Bieber K's 11, Indians Shutout Rays in Donaldson's Debut 2-0; Three Takeaways

The Indians stopped their two game skid against the Rays winning 2-0 Tuesday night. Edwin Encarnacion and Yan Gomes each hit solo homers and that was all the offense they needed. Shane Bieber was excellent and picked up the win while Tampa’s Tyler Glasnow collected the loss.

Glasnow did pitch well as he went seven strong innings only allowing six hits and the two earned runs. The Tribe bullpen did their part too. Brad Hand and Cody Allen combined to pitch 2.1 innings giving up one hit, one walk and striking out two. Allen was awarded his 27th save on the season.

Here are three takeaways from tonight’s victory.

1. Shane Bieber was Dealing

The rookie RHP had his best performance of the year. Improving to 10-3 on the season he struck out 11 batters while giving up just three hits and three walks in 6.2 innings.

Bieber became the fifth Tribe starter to collect 10 wins on the season and has fans optimistic he will be a quality arm in the postseason coming out of the bullpen or starting if necessary.

The last time Shane Bieber faced the Rays, he allowed 9 hits and 4 runs in 5.1 innings.

Tonight, he made some key adjustments that allowed him to get deeper into the game and help the @Indians win. #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/mHgGQUicau
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) September 12, 2018

2. Edwin’s 30th Parrot Walk

Edwin Encarnacion went 2-3 on the night with one RBI coming from his solo home run. That home run was his 30th on the season and seventh straight season with at least 30 bombs.

Though his batting average is only .236 he has been a consistent power hitter and run producer, totaling 96 RBI on the year so far. His 30 home runs now gives the Indians three players with at least 30, Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor being the other two.

3. Donaldson Hitless in His Debut

Josh Donaldson was 0-4 in his debut tonight but he had a few very hard hit balls, his swing and misses were even impressive. The third baseman gave fans a reason to be excited once he gets in the swing of things.

Batting fifth in the Tribe’s lineup will make them a handful come the post-season and another bat capable of going yard at any given at bat. His addition, with a few games to knock off the rust makes them arguably the toughest lineup in baseball to get through.

The Indians will look to take the series tomorrow afternoon as Carlos Carrasco goes for win 17 against Blake Snell who has 18 wins on the year. Game will be at 1:10 pm