Cliff Lee dominates as Philadelphia Phillies defeat Texas Rangers 2-0 – MLB Update
Cliff Lee put in a brilliant pitching performance to guide the Philadelphia Phillies over the Texas Rangers 2-0 at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia on Saturday, May 21.
Lee did not leave any stone unturned as he brought forward his best pitches and tricks that helped Philadelphia defeat the Rangers and reestablished him as the world class pitcher that he really is after a few rocky games.
Cliff threw eight flawless innings and took charge in each and every one of them. Proof is easily available in the fact that the Rangers could not get a single run past him in the entire duration of the match. "He was outstanding, tremendous," manager Charlie
Manuel said. "He was aggressive and he kept going at them."
For a change, Lee’s pitching was backed up to some extent by the Phillies punch lacking offence which has disappointed on more than just one occasion. Ryan Howard finally managed to snap out of his career worst slump as he belted out a 360 feet home-run
to right-field in the second inning.
The adrenaline that was lacking in Lee’s previous start where he walked a career high six batters was most definitely present this time around. "It's a little different when you pitch against a team you just played with," Lee said. "It wasn't off-the-charts
different."
The second run of the night came as John Mayberry Jr. singled to the left and Raul Ibanez scored off it.
Lee definitely left every one dumbfounded as he left more than $10 million on the table to join the Philadelphia Phillies, instead of the Texas Rangers or the New York Yankees. Both teams offered him more money, and longer contract durations than the Phillies.
But then again home is where the heart is, and apparently Lee’s heart is in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love.
To say that the second match of the three game set in the inter league series was highly anticipated would be an understatement. The fact that this would be the first time that Lee would pitch against the team he had led to the World Series finals just a
few months ago just heightened the anticipation.
The Phil’s had already won the first match of the set 3-2 and all eyes were on Lee this time around as he took the mound at the Citizens Bank Park where over forty five thousand fans were in attendance.
The Phillies have already won the series, but tomorrow’s game will determine whether the Rangers can avoid a three game sweep from the Phillies.
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