Monday, June 15, 2009

Lee Shoots Down Cardinals, 3-0; Paulino Shines in Marlin Sweep

Players of the Day for Sunday, June 14, 2009 American League Cliff Lee took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, but allowed a lead-off double by catcher Yadier Molina, spoiling his bid. He finished with a 3-hit, complete-game shutout, and a 3-0 win for Cleveland. The Indians took two of three from the visiting Cardinals, as Lee recorded his first shutout and complete game of the season. Lee walked 2 and struck out six, including Rick Ankiel three times. Last season's Cy Young Award winner with a record of 23-3, Lee is just 4-6 this season, though his numbers are still credible: 2.88 ERA, 1.33 WHIP. National League With regular starting catcher Ryan Doumit on the disabled list, Marlins' Ronny Paulino has been getting more than his share of work behind the plate, but he's making the Florida brass take notice. The Marlins completed a three-game sweep at Toronto with an 11-3 mauling of the Blue Jays, thanks in large part to Paulino's 4-for-5 effort at the plate. Paulino hit a two-run shot to get the Marlins started in the 2nd, and finished up his day with a solo blast in the top of the ninth. Sandwiched in between were a pair of singles. Paulino scored three times and drove in three. Florida is 6 games back of Philadelphia in the NL East but only two behind the second-place NY Mets. NOTES: The Colorado Rockies tied their franchise record with their 11th straight win, cruising past Seattle, 7-1. They still need one more win to get to .500 on the season, and are currently 10 1/2 behind LA in the NL West and 3 1/2 behind second-place San Francisco. The AL East may turn into a four-horse race if Tampa Bay and Toronto continue their winning ways. Boston leads the Yankees by 2 games, but the Rays and Blue Jays are tied for third, just 5 games out. All four teams are presently playing above .500. Life gets a little tougher for both teams in this week's interleague play: Toronto heads to Philadelphia, while the Rays travel to face the red-hot Rockies. The Yanks would seem to have the best chance to make a move, hosting the Nationals, while Boston welcomes Florida for three games at Fenway.

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