SMGB TODAY Sports, Movies, TV Shows
On April 19th, 2023, the Cleveland Indians faced off against the Detroit Tigers in an American League Central division matchup. Both teams were struggling to find their footing early in the season, with Cleveland coming into the game with a 6-10 record and Detroit at 4-12.
The starting pitchers for the game were Shane Bieber for Cleveland and Casey Mize for Detroit. Bieber, the reigning American League Cy Young award winner, had not been his dominant self in his first few starts of the season, while Mize, a former number one overall pick, was looking to build on a strong outing in his last start.
WED,APRIL 19
The game started off quietly, with both pitchers trading zeroes through the first few innings. Bieber was able to strike out the side in the second inning, showcasing his dominant stuff, while Mize induced weak contact from the Cleveland batters.
In the top of the fourth inning, Cleveland was finally able to break through against Mize. After a leadoff double by third baseman Jose Ramirez, first baseman Bobby Bradley hit a two-run home run to give the Indians a 2-0 lead. Mize was able to limit the damage, however, striking out the next three batters to end the inning.
The Tigers responded in the bottom of the fifth inning, with a solo home run by outfielder Robbie Grossman cutting the Cleveland lead in half. Detroit threatened again in the sixth inning, with runners on first and second and no outs, but Bieber was able to escape the inning with a strikeout and a double play.
In the top of the seventh inning, Cleveland extended their lead with another home run, this time by outfielder Oscar Mercado. Mize was pulled from the game after the home run, having gone six and one-third innings and allowing three runs while striking out nine batters.
Detroit’s bullpen was unable to keep the game close, however, with Cleveland adding four more runs in the eighth inning. A two-run double by Ramirez and a two-run home run by catcher Austin Hedges put the game out of reach for the Tigers.
Bieber, meanwhile, was able to dominate the Detroit offense, pitching eight innings and allowing only one run while striking out 14 batters. The Tigers were able to score a consolation run in the bottom of the ninth inning, with a solo home run by infielder Niko Goodrum, but it was too little, too late.
The win improved Cleveland’s record to 7-10 on the season, while Detroit fell to 4-13. For Cleveland, the game was a much-needed boost for their struggling offense, with Bradley, Mercado, Ramirez, and Hedges all contributing with big hits. Bieber’s dominant performance on the mound was also a positive sign for a team that has struggled to find consistency in the early part of the season.
For Detroit, the loss was yet another disappointing result in what has been a tough start to the season. Mize’s strong outing was a silver lining, however, and the Tigers will look to build on that going forward.
Overall, it was a solid win for Cleveland, who showed why they are considered one of the stronger teams in the division. With a dominant pitching performance from Bieber and clutch hits from their offense, Cleveland will look to build on this win and start climbing back up the standings.
