Cleveland takes 2-0 lead as series goes to Washington

Drew Gooden was on fire in the first half. He scores 19 points before halftime, and would finish with 24 as well as 14 rebounds. LeBron tossed in 27 of his own and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Wizards 109-102. It was a close game throughout, but the Cavs would prevail in the end to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Also contributing for the Cavaliers were Houghes, with 19 points, Z scored 16 and grabbed 9 boards, and Wild Thing had 6 points and 7 rebounds. The 3rd game of this best-of-seven series will be on Saturday in Washington.

Now for a report on the Indians, who have won 4 straight games. On Sunday, they beat Tampa Bay, as described below. Monday night they scored 4 runs in the top of the 12th to beat the Twins 7-3 in Minnesota. On Tuesday night they put together a 5-3 win against the Twins ace, Santana, which was the first time they had beaten him at the Metrodome. Then tonight the Indians played the Rangers at home. A 5 run second inning had the Tribe up early, but CC would give up a 5 run inning of his own. In the 9th inning, the Tribe lead 7-6 with 2 outs, but Borrowski had his first blown save of the year, allowing a run to score. In extra innings Cabrerra came on and shut down Texas, striking out 4 in two innings. In the bottom of the 11th Victor Martinez doubled, made it to third on a Kelly Shoppach single, and then scored the winning run when Jhonny Peralta hit a single to left field. It was nice to see a walk-off win, but disappointing to see the game, which should have been won in regulation, go into extra innings. The Indians are 11-7, and in sole possession of first place in the Central Division.