Bieber tosses complete game
CLEVELAND — Shane Bieber became the first pitcher this season to throw three complete games, a five-hitter that led the Indians over the Angels 6-2 Sunday for a three-game sweep.
Bieber (11-4) struck out eight and walked none, reaching 300 career strikeouts in his 44th big league appearance. Bieber, the All-Star Game MVP, is 9-2 in his last 15 starts.
The Indians are 37-15 since June 4, the best record in the majors in that span. After trailing by as many as 111⁄2 games in early June, the Indians now are just three back of the AL Central-leading Twins.
Jason Kipnis hit a solo homer and drove in three runs, and Francisco Lindor and rookie Oscar Mercado also hit solo homers off Jaime Barria (4-5), who gave up three runs in 3 ⁄ innings. Barria is 2-4 with a 10.13 ERA on the road.
Kole Calhoun homered and Albert Pujols had an RBI single for the Angels, who lost their fourth straight and at 56-57 dropped below .500 for the first time since July 7. The Angels are 1-15 in their last 16 games at Progressive Field.
Angels right-hander Luke Bard left with a bruised right triceps after being struck by a Carlos Santana line drive in the fifth. The ball landed just short of the outfield grass near shortstop.
Indians designated hitter Franmil Reyes struck out in all four plate appearances, breaking the bat over his right leg following his third whiff.
Lindor had two RBIs, Santana singled twice and Jordan Luplow had a pair of doubles. Luplow was filling in for left fielder Tyler Naquin, who has a sore wrist.