(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH -- Shane Bieber took the hill for the tribe and was the first pitcher not named Corey Kluber to start the season opener since the 2013 season. The reigning All-Star Game MVP was lights out in what ended up being a record breaking night. The Cleveland right hander struck out 14 batters, setting a new club record for most strikeouts by an Indians pitcher on Opening Day, a record that was previously held by Gary Bell. The tribe rallied behind an excellent start by Bieber, cruising to a 2-0 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals.
The Kansas City Royals came knocking on the door in a tie game during the top of the fifth inning. Adalberto Mondesi stepped into the batter's box with two outs and runners on the corners, before chasing a sinking slider as Bieber worked out of the jam with no damage done. After escaping the top of the fifth unscathed, the tribe got on the board. Indians center fielder Oscar Mercado ripped a grounder past the Kansas City shortstop, scoring Jordan Luplow for the first run of the season. Tribe newcomer Cesar Hernandez followed up the Mercado hit with an RBI of his own, smoking a ground ball down the third baseline for an RBI double.
Tribe skipper Terry Francona went to the bullpen in the 7th inning, handing the ball to Adam Cimber to maintain the lead. The submarine style righty faced four batters, walking one and giving up zero hits in one inning of relief. Three time All-Star closer Brad Hand shut down the Royals after facing four batters, recording one walk and striking out two.
Shane Bieber finished the game with 97 total pitches over 6.0 innings, giving up 0 earned runs and striking out 14 Royals en route to his first decision of the season. Brad Hand recorded save number one of the season and Kansas City left hander Danny Duffy was hit with his first loss. The Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals will square off at Progressive Field on Saturday Evening, first pitch set for 5:10 pm ET. Check out highlights from tonight's game below!