Same old story for Cliff Lee

‘Boom’ is the word scrawled on the t-shirt Cliff Lee sports under his jersey. Perhaps, Lee should consider donning a ‘hard luck loser’ shirt.

It’s been like the film “Groundhog Day” whenever Lee pitches in 2012. Lee typically tosses a gem with no margin for error and he loses, particularly at Citizens Bank Park, where he has won only a pair of games this season.

The frustration mounts for Lee and the desperate Phillies, who need a miracle to make the playoffs after losing to the Braves 2-1 Sunday afternoon while the Cardinals beat the Cubs.

Lee, who struck out eleven in eight innings was very good. He gave up a home run to David Ross and escaped a based loaded no-out jam in the third by just giving up one run.

“I felt really fortunate to get out of that,” Lee said. “I was able get through eight and I think I gave the team a chance to win.”

Lee pitched well enough for a victory but the Phillies didn’t supply enough offense for a win. Lee gave up two runs on nine hits but the Phillies could only manage a paltry pair of singles by John Mayberry Jr. and Kevin Frandsen.

“We just didn’t get it done today,” Juan Pierre said. “You have to give Tim Hudson credit.”

Hudson was dominant. He pounded the plate and mixed speeds throughout the game.

Lee, meanwhile, is now 6-8 despite an ERA of 3.18, which is the eleventh best in the NL.