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Lewis propels Indians past Twins

Sep 16, 2008 - 3:12 AM By Todd Krepop PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- Scott Lewis never thought his big league career would start like this.

Lewis extended his scoreless streak to 14 innings to begin his career in the majors and the Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-1, on Monday night.

Shin-Soo Choo blasted a two-run homer and Kelly Shoppach added a solo blast to help the Indians stop their three-game losing streak. The lost cost the Twins a chance to close the gap in the American League Central.

Minnesota (82-68) still trails the Chicago White Sox (83-66) by 1 1/2 games after White Sox fell to the New York Yankees, 4-2, on Monday.

"We're very frustrated," Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We know where are and what we have to do."

Lewis (2-0) didn't help the Twins' frustration level by pitching six innings of three-hit ball, while striking out five batters in his second major league start. The 14 scoreless innings to begin a career is the most by a Cleveland pitcher since 1969, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

"I am a little bit surprised," Lewis said. "I never expected to come up here and do this well. I am still getting used to this and it has been a lot of fun."

"I am happy for him," Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "He threw another great ballgame."

Lewis started the season at Class AA Akron and rose to Class AAA Buffalo, where he combined to go 8-4 with a 2.18 ERA. The success in the minors carried over as Lewis pitched eight scoreless innings in his debut on Wednesday against Baltimore.

"He was kind of dominant," Gardenhire said. "He pitched great tonight. He locates the ball well and didn't give us too many chances."

Despite already having a big league start under his belt, Lewis was more nervous about his first start at home. The 24-year-old lefthander grew up in Washington Court House, a suburb of Columbus, and attended Ohio State University.

"I was a little more nervous this time (than my first start)," said Lewis, who left 15-18 tickets for family and friends.

"I was a worried about pitching in front of the home fans."

Rafael Betancourt and Rafael Perez each pitched a scoreless inning and Jensen Lewis picked up his ninth save in 10 chances despite giving up a solo home run to Joe Mauer.

Shoppach broke a scoreless tie with his solo home run off of Minnesota starter Kevin Slowey in the fourth inning. Shoppach knocked Slowey's 0-1 offering over the right field wall for his 21st home run of the season.

Choo provided insurance with his two-run shot in the fifth off of Slowey. Grady Sizemore hit a one-out single and one out later Choo followed with his 11th home run over the right field wall.

"Choo had the big hit for us," Wedge said. "That was the difference tonight. He has done a fantastic job for us."

Slowey (12-10) yielded three runs on seven hits in six innings. He struck out six and walked one in picking up just his second loss in his last five decisions.

"Anytime you lose, you didn't feel that you didn't do your job," Slowey said. "It came down to a couple of bad pitches tonight."