GOODYEAR, AZ -- Shane Bieber is set to be the starting pitcher on opening day, and his performance on Sunday afternoon showed why is he the expected ace for the tribe. The Cleveland right hander tossed 2 2/3 innings, allowing zero hits while recording two strikeouts and a walk in what was a brilliant performance by the reigning All-Star Most Valuable Player. The Indians launched three long balls en route to a 10-6 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Cleveland Indians had a monster 5th inning to blow the game wide open. Bradley Zimmer started the big inning with an RBI double to right field, scoring Wilson Garcia. Yu Change followed up the Zimmer base knock with an RBI groundout to the shortstop. Tribe third baseman Jose Ramirez cleared the bases with a two-run moonshot to right field to give the Indians a 7-1 lead.
The Diamondbacks did not have an answer for the tribe minor league prospects. Top 50 prospect George Valera ripped a solo homer to right field in the 6th inning. Andrew Monasterio brought home Brayan Rocchio with an RBI double to center field, lifting the tribe to a commanding 9-1 lead.
For most of the game the Diamondbacks lineup struggled, but showed some life in the 9th inning. With the bases loaded and two down, Renae Martinez launched a grand slam to left center field to cut the deficit to four runs.
The Cleveland Indians will square off against the Texas Rangers on Monday afternoon. First pitch is set for 3:05 pm ET at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona.