Bieber's strikeout streak ends, Mariners chase Indians ace

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber throws against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, May 16, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) (Elaine Thompson, Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

SEATTLE – Shane Bieber's record strikeout streak ended Sunday when the Seattle Mariners sent the Cleveland ace to an early exit.

Bieber had fanned at least eight in 20 straight games. But the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner fell just short against the Mariners, striking out seven in 4 2/3 innings.

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Bieber left trailing 3-0 with the bases loaded in his shortest outing of the season.

The 25-year-old right-hander leads the majors with 92 strikeouts. Bieber started the season with 10 or more strikeouts in his first four outings, another major league record.

The last time Bieber didn't strike out at least eight in a regular-season game was his final start of the 2019 season. He struck out seven last year in a playoff start against the Yankees.

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