ST PETERSBURG, FLA -- In the midst of a 0-0 game, Indians starter Shane Bieber was pulled for the sidearmer Adam Cimber, who had immediate issues with his control. After retiring the first batter he saw, Cimber gave up a go-ahead rbi single off the bat of Avisail Garcia, before giving up a huge 3-run bomb to former Indian Jesus Aguilar. The Rays never looked back after gaining the lead, shutting out the visiting Indians by the final score of 4-0.
The tribe bats were vacant in St Pete, as they had just one baserunner advance past first base, which happened on a Tyler Naquin double in the 2nd inning. Rays' starter Austin Pruitt was dynamite, throwing 5 1/3 innings giving up four hits, striking out six batters. Tampa Bay reliever Oliver Drake earned the win, moving to 3-1 on the year.
The Cleveland Indians will look to bounce back from their 12th shutout of the season on Saturday evening as they will square off against the Tampa Bay Rays in game two of the three-game set. Saturday's matchup will pit Cleveland Indians right hander Zach Plesac against Diego Castillo of the Tampa Bay Rays. First pitch is set for 6:10 pm ET at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg Florida.