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Lee wins 18th as Sizemore, Indians pound Royals

Aug 21, 2008 - 10:06 PM By Todd Krepop PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- Cliff Lee won his American League-leading 18th game, but it was Grady Sizemore, the Cleveland Indians' other All-Star, that stole the spotlight on Thursday.

Lee pitched seven innings and Sizemore drove in a career-high seven runs as the Indians routed the Kansas City Royals, 10-3, to finish a three-game sweep.

Lee (18-2) allowed three runs - two earned - and six hits while striking out seven to join Arizona's Brandon Webb as the only 18-game winners in the majors this season. The lefthander has won his last seven decisions and remained perfect at home as he remains the front-runner for the AL Cy Young Award.

"I am not focused on (winning the Cy Young)," Lee said. "I am just focused on my next start in Detroit. That is where my focus is right now."

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Lee is just the fifth pitcher since 1969 to start a season 18-2 or better, joining Ron Guidry (1975), Greg Maddux (1995), Randy Johnson (1995), and Roger Clemens (2001). All four of the pitchers won the Cy Young Award in those seasons.

"(Lee) has had a great year," Sizemore said. "It's not a surprise anymore when he goes out and does what he does. We kind of expect it. He has been having that kind of year where he is pitching well and getting wins."

"It is remarkable what he has done," Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "But the time to look at that is when the season is over."

Lee struggled with his command Thursday, walking two batters and plunking one. But the southpaw was helped out by the Indians' defense that turned a season-high five double plays and Sizemore's offensive exploits.

"I didn't feel like I had my best stuff," Lee said. "The double plays and the defense were the key today."

Sizemore had four hits, including a bases-loaded triple in the second inning that gave Cleveland a 3-0 lead. The All-Star capped his outstanding day with his career-high 29th homer, a three-run shot, in the eighth that made it 10-3.

"It felt good," Sizemore said. "The guys ahead of me did a good job of getting on base and giving me those scoring opportunities."

Sizemore feasted on Royals' pitching all series long, knocking in 10 runs while going 6-for-12.

"Everyday is different," Sizemore said. "Each day can be a grind. I have been feeling good lately and seeing the ball well. I am going to keep at it."

Kansas City cut the Indians' lead to 5-3 in the fifth, but Sizemore hit an RBI single to extend the advantage.

Shin-Soo Choo and Jhonny Peralta also homered for the Indians, who completed a three-game series sweep of the Royals.

Choo blasted a two-run homer, his sixth of the season, off Kansas City starter Zack Greinke (9-9) in third to give the Indians a 5-0 edge.

Greinke yielded five runs - one earned - and six hits in five innings, striking out four and walking only one.

"If we score three runs, I should win the game," Greinke said. "To go only five innings is terrible."

Mark Teahen drove in two runs for the Royals, who finished 1-8 on their nine-game road trip.

"It wasn't a good day or a good road trip," Royals manager Trey Hillman said. "It's frustrating. We just have to keep working."