Friday's MLB roundup

From All-Star MVP to ace, and Shane Bieber is only getting better.

Bieber struck out 14 over six scoreless innings as the Indians, making a statement for minorities by wearing their road jerseys with "Cleveland" on the front, took off on a 60-game season sprint by beating the Kansas City Royals 2-0 in their delayed home opener on Friday night.

"It's definitely something I embrace and look forward to," Bieber said.

Bieber began last season as a No. 5 starter with plenty of potential. But the 25-year-old, who earned MVP honors in the All-Star Game at Progressive Field in July, has become the heir apparent to two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber, traded by Cleveland to Texas in December.

Bieber's 14 strikeouts set a club record for Opening Day and are the most in the majors in an opener since Hall of Famer Randy Johnson also fanned 14 on March 31, 1996.

Oscar Mercado and Cesar Hernandez drove in runs in the fifth for Cleveland, which was blanked over the first four innings by Royals starter Danny Duffy. But Duffy was pulled in the fifth by new Kansas City manager Mike Matheny after 65 pitches.

Houston 8, Seattle 2: Dusty Baker won his Houston managerial debut and the host Astros, playing for the first time since their sign-stealing scandal rocked baseball, opened the season by beating the Mariners.

Boston 13, Baltimore 2: J.D. Martinez and Kevin Pillar each drove in three runs, and the host Red Sox opened by rolling past the Orioles.

Chicago 3, Milwaukee 0: Kyle Hendricks convinced new manager David Ross to let him finish a three-hitter, Anthony Rizzo homered and dished out hand sanitizer and the host Cubs began the season by beating the rival Brewers. Ian Happ also had a two-run drive and Ross got his first victory as a big league manager.

New York 1, Atlanta 0: Yoenis Cespedes immediately capitalized on the new designated hitter rule in the NL by launching a home run that sent Jacob deGrom and the host Mets past the Braves. Cespedes connected in the seventh off reliever Chris Martin for his first long ball since his previous major league game on July 20, 2018.

Los Angeles 9, San Francisco 1: Max Muncy homered twice and doubled, Ross Stripling pitched seven neat innings and the host Dodgers routed the Giants for the second day in a row.

San Diego 7, Arizona 2: Eric Hosmer hit three-run doubles in consecutive innings to ruin Madison Bumgarner's Diamondbacks debut and give the host Padres a victory.

Miami 5, Philadelphia 2: Jesus Aguilar hit a two-run homer off Aaron Nola and the visiting Marlins spoiled the debut of Phillies manager Joe Girardi.

Cincinnati 7, Detroit 1: Mike Moustakas drove in four runs in an emphatic first impression, and the host Reds opened by beating the Tigers.

Texas 1, Colorado 0: Lance Lynn struck out nine in six sharp innings and the host Rangers inaugurated their new retractable-roof stadium.