Mariners snap Bieber's strikeout streak, beat Indians 3-2

SEATTLE (AP) — Mitch Haniger hit two doubles and the Seattle Mariners snapped Shane Bieber’s record strikeout streak, beating the Cleveland Indians and their ace 3-2 on Sunday.

Bieber (4-3) had fanned at least eight in 20 straight games, but the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner fell short with seven. He was pulled after issuing his fourth walk, and finished his shortest outing of the season at 4 2/3 innings trailing 3-0.

“The last few outings haven't been super sharp like the beginning of the year,” Bieber said. “That's the way baseball goes if you're starting. You have to ride the highs and lows.”

The victory was Seattle’s third straight following a season-high five-game losing streak. Cleveland has lost three in a row.

Seven Mariners pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts. Opener Robert Dugger went three innings and Paul Sewald (1-0) pitched the next two to pick up his first win since 2019.

Kendall Gravemen worked the ninth for his fifth save. The bullpen start was necessary after four Mariners with starts this season have landed on the injured list.

“They know they have to lean on each other,” Servais said.

Haniger, tied for the major league lead with 12 home runs, doubled and scored on Kyle Lewis’ single in the first.

Bieber walked Haniger and Kyle Seager to start the third, setting up J.P. Crawford’s two-run single. Crawford said the team decided to be aggressive against Bieber.

“Bring it on, I'm going to rake your face,” Crawford said. “That's what I'm thinking in the box.”

Bieber walked Lewis and Crawford to load the bases with two outs in the fifth, ending his appearance. Reliever Phil Maton got out of the jam with a strikeout.

“We certainly respect their starter and what he's done, but we were ready,” Mariners...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Mariners-snap-Bieber-s-strikeout-streak-beat-16181397.php