How Could You Be So Winless?

Cliff Lee has been as good as he has ever been in 2012, but he still has not recorded a win. Since his break out year in 2008 Lee has a 2.88 ERA. So far through 11 starts Lee has a 3.48 ERA and 0 wins. Also with a 1.120 WHIP in 2012 you can't blame anything on Cliff Lee.

On the opposite side of the spectrum Tim Lincecum has a 6.19 ERA, but has 2 wins. Lincecum has 14 starts in the 2012 season with a WHIP close to 1.500. Lincecum has been terrible on the mound this year and Cliff Lee has been fine, but Lincecum has more wins. This is strictly the fault of the offense.

A 3.48 ERA means Cliff Lee will pitch nine innings and give up in between 3 and 4 runs. The reason why Lee doesn't have a win is because the Phillies' offense can't score more than 3 or 4 runs in 9 innings. With the absence of Ryan Howard and Chase Utley the Phillies offense is lacking power. Additionally after Jonathon Papelbon their bullpen isn't very good. So when it looks like Lee will get a win the bullpen may blow the lead.

A Good Ol' Pitching Duel

In San Francisco last night 2 aces went head to head. Cliff Lee and Matt Cain are both racking up the big bucks now, but who will come out on top. Cliff Lee came into the game coming off a rocky outing against The Mets in his past. Matt Cain is coming into the game to follow up a shutout against The Pirates.

Matt Cain was going hard giving up just 2 hits and 1 walk while racking up 4 strikeouts. He did the preceding over 9 innings of scoreless ball. As for Cliff Lee what could I say about his performance? Lee gave up 7 hits but no walks and collected 7 strikeouts over 10 scoreless innings of work. Yes you read it correctly; a 10 inning shutout. Both pitchers would get a no decision, but The Giants would win in the 11th inning on a walk off single by Melky Cabrera scoring Brandon Belt.

The Giants win 1-0 in a great game!