Cliff Lee Dazzling in Philadelphia Phillies Debut

(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

SAN FRANCISCO—Cliff Lee, the Philadelphia Phillies’ newest starter, sure does know how to make an entrance.

In his first appearance in a Phillies uniform, Lee held on to a no-hitter until the sixth inning, when San Francisco Giants second baseman Juan Uribe hit a double into right field.

The Phillies went on to win the game 5-1.

The Lee acquisition was followed a failed attempt at getting Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, but no one on the Phillies’ side is complaining. Pitching a complete game, Lee held the Giants to four hits and one run in his fourth complete game of the season.

“I knew I didn’t give up any hits yet, but whatever. I’m kind of glad I didn’t throw a no-hitter,” Lee said following the game. “If I did that in the first time, I would be having to live up to some high expectations.”

Lee didn’t just contribute with his arm, he also worked some magic with his bat.  The reigning Cy Young award winner went 2-for-4 and scored a run.

“When I got the first hit, I was pretty pumped about that,” Lee said. “When I got that double off the wall, I was still gassed. I totally never expected that.”

The dimensions in AT&T held the double in the park, but many believe that if Lee hit that ball in Citizens Bank Park, it would have been a home run.

“That’s what they were saying,” said Lee. “But it wasn’t here.”

Lee’s performance is exactly the type of outings the Phillies need to win another World Series Championship. The 30-year-old is sees the playoffs within reach.

“Obviously the ultimate goal is to get to the playoffs, but the way to do that is take it one day at a time,” Lee explained. “If everybody does their job and does what they need to do, then it should happen with talent we got in here.”

The Phillies needed a boost in their starting pitching and with Lee they got what they’ve been looking for. The Phils may hold the top spot in the NL East, but anything can happen from here to October. No matter what happens, Lee knows what he needs to do.

“Obviously this team has been winning a lot of games and I’m new to it,” Lee said. “My job is to come in and give the team a chance.”

If Mr. Clifton Phifer Lee continues dealing like he did today, he doesn’t just give him a chance, he provides them with a path to October baseball.