Lee's gem sends Indians over Cardinals

Cliff Lee focused more on protecting a lead than throwing a no-hitter.

Lee (4-6) threw seven innings of no-hit ball before settling for a three-hitter to give the Cleveland Indians a 3-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday night.

"Whatever, man," Lee said. "They didn't score any runs, that's the ultimate goal.

"I knew I had a no-hitter, but I wasn't real excited or anything. I didn't want to get caught up in it. When we got the win, then I was excited."

Lee allowed only two first-inning walks until Yadier Molina opened the eighth with an opposite-field drive down the right-field line that hit off the wall for a double.