Lee dominates Braves for sixth shutout By Sports Network

Philadelphia Phillies' Cliff Lee delivers a pitch to the Atlanta Braves. (REUTERS/Tim Shaffer)

Cliff Lee recorded his major league- leading sixth whitewash of the season and continued his amazing shutout streak, as the Philadelphia Phillies pounded the Atlanta Braves, 9-0, to extend their lead in the NL East.

Lee (16-7), who won his seventh straight start, has pitched 29 2/3 straight shutout innings. His ERA is 0.96 during the winning streak. He also became the fourth lefty in Phillies history with 200 strikeouts in a single season when he struck out Freddie Freeman in the second inning.

Hunter Pence knocked in three runs and Shane Victorino added a two-run single for the Phillies, who moved 8 1/2 games ahead of the second-place Braves. Carlos Ruiz recorded a two-run base hit for Philadelphia, which has won six of its last eight contests. Ryan Howard belted a solo homer in the opener of this three-game set.

Earlier this year, Lee had a career-high 34-inning scoreless streak, which is the second-longest in Phillies history. Lee, who gave up five hits and struck out six while making 100 pitches Monday, is tied with Roy Halladay for the team lead in wins.

He also turned around his misfortunes against the Braves. Prior to Monday, Lee hadn't defeated the Braves since making his first career start against them on June 18, 2004. He was 0-3 with a 5.60 ERA in five starts since.