Indians Confidential

The Cleveland Indians hope that Cliff Lee can provide a spark in Sunday’s series finale against the Oakland Athletics.

Lee (NR) was slowed by injuries last season but will try to put the past behind him as he makes his 2008 debut for the Indians, who have dropped the first two games in the series.

“I don’t want to give a scouting report on how I’m pitching,” Lee said. “But I need to mix my pitches better, pretty much, and be a little more crisp with my locations. (Not doing that) is what got me in trouble last year.”

The crafty lefthander owns a 2-1 record with a 3.08 ERA in seven career appearances against Oakland. The 29-year-old will be making his first start since July 26.

On Saturday, Dana Eveland hurled seven effective frames as the A’s rolled to a 6-1 win over reigning American League Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia.

“I feel like I’ve matured a bit over the past couple of years,” Eveland said. “I’m getting past the idea that I have to pitch super well or get sent down.”

Oakland sends Joe Blanton (0-1, 3.86 ERA) to the hill in his third start of the season. Blanton tossed six solid innings, allowing two runs and seven hits in a 2-1 loss to Boston on Tuesday.

The 6-3 righthander hasn’t had much success against Cleveland, going just 1-3 with a 4.65 ERA in five career starts