Indians LHP Lewis named AL Rookie of the Month

Oct 6, 2008 - 7:48 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Cleveland Indians pitcher Scott Lewis was named the American League Rookie of the Month for September on Monday.

The 25-year-old Lewis went 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA over four starts this past month. He collected 15 strikeouts and held opposing hitters to a .222 batting average over 24 innings.

Lewis made his major league debut on September 10, and made the most of his opportunity, tossing eight scoreless innings in a 7-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. The lefthander allowed just three hits with three strikeouts.

It was the second longest starting debut by an Indians pitcher without allowing a run since 1956. Only Luis Tiant's complete-game shutout in 1965 topped Lewis' debut.

Lewis also tossed six scoreless in his next start against the Minnesota Twins and his 14-inning scoreless streak to start his career was the best by a Cleveland pitcher since 1969.

Other rookies considered were Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury and Texas' Taylor Teagarden.