Indians’ Lee prevails to lift record to 22-2

CLEVELAND -- After another victory under his belt, Cleveland Indians starter Cliff Lee slipped on a T-shirt that said: Ace of Spades.

Lee (22-2) won his 11th consecutive decision, leading the Indians over the Kansas City Royals, 12-5, Friday night. Lee’s win streak is the longest by an Indians pitcher since Gaylord Perry won 15 consecutive decisions in 1974. Lee is the first pitcher to have 20 more wins than losses since Oakland’s Bob Welch was 27-6 in 1990. Unbeaten since July 11, Lee is 5-0 in five outings against the Royals.

Lee, who did not go to a single three-ball count, barely cracked a smile when he was asked if he’d ever lose again. “I don’t know,” he said. “I’m going to try not to.”