los Angeles won six of the nine games.

**Justin Germano’s perfect game Tuesday for Columbus was the first in the International League since Pawtucket’s Bronson Arroyo tossed one against Cleveland affiliate Buffalo in 2003.

Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Fan him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

CLEVELAND — With less than a week before the trading deadline, the Indians have yet to make any noise.

“I’m confident we will do everything we can to make a deal,” said general manager Chris Antonetti. “Now, whether that results in a trade is difficult to say. It takes two parties to make a deal. Despite our best efforts, we haven’t been able to line up the right value.

“Our preference would have been to have done something a few weeks ago. Hopefully, over the next day or two, some dominoes will start to fall and that will open the market.”

The Indians are in contention for the first time since 2007, entering Tuesday a game behind the Tigers in the Central Division standings. They have been searching for offensive assistance to improve their chances in the division race, but Antonetti said they have also had talks concerning perspective pitching trades.

“Our philosophy is that we want to take advantage of every opportunity we have to get to the postseason,” Antonetti said. “That being said, you have to be mindful of the cost of doing that. We are prepared to do what’s reasonable to improve the team. But we can’t be limited in our focus to just the last 2 1⁄2 months. If you make a foolish decision now, it’s one you could regret for multiple years.”

Any trade of significance would most likely involve parting with one or more of the Indians’ prized prospects. Ideally, Cleveland would bring aboard a player or two with favorable contracts that could replace the prospects.

“To trade our best young players that have multiple years of control, it would have to be a compelling deal,” Antonetti said. “It would be difficult to see us trade our best young players for a player that would only be here for two months. That being said, we’re willing to trade good players and willing to take on salary to improve the team.”

Antonetti said the Indians have exchanged proposals with a number of teams. Still, the deadline could pass with the club doing nothing at all.

“I think it would be (a disappointment) in some sense,” Antonetti said, if the Indians are unable to make a trade. “I feel confident in the way this young group has played and am optimistic about the return of Grady (Sizemore) and (Shin-Soo) Choo. But we have an opportunity to improve our chances and improve our team, and to that extent, I’d like to get something done.”

Throwing perfection

Justin Germano’s first win for Triple-A Columbus was a perfect one.

Germano, who started the season pitching out of the Indians bullpen, tossed a perfect game Tuesday night in the Clippers’ 3-0 victory at Syracuse. He struck out seven.

Germano entered the night with an 0-2 record and 4.58 ERA in 14 games (four starts) for Columbus.

Wounded Wahoos

Choo (broken left thumb) is able to grip a bat and says he is ahead of schedule in his bid to return before the final month of the season, but Antonetti is reserving judgment. “I don’t think we’ll know for certain until he starts baseball activities,” Antonetti said. “We’re encouraged by the way he’s progressed.”

Alex White (surgery right middle finger) emerged unscathed from his first simulated game Monday, and is scheduled to pitch another today at Double-A Akron. Depending on how White holds up, manager Manny Acta said he would require three to four minor league rehab outings before returning to the Indians as a reliever.

Mitch Talbot (lower back strain) pitched 22⁄3 scoreless innings Monday in a rehab outing with Triple-A Columbus. Talbot, who is out of minor league options, is eligible to leave the disabled list, but with no room in the rotation, he will most likely be designated for assignment. He would then need to clear waivers before being outrighted to Columbus.

Minor details

• Beau Mills’ first hit since being promoted to Columbus was a home run, the first baseman connecting on a solo shot in the Clippers’ 4-1 loss to Lehigh Valley on Monday. He was 1-for-9 in three games through Monday.
• Drew Pomeranz made his third start since being promoted to Akron, allowing two runs on four hits, while striking out six in 41⁄3 innings of the Aeros’ 9-8 loss to Trenton on Monday. The fifth overall draft choice last year, is 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA in three starts for Akron.

Roundin’ third

• According to Elias Sports Bureau, Jason Kipnis is the first Indian to record a walk-off hit as his first career big league hit since the RBI became an official statistic in 1920.
• A crowd of 19,384 Monday pushed the Indians over the one-million mark in attendance in their 48th game. They didn’t reach the one-million mark until their 57th home date last year.

Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

CLEVELAND — The Indians had their rally caps on again Tuesday night at Progressive Field, only this time the Angels turned them back around.

Catcher Carlos Santana, right, confers with starting pitcher Josh Tomlin during the seventh inning last night. (AP photo.)

For the second straight night Cleveland produced a ninth-inning uprising against its American League rival, but there was no winning hit and no victory celebration at the end of a 2-1 loss to Los Angeles.

The elements were present for another fantastic finish, with the Indians loading the bases with no outs against Angels closer Jordan Walden.

But they failed to score — Monday night’s hero Jason Kipnis striking out to end the game after Matt LaPorta bounced into a disastrous double play.

Kipnis’ first career hit, an RBI single Monday, lifted the Indians to their 11th win in their last
at-bat at home and their 23rd come-from-behind victory.

“They stopped the magic,” Indians manager Manny Acta said of the Angels, who handed his team its fifth loss in six games, with Cleveland falling two games behind the first-place Tigers in the Central Division standings. “We played good baseball. The only thing we couldn’t get was a key hit.”

That was the case for much of the night, which morphed into a pitching duel between Indians starter Josh Tomlin and Los Angeles’ Jered Weaver, the AL’s starter in the All-Star Game.

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Tomlin (11-5, 4.01 ERA) stayed with Weaver (14-4, 1.79) for the majority of the game, which was scoreless through six innings, as neither club was able to break through until the seventh.

That’s when Tomlin finally cracked, allowing a two-run double to Mark Trumbo that proved to be the game-winning hit. With a runner on, the Indians elected to walk Howie Kendrick to get to Trumbo, who made them pay, driving a ball into the gap in right-center.

The Indians also scored in the seventh on LaPorta’s solo home run, but it wasn’t enough to reward Tomlin for another quality effort.

“It’s definitely tough to lose one like that,” Tomlin said. “But I made more mistakes than (Weaver) did, and that’s why we lost the game.”

Tomlin allowed the two runs on just four hits, striking out three over eight innings. He has pitched at least five innings in each of his first 33 career starts, the only pitcher in baseball to accomplish as much since 1919.

“He was in complete command the whole night,” Acta said. “He made one mistake. It’s a shame that Tomlin had to lose it.”

The Indians had a handful of opportunities to get to Weaver before the ninth-inning rally.

Kipnis started the third with a leadoff double — the first hit off Weaver — and put another aboard on a one-out walk to Ezequiel Carrera, but Michael Brantley popped out and Asdrubal Cabrera grounded to second. Brantley also hit into a pair of double plays in the fifth and eighth innings.

Cleveland had runners on first and second with one out in the fourth before LaPorta flew out and Kipnis struck out.

But the most frustrating of failures arrived during the Indians’ last chance for a win.
Consecutive singles from Travis Hafner and Carlos Santana preceded a sacrifice bunt from Lonnie Chisenhall, who reached when the Angels tried unsuccessfully to cut down the lead runner at third.

That brought LaPorta to the plate with a chance to tie the game with a fly ball or win it with a hit. He did neither, bouncing a ground ball to second that was fielded by Kendrick, who threw home for the first out, with the relay beating LaPorta to first.

“He battled and got the count to 3-2,” Acta said of LaPorta. “But the bottom line is, ‘You get your pitches, you’ve got to hit them.’ ”

Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.