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Indians' Lee Hits 20 Wins

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 2, 2008

CLEVELAND - Cliff Lee became Cleveland's first 20-game winner in 34 years, pitching a five-hitter for his second career shutout to lead the Indians to a 5-0 win against the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

Lee is the first Indians pitcher to reach 20 wins since Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry went 21-13 in 1974. The left-hander's milestone win - his ninth straight victory - came exactly one year to the day that he was recalled from the minor leagues.

With a chance to join Perry as well as Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Bob Lemon in Cleveland's record book as 20-game winners, Lee shut down the hard-hitting, Central-leading White Sox with ease. He gave up two singles to open the first and then retired 21 in row.

After he got Carlos Quentin to ground into a game-ending double play, Lee punched his fist into his glove and hugged catcher Kelly Shoppach as fireworks boomed above Progressive Field. And as he has done 19 other times this season, Lee got in line to exchange handshakes with his teammates.

Lee headed to the dugout as a video tribute from Perry and Feller was shown on the stadium's giant scoreboard.

Right now, he's a leading candidate to give Cleveland back-to-back Cy Young winners. CC Sabathia won 19 games last season for the Indians, one of four Cleveland pitchers to come within a win of matching Perry.

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