Cliff Lee is still searching for his 23rd win, but he did end up finding his third loss of the season. Boston and Wakefield beat Lee and the Indians 5-4 on Tuesday evening, Boston clinching a post-season berth in the process. This was Lee’s second start in a row he didn’t pick up a win.
Lee went seven innings, allowing five runs on nine hits with eight strikeouts and three walks. He raised his ERA to 2.54 in the loss. He still leads all of Major League Baseball in ERA. Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks is tied with him for wins at 22.
Time Wakefield went six, allowing four runs on six hits, with six strikeouts and a walk. He raised his record to 10-11 on the year. He tied Roger Clemens for the most ten win seasons in Red Sox history at ten.
Boston rejoiced on the field after clinching the spot, breaking the Yankees post season string of fourteen straight visits October ball in the process. They can still catch Tampa Bay for the division crown, sitting three games back with five to play.
That clears up one thing in the AL Central. Either the Chicago White Sox or the Minnesota Twins will be going to the playoffs, but not both. Chicago and the Twins are separated by 1.5 games in the Central, the White Sox on top, but they are in the midst of a three game series, with Minnesota winning the first game last night.
The Indians close out the season against the White Sox and could be potential spoilers in the AL Central.
The Red Sox got on the board first in the Clevelandmatchup. Kevin Youkilis hit a home run in the bottom of the fourth after David Ortiz doubled, giving Boston at 2-0 lead.
The Indians scored all four of their runs in the in top of the fifth, making the score 4-2 Indians and giving Lee a great opportunity at his 23rd win.
After Kelly Shoppach was hit by a pitch, Franklin Gutierrez singled him over to second. Barfield struck out for the first out of the inning, then Grady Sizemore stroked a single to right, scoring Shoppach and moving Gutierrez to third. Jamey Carroll grounded out, but moved up both runners, scoring Gutierrez. Shin-Soo Choo doubled to score Carroll, then scored himself on a Jhonny Peralta double. Victor Martinez flied out, but it was 4-2 Tribe.
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2 months ago
Had to feel cruddy watching the Red Sox celebrate on their home field AGAIN.
Couldn't get it for Cliff tonight. Oh well, he has one more shot. Even if he doesn't get 23 he's still the Cy Young winner has still had a phenomenal year.
from 2 months ago
You think they won the Series the way they celebrated. Jeez.
"Act like you've been there before." - Paul Brown
I think Cliffy is just running out of gas. I wouldn't even start him Sunday but I will definitely watch when he does.
2 months ago
Lee has looked ragged in his last three starts with two no decisions and a loss. Wedge and crew look like they've worn out yet another starter before the end of the year. Both Sabathia and Carmona weren't their regular season selves by the playoffs last year. Had the Indians made it they would have more than likely been facing another early dismissal due to a worn out top of the rotation starter. Need to get Lee some bullpen help and not worry about complete games and Cy Young Awards.
from 2 months ago
In a season that isn't going anywhere, what is the big deal?
If they were destined for the playoffs, Wedge wouldn't be leaving Lee in there as long as he does sometimes. But with a lack of a bullpen, and Cliff being as effective as he is, why not?
I think he is tiring, everyone tires at this point. But there is nothing left to play for except the Cy Young award, and Eric Wedge knows that. So he's going to give every chance in the world for Cliff to win it since they aren't fighting for the World Series.
2 months ago
Cliff pitched 200 innings in 2005 and 2006 and was injured last year, pitching only 92. The goal would therefore be to keep his innings down in an effort to preserve him for next year. The rule of thumb is to preserve a pitcher for next year as opposed to pushing him for individual accolades. Take care of your pennies and the dollars will take care of themsleves.
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