2011 Topps Tribute #94 Cliff Lee

Phillies 5, Red Sox 0
Game 80 - Tuesday Night, June 28th in Philadelphia

One Sentence Summary:  Cliff Lee pitched brilliantly against the Red Sox, limiting them to just two hits in his complete game shutout.

What It Means:  The Phils took game one of what a lot of folks are hoping is a 2011 World Series preview.  Their record now stands at 50-30 and their lead in the East is back up to five games, pending the outcome of the Braves late-night game in Seattle.

What Went Right:  Cliff Lee (9-5) pitched.  He became the first Phillies pitcher to throw three consecutive complete game shutouts since Robin Roberts did it in 1950 and his 32-inning scoreless streak now ranks fifth in Phillies history.  He didn't allow a hit until Marco Scutaro singled to start the sixth, and he cruised through one of the most potent offenses in baseball.

The Phillies benefited from two, two-run home runs off Boston starter Josh Beckett (6-3) - Domonic Brown's in the second and Shane Victorino's in the sixth.  Lee helped his own cause with a sac fly in the fifth to score Brown.

Featured Card:  I'm away from my scanner, but I can't help but post something after this exciting win against the Red Sox.  I borrowed this image of Lee's 2011 Topps Tribute card from the internet, and it just so happens to look exactly like the one currently in my collection.  I'm still searching for Lee's first 2011 baseball card featuring him in the Phillies home jersey.

Transaction:  Prior to the game, closer Ryan Madson was placed on the DL with a bruised pitching hand and righty Andrew Carpenter was recalled to take his place on the roster.  Madson joins former closers Jose Contreras and Brad Lidge on the DL, which means the closing duties are to be temporarily handled by either lefty Antonio Bastardo or righty Michael Stutes.