Indians’ Lee puts an end to Rays’ streak

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Cliff Lee (15-2) tied the major league lead for victories and the Cleveland Indians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-2, Monday night in front of an announced crowd of 17,049.

Tampa Bay’s winning streak ended at five games, but it is three games ahead of second-place Boston in the American League East.

The Indians are 5-0 against the Rays this season. Cleveland’s David Dellucci hit his 100th home run.

“Growing up, I never thought I’d hit one homer, let alone 100,” Dellucci said.

“It’s just a sign that you played in the bigs for a long time.”

Akinori Iwamura drove in both runs for Tampa Bay, which fell to 43-17 at home.

Tampa Bay is 26-60 all-time against Cleveland.

“For some reason we play really well against these guys,” Dellucci said. “And when Cliff Lee is on the mound, you just follow his lead.”

Rays left fielder Carl Crawford (sore left hamstring) and shortstop Jason Bartlett (right index finger) were out of the starting lineup. It’s possible both might not start again today.

Lee worked out of jams in the first and second innings, leaving five runners on base.

“Fastball command. He throws the fastball where he wants to,” Rays Manager Joe Maddon said. “I see a guy pitching with a lot of confidence.”

From the Associated Press