American League Roundup: Indians' Lee stops K.C. / LJWorld.com

Archive for Saturday, September 13, 2008

The Associated Press

September 13, 2008

Indians 12, Royals 5

Cleveland - Cliff Lee won his 11th straight decision and moved a remarkable 20 games over .500 with his 22nd victory, leading Cleveland past Kansas City.

Unbeaten in 12 starts since July 11, Lee (22-2) allowed four earned runs in 81â3 innings to win his eighth straight start. He's 5-0 in five outings against Kansas City, which was also Lee's opponent for wins No. 4, 8, 18 and 21. Luckily, the Royals won't have to face the left-hander again until next season.

It's almost unthinkable to remember that Lee, who was demoted to the minor leagues last season and was left off Cleveland's 2007 postseason roster, had to win a spot as the Indians' fifth starter during spring training.

Red Sox 7, Blue Jays 0

Boston - Tim Wakefield pitched eight innings of shutout ball to bounce back from his shortest start in 15 years to help Boston stop its AL East slide with a victory over Toronto.

Kevin Cash hit a three-run homer, David Ortiz and Jed Lowrie each drove in a pair of runs, and the Red Sox improved to two games out in the AL East behind Tampa Bay. Earlier in the week the Rays beat Boston twice in their last at-bat to avoid falling out of first place in the division.

The Rays' game against the New York Yankees on Friday night was rained out and rescheduled as part of a doubleheader today.

Angels 5, Mariners 3

Anaheim, Calif. - Mike Napoli's two-run homer with two outs in the ninth gave Los Angeles a victory against Seattle. Napoli homered off Miguel Batista (1-7), who had walked Robb Quinlan with two outs.

Rangers 7, Athletics 0

Oakland, Calif. - Matt Harrison pitched a five-hitter for his first career shutout and complete game. Hank Blalock hit a home run for the third consecutive game, and Taylor Teagarden also homered for the Rangers, who won their second straight and third of four overall.