Shane Bieber fans 10-plus for record fourth straight time to open season

Shane Bieber has struck out 48 batters over the four games, tied with Nolan Ryan for most all-time in his first four appearances of a season. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Bieber strikes out 10-plus for record fourth straight time to open season

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/18/21

Cleveland Indians pitcher Shane Bieber has been dominant this season.

The reigning American League Cy Young winner struck out 13 batters over eight innings against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, marking the first time any starter has recorded 10 or more strikeouts in each of his first four starts in a single season since at least 1893, according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com.

SHANE BIEBER! 10 STRIKEOUTS! AGAIN!

He now has 10+ K in each of his 1st 4 starts this season

He's the 1st pitcher with 10+ K in his 1st 4 starts of a season since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893

(h/t @EliasSports)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 18, 2021

The 13 strikeouts gave him 48 on the campaign, which matches Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan's record through the first four starts of a season.

In his last start, Bieber joined Ryan, Randy Johnson, Gerrit Cole, Rich Hill and Sam McDowell as the only pitchers to record double-digit strikeouts over three straight starts to begin a season. Now he's in sole possession of the record.

The 25-year-old entered Sunday's contest with a 2.11 ERA, 0.891 WHIP and 35 strikeouts in 21.1 innings.

Bieber is the ace of Cleveland's staff, which includes Zach Plesac, Aaron Civale, Logan Allen and Triston McKenzie.

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