Indians pitcher Corey Kluber worked a nearly perfect start on Wednesday against the Cardinals in Cleveland's 2-0 win. Kluber pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing just one hit with 18 strikeouts.
It was the most strikeouts in a game since Ben Sheets in 2004 and the most by an American League pitcher since Roger Clemens in 1998. Kluber needed just 113 pitches, 74 going for strikes, in his eight innings of work.
"He started to find it and feel it," manager Terry Francona said, per MLB.com. "The pitches were thrown with conviction and confidence and attacking with all his pitches. When you have the talent he does, that's what can come of it."
Kluber, now 1-5, lowered his ERA to 4.27 in 52 2/3 innings of work. He will look to keep rolling Monday against the White Sox.