Ramírez homers twice, Bieber strikes out 12 in Indians' win

CLEVELAND (AP) — José Ramírez's second two-run homer of the game snapped a tie in the eighth inning and sent the Cleveland Indians to a 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday after Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber struck out 12.

Ramírez's one-out shot to right off Greg Holland (0-1) gave the Indians their first home win in 2021 after they were shut out 3-0 on Monday.

Earlier, Ramirez connected for a two-run homer in the sixth to bring in Cleveland's first runs at Progressive Field this season.

Emmanuel Clase (1-0) pitched the eighth — all nine of his fastballs were over 100 mph — and Nick Wittgren worked the ninth for his first save since Sept. 4, 2019.

Salvador Pérez homered for the Royals.

Bieber had his second strong start of the season, fanning 12 in 6 1/3 innings. But the right-hander remains winless as the Indians continue to struggle at the plate through the season's first week.

Ramírez's shot in the sixth off Jesse Hahn brought home César Hernández, giving the Indians a 3-2 lead and stopping their home scoreless streak at 14 2/3 innings.

It gave Bieber his first lead this season, but it didn't last long as the Royals tied it on Nicky Lopez's RBI single off reliever James Karinchak in the seventh.

Bieber allowed just one run three hits in 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander extended his streak of striking out at least eight to 14 games, tying Corey Kluber’s club record.

Hall of Famer Randy Johnson holds the major league mark with 17 in a row.

The Indians only got three hits Monday, and they didn't get a runner to second through the first five innings against Kansas City starter Jakob Junis, who was only slated to pitch a few innings in what was supposed to be a bullpen game.

It was 73 degrees and sunny when Bieber threw his first pitch,...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Ram-rez-homers-twice-Bieber-strikes-out-12-in-16084226.php