Cliff Lee had his worst outing of the season Wednesday night, and the Indians bullpen imploded again in a 14-12 loss to Detroit in 13 innings.
Lee, who came into the game with a record of 14-2 and leading the league with a 2.29 ERA, was handed an 8-1 lead, but he didn't make it to the sixth inning. The veteran left-hander gave up six runs on 10 hits in five innings. He didn't figure in the decision.
No American League pitcher has been more consistent from start to start than Lee. But on Wednesday night, he seemed to lose some focus when the Indians raced out to a huge lead.
It was a rare lapse for Lee, who hasn't had many bumps in the road en route to what has been a career season for him.
TIGERS 14, INDIANS 12 (13 innings): LHP Cliff Lee and the Indians bullpen were unable to protect an early 8-1 lead. That ruined a career night by C Kelly Shoppach, who was 5-for-6 with three doubles and two home runs, tying a major league record with five extra-base hits in a game. OF Ben Francisco also had two home runs.
