By Jim Scott
DNAinfo Senior Editor
MANHATTAN — Unfortunately for the Yankees, Cliff Lee was just as dominant in Game 3 as they were afraid he would be.
The Texas lefty shut struck out 13 batters in eight scoreless innings to lead the Rangers to an 8-0 win over New York at Yankee Stadium on Monday, giving them a 2-1 lead in the American League Championship series.
Lee increased his gaudy postseason record to 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA in eight career starts. The 32-year-old southpaw has 67 strikeouts and seven walks in 64 1-3 postseason innings.
"It’s really fun being out in center field and watching him pitch," Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton told reporters after the game. "It’s just amazing to watch."
Hamilton gave the Rangers all the offense they would need with a two-run homer off Yankees starter Andy Pettitte in the top of the first inning.
Pettitte retired 15 of the next 16 hitters, but the damage had been done. The 38-year-old lefty lost his first postseason game in 10 starts as Yankees offense failed to back him with any runs.
"Andy was outstanding," Derek Jeter told the Daily News. "But it's hard to win if you don't score."
New York has scored just two runs since beating Texas 6-5 in Game 1. Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixiera are batting a combined .135 (5-for-37) in the ALCS. Teixeira is 0-for-11 and A-Rod has just two singles in 13 at bats.
The Yankees have lost two straight to Texas and face the prospect of a 3-1 deficit if Game 4 starter A.J. Burnett has another implosion on the mound on Tuesday night.
"I don't think we're in trouble," Yankees manager Joe Girardi told the News. "We're a very good club. We're down 2-1; we're not down 3-0 and losing in the bottom of the ninth."
Burnett (10-15), who has not pitched since Oct. 2, has a 1-7 record with a 7.03 ERA over his last 12 starts. Texas will counter with righty Tommy Hunter (13-4), who lost his Game 4 start against the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.
