© Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Tanner Bibee Shines As Guardians Top Twins In Series Opener
Tanner Bibee struck out nine Minnesota Twins hitters as the Cleveland Guardians win the series opener.
Tanner Bibee took the mound against the Minnesota Twins looking to make up for his frustrating (by his standards) start in his season debut in Oakland. That’s exactly what Bibee did as the sophomore starter set the tone for another Cleveland Guardians win against a division rival.
Bibee ended up pitching 5.1 innings, struck out nine batters, gave up five hits, and didn’t issue a single walk. Despite what the final line said, the right-hander did face some trouble working with runners on the bases in all but one inning. The only run that he ultimately gave up was a solo home run by Edouard Julien in the fifth inning.
“I think I was just going into this with a little chip on my shoulder,” said Bibee after the game. “I mean, last start was not where I wanted it to be. I think I went up against [Pablo Lopez] a good bit last year, so it’s not new territory for me.”
The slider is typically Bibee’s best pitch and that was true once again in Minnesota. But he was especially happy with how the fastball factored into the pitch mix. Bibee may not have gotten as many punchouts with it, but it certainly set up all the success he found with the offspeed.
“I think I’m more happy with how I established the heater. I think that was the key to the success today. I think it’s just the key every single start is to establishing the heater.”
Apr 4, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Bibee may not have pitched as many innings as he would’ve liked to, but it’s still very early in the season. There will be a time this year when we see him pitching six or seven innings, but this was a solid start for Bibee and a great win for the Guardians.
