Cliff Lee had his worst start in almost a month yesterday against the Brewers, getting knocked around by the NL Central leaders. He only pitched 7 innings, and gave up 2 runs (!) on 6 hits (!) and 2 walks (!). Sure, one of the runs was unearned. And he did strike out 7. And the Phillies ended up winning 3-2. But given Lee’s recent stretch of pitching, the opposing offense should be considered as having done quite a good job.
The last time Lee gave up a run at all was August 17th, when he had a similar 7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K line. Since then there was the span of 32 scoreless innings. Going all the way back to the beginning of August, Lee’s numbers are; 55.2 IP, 0.49 ERA, 10 walks, 52 K’s. Two of the four runs he allowed were on the two-run homer by Paul Goldschmidt in that August 17th start. If you exclude that one swing, his ERA is 0.16.
Lee only added two shutouts during the stretch, but he had four earlier in the year. The six total shutouts on the season are tied for the most in the majors since 1990, with Randy Johnson (6 in 1998). And Lee has probably at least three more start to add to his total.
With his recent dominance, Lee has entrenched himself into the NL Cy Young discussion, lower his ERA to 2.44 on the season (tied for 3rd best in the league). His strike-out rate of 9 K/9 is 6th (and easily the highest he’s ever had), and his 1.8 BB/9 is 4h lowest. Team-mate Roy Halladay is probably still in the lead in that race, but thatC liff Lee is perhaps pitching as well as he has at any point in his career.
Also last night: A day of walk-offs, as the Blue Jays came from behind in the 9th to beat the Orioles 5-4; the White Sox sink the Indians on Alex Ris’ 10th inning grand slam; Brandon Inge sent Tigers’ fans home happy with a solo shot; Evan Longoria didn’t drive in the winning run for the Rays until the 11th; the Diamondbacks also went to extras, when Lyle Overbay drew a bases loaded 10th inning walk; and much more.
What to watch tonight: Stephen Strasburg makes his second start of the season for the Nationals; top prospect Drew Pomeranz makes his first start in the big leagues ever, for the Rockies; and Jon Lester and James Shields duel in Tampa Bay. Full schedule with probable pitchers here.
