Blue Jays' Game 3 starter Shane Bieber embracing challenge of pitching in enemy territory at T-Mobile Park
Photo credit: https://www.mlb.com/
Shane Bieber gets the ball for the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night in Game 3 against the Seattle Mariners, with his team trailing 0-2 in the American League Championship Series.
For the second time in as many starts, Shane Bieber is leading the Blue Jays into a hostile environment.
Last week, it was Yankee Stadium in the American League Division Series, where the Bronx fans supplied their trademark blend of enthusiasm and venom as background noise for the right-hander's first postseason start following right elbow surgery.
Shane Bieber can't wait for the hostile environment at T-Mobile Park in Seattle for Game 3 of the ALCS
"I love it. It's cool. It's something to embrace. Ultimately, not many people get the opportunity to pitch in the ALCS in what's going to be a great environment. I'm excited."
Blue Jays manager John Schneider believes Shane Bieber is the right guy for the assignment in Game 3
This is the type of assignment the Blue Jays had in mind when they acquired the 30-year-old Bieber from the Guardians on July 31, surrendering right-handed pitching prospect Khal Stephen, who was ranked No. 5 in Toronto's system by MLB Pipeline and was in the midst of a breakout season.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider has all the faith in the world in the two-time Cy Young award winner.
«He's a guy you rely on, you count on, you trust,» Schneider said. «Exactly what we thought when we were acquiring him at the Deadline. I've got all the trust in the world in him to go out and just pitch his game. He's fit right in since we've acquired him. He's just another one of those guys that I think can handle big moments.» - John Schneider
Bieber said he has enjoyed his experience with the Blue Jays, calling the transition «seamless» since leaving Cleveland. Wednesday evening will present an opportunity to deliver what he was imported to do: pitch Toronto to victory in arguably its most important game of the year.
«I think we all know, as starting pitchers, we've got to go out there and empty the tank,» Bieber said. «You don't want to step off that mound with excess energy. So I think what that means is, since there's no guarantees, you've got to step on it from pitch one.»
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