I watched that game...Hit one batter (first inning)...gave up one clean hit (7th inning)...no walks...struck out 18, tying Bob Feller for Cleveland record (most strikeouts in 9 innings or less). Kluber only pitched 8 innings...kinda wish they'd left him in but I assume they know how much is too much. Cody Allen retired the side in the 9th with one strikout...making it only the second time in modern era that a team has had19 strikeouts while allowing one hit or less. Kluber was awesome.
I'm surprised he's had such a weak start except for last night. I know the Indians are not doing well in the W column. Stu, do you have any thoughts?
Two: 1. He started out slowly last year as well. 2. Starting Catcher Jan Gomes has been out since the start of the season and even back when Gomes was a backup to Santana Kluber preferred working with Gomes over anyone else. It would seem that he and Perez figured something out last night, though.
:idea: FWIW- I agree about Kluber. I watched him in a game that he lost last month and I was amazed. I don't know how anybody hits that stuff. He's overpowering and on the mark with every pitch. He also seems to be as strong late in the game as he is at the beginning. Right now, he looks like the best in either league.