CLEVELAND, OH – The Indians know how important every game is and they played like it on Friday night. Cleveland never trailed in their 5-2 win over Philadelphia.
The Indians got off to a quick start in the first inning. Francisco Lindor walked to begin the game. The Tribe followed that up with three straight hits to make it 2-0. Oscar Mercado got things started with an RBI double off the wall. Carlos Santana followed with a single of his own and Yasiel Puig capped things off with an RBI single.
The Indians scored two more runs in the second inning, extending their lead to 4-0.
We've said it before, and we'll say it again:Carlos Santana is a big gamer.#RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/X6NnQPJVxF
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) September 20, 2019Shane Bieber was great again for the Tribe. He didn’t allow a hit until the fourth and allowed just two runs in 7⅓ innings. Bieber allowed seven hits and finished with seven strikeouts. He didn’t issue a walk and improves to 15-7 on the season.
Bieber became the first Indians pitcher with 250 or more strikeouts in a season at age 24 or younger. Bob Feller reached the mark in 1940 (261) and 1941 (260). Herb Score did it in 1956 (263) and Sam McDowell did it in 1965 (325). Bieber has 252 strikeouts with one more start remaining this season.
Apparently Philly's already built a statue of Harper. pic.twitter.com/YmyYokac4F
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 21, 2019The Indians tacked on an insurance run in the seventh inning. Yu Chang doubled with one out, which set the table for Mercado’s second RBI of the night.
Philadelphia threatened in the eighth. Slugger Jay Bruce came to the plate representing the tying run with runners on first and third, but he hit a soft grounder to second base that ended the inning.
Carlos Carrasco got the final out of the eighth and finished the job in the ninth, picking up the 4-out save. It was his first save since June 12, 2014.
The Indians improve to 91-63 on the season. They’ve won five straight games.
Injury Update
José Ramírez continues to make progress in hopes of returning before the end of the regular season. The two-time All-Star hit from both sides of the plate on Thursday during batting practice and is scheduled to face live pitching on Saturday.
Up Next
The Indians continue their series with the Phillies on Saturday. Zach Plesac is on the mound for the Tribe. He’s 8-6 on the season with a 3.64 ERA. Jason Vargas will start for Philadelphia. He enters with a 6-8 record and a 4.48 ERA.
