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Indians LHP Lee eyes 22nd win

Sep 12, 2008 - 10:13 AM Kansas City (62-83) at Cleveland (71-74), 7:05 p.m. EDT

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- Lefthander Cliff Lee has been the lone bright spot on what has otherwise become a disappointing season for the Cleveland Indians.

Lee looks to win his eighth consecutive start when he takes the hill against the Kansas City Royals on Friday.

The 30-year-old (21-2, 2.28 ERA), who won five games last season, has won his last 10 decisions and has not lost since July 6. Lee has allowed nine earned runs over his last seven starts, totaling 55 innings.

A win would also put a pitcher in the majors 20 games over .500 for the first time since Bob Welch was 26-6 for the Oakland Athletics in 1990.

The lefthander has been especially dominant against the Royals this season, compiling a 4-0 record with a 2.15 ERA in four starts. He gave up one run over 7 1/3 innings in a win against Kansas City on Sunday.

Lee's emergence as the leading candidate for the American League Cy Young Award gives some solace to the Indians' season, which began with high expectations after the team reached the ALCS last year.

The Royals, who are on their way to their fifth straight last-place finish in the AL Central, will coutner with Gil Meche (11-10, 3.96).

The righthander won for the first time since August 6 last Saturday, allowing one run and three hits over seven innings, striking out 10 in Kansas City's 3-1 victory over Cleveland.