New York (Mon., July 28, 1975) - The Tigers scored five runs in the fifth inning then fended off a furious rally to beat the New York Yankees, 7-4, at Shea Stadium on Monday night.
Ben Oglivie's solo home run started the scoring, and the Tigers added four more runs off starter Larry Gura as they sent 10 men to the plate.
The Yankees closed to within 5-4 and threatened to tie or take the lead in the eighth. But with the bases loaded and one out, reliever Dave Lemanczyk got Lou Piniella to ground into an inning-ending double play.
The Tigers (42-59) added two insurance runs in the ninth inning to seal the win, their eighth victory in twelve games.
Thurman Munson had four hits and a walk for the Yankees.
After Oglivie's fourth home run of the year, the next five Tigers singled to score three times. One out later, Aurelio Rodriguez singled to plate the fifth run of the inning.
The Yankees got three runs across the plate in the eighth and the crowd was shrieking, but Piniella pounded a Lemanczyk slider into the ground to second baseman Gary Sutherland, who started a 4-6-3 double play to end the threat.
Tigers starter Vern Ruhle went 6.1 innings, allowing just one run.
Before the game, reliever John Hiller had his left (pitching) elbow examined at a Manhattan clinic. So far, Hiller has been advised to rest the elbow for 10 days to two weeks, to relieve the tightness he experienced after Sunday's appearance. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
The Major Said: "That was a tough spot for Dave (Lemanczyk), with the bases loaded and the crowd into it. He made the perfect pitch, really."
Tigers 000 050 002 7-16-1
NY 000 000 130 4-13-0
HR: Oglivie (DET, 4)
WP: Ruhle (7-7)
SV: Lemanczyk (1)
LP: Gura
Tigers record: 42-59 (actual 46-55)
Home: 22-34
Away: 20-25
Last 10: 6-4
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Games 99 & 100: Tigers, Tribe Swap Blowout Wins in DH
Detroit (Sun., July 27, 1975) - The Cleveland Indians whalloped the Tigers, 9-3, then were the recipients of a 6-2 loss as the teams split a Sunday doubleheader in Detroit.
The Tribe used a seven-run fifth inning to take command of Game 1.
In the nightcap, the Tigers (41-59) built a 4-0 lead by the fourth inning, watched the Indians pull to within 4-2, then finished Cleveland off with single runs in the fifth and seventh innings.
Willie Horton (16) broke a home run drought with a four-bagger in Game 1, his first homer in nearly two weeks. Tom Veryzer hit his first home run of the season in the eighth inning of the first game.
Tigers starter Tom Walker was blitzed in Game 1, giving up seven runs in 4.1 innings. In Game 2, Lerrin LaGrow pitched 7.2 strong innings. John Hiller got his 17th save, though he reported tightness in his pitching elbow after the game.
Tigers brass said Hiller would have the elbow examined on Monday in New York, where the team opens a three-game series.
The Tigers lost outfielder/first baseman Mickey Stanley Saturday to a broken hand. It's unclear whether Stanley will miss the rest of the season.
The Tigers finished their 11-game home stand with a 7-4 record.
The Major Said: "Clearly we don't want to lose John (Hiller) for any length of time. It would be a big blow. He's had tightness before, but he said this felt a little worse. We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed. He said it bothered him during the last batter of the game, (Rick) Manning."
Game 1
Cleveland 000 070 002 9-14-0
Tigers 001 100 010 3-10-0
HR: Manning (CLE); Sutherland (DET, 4); Horton (DET, 16); Veryzer (DET, 1)
WP: Raich
LP: Walker (2-3)
Game 2
Cleveland 000 020 000 2-8-0
Tigers 100 310 10x 6-8-0
HR: Gamble (CLE); Roberts (DET, 10)
WP: LaGrow (4-11)
SV: Hiller (17)
LP: Peterson
Tigers record: 41-59 (actual 45-55)
Home: 22-34
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
The Tribe used a seven-run fifth inning to take command of Game 1.
In the nightcap, the Tigers (41-59) built a 4-0 lead by the fourth inning, watched the Indians pull to within 4-2, then finished Cleveland off with single runs in the fifth and seventh innings.
Willie Horton (16) broke a home run drought with a four-bagger in Game 1, his first homer in nearly two weeks. Tom Veryzer hit his first home run of the season in the eighth inning of the first game.
Tigers starter Tom Walker was blitzed in Game 1, giving up seven runs in 4.1 innings. In Game 2, Lerrin LaGrow pitched 7.2 strong innings. John Hiller got his 17th save, though he reported tightness in his pitching elbow after the game.
Tigers brass said Hiller would have the elbow examined on Monday in New York, where the team opens a three-game series.
The Tigers lost outfielder/first baseman Mickey Stanley Saturday to a broken hand. It's unclear whether Stanley will miss the rest of the season.
The Tigers finished their 11-game home stand with a 7-4 record.
The Major Said: "Clearly we don't want to lose John (Hiller) for any length of time. It would be a big blow. He's had tightness before, but he said this felt a little worse. We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed. He said it bothered him during the last batter of the game, (Rick) Manning."
Game 1
Cleveland 000 070 002 9-14-0
Tigers 001 100 010 3-10-0
HR: Manning (CLE); Sutherland (DET, 4); Horton (DET, 16); Veryzer (DET, 1)
WP: Raich
LP: Walker (2-3)
Game 2
Cleveland 000 020 000 2-8-0
Tigers 100 310 10x 6-8-0
HR: Gamble (CLE); Roberts (DET, 10)
WP: LaGrow (4-11)
SV: Hiller (17)
LP: Peterson
Tigers record: 41-59 (actual 45-55)
Home: 22-34
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Game 98: Lolich Quiets Tribe, 3-1
Detroit (Sat., July 26, 1975) - The Tigers like those 3-1 games.
They won for the fourth time out of their past seven victories by the score of 3-1, beating the Cleveland Indians Saturday in Detroit.
The win evened this four-game weekend series between the Tigers (40-58) and the Tribe.
Mickey Lolich pitched his seventh complete game, a masterful six-hitter, allowing just one Indian runner to reach second base after the third inning. The run he surrendered was unearned.
Ron LeFlore and Aurelio Rodriguez each had two hits and a run scored for Detroit, winners of six of their past nine games.
Lolich (8-12) outdueled Indians starter Dennis Eckerlsey, a 20-year-old rookie. Eckersley went 7.2 innings of six-hit baseball.
The Major Said: "They (Indians) thumped us pretty good Friday night, so it was great to see Mickey do his thing. We do tend to win low-scoring games."
Cleveland 001 000 000 1-6-1
Tigers 000 020 01x 3-7-2
WP: Lolich (8-12)
LP: Eckersley
Tigers record: 40-58 (actual 44-54)
Home: 21-33
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
They won for the fourth time out of their past seven victories by the score of 3-1, beating the Cleveland Indians Saturday in Detroit.
The win evened this four-game weekend series between the Tigers (40-58) and the Tribe.
Mickey Lolich pitched his seventh complete game, a masterful six-hitter, allowing just one Indian runner to reach second base after the third inning. The run he surrendered was unearned.
Ron LeFlore and Aurelio Rodriguez each had two hits and a run scored for Detroit, winners of six of their past nine games.
Lolich (8-12) outdueled Indians starter Dennis Eckerlsey, a 20-year-old rookie. Eckersley went 7.2 innings of six-hit baseball.
The Major Said: "They (Indians) thumped us pretty good Friday night, so it was great to see Mickey do his thing. We do tend to win low-scoring games."
Cleveland 001 000 000 1-6-1
Tigers 000 020 01x 3-7-2
WP: Lolich (8-12)
LP: Eckersley
Tigers record: 40-58 (actual 44-54)
Home: 21-33
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Game 97: Tribe Blasts Tigers, 8-2
Detroit (Fri., July 25, 1975) - The Cleveland Indians used a five-run seventh inning to break open a 3-2 game and defeated the Tigers, 8-2, Friday at Tiger Stadium.
Charlie Spikes' bases-loaded double plated three and was the inning's big blow. The uprising occurred against reliever Bob Reynolds, though Ray Bare (3-3) took the loss.
Bill Freehan (8) hit a two-run homer in the second inning to account for Detroit's offense. It was Freehan's fourth home run in the past two weeks.
Indians starter Don Hood handcuffed the Tigers in 7+ innings of strong work, scattering seven hits.
Boog Powell had three hits and scored twice for Cleveland, who scored three times in the fourth inning to erase a 2-0 deficit.
The Tigers (39-58) have lost two straight after a 5-1 stretch.
The Major Said: "We didn't do much. They (Indians) swung the bats well, got lots of clutch hits. End of story."
Cleveland 000 300 500 8-14-0
Tigers 020 000 000 2-8-1
HR: Freehan (DET, 8)
WP: Hood
LP: Bare (3-3)
Tigers record: 39-58 (actual 44-53)
Home: 20-33
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
Charlie Spikes' bases-loaded double plated three and was the inning's big blow. The uprising occurred against reliever Bob Reynolds, though Ray Bare (3-3) took the loss.
Bill Freehan (8) hit a two-run homer in the second inning to account for Detroit's offense. It was Freehan's fourth home run in the past two weeks.
Indians starter Don Hood handcuffed the Tigers in 7+ innings of strong work, scattering seven hits.
Boog Powell had three hits and scored twice for Cleveland, who scored three times in the fourth inning to erase a 2-0 deficit.
The Tigers (39-58) have lost two straight after a 5-1 stretch.
The Major Said: "We didn't do much. They (Indians) swung the bats well, got lots of clutch hits. End of story."
Cleveland 000 300 500 8-14-0
Tigers 020 000 000 2-8-1
HR: Freehan (DET, 8)
WP: Hood
LP: Bare (3-3)
Tigers record: 39-58 (actual 44-53)
Home: 20-33
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
Friday, July 27, 2012
Game 96: Jackson, A's Avoid 4-Game Sweep, 6-2
Detroit (Thu., July 24, 1975) - Reggie Jackson smacked two home runs and had five RBI as the Oakland A's averted a four-game sweep by beating the Tigers, 6-2, Thursday night in Detroit.
Jackson's blasts, both mammoth shots deep into the right field upper deck, came in the first and seventh innings.
Former Tiger Jim Perry went 7.1 innings, allowing two runs and six hits, to get the win.
Tigers starter Joe Coleman (3-13) was again roughed up, giving up six runs in 6.1 innings as his ERA rose to 5.05.
Gary Sutherland, who wasn't supposed to play, hit a two-run homer in the eighth for the Tigers' only offense. Sutherland was slated for a day off, but replacement second baseman John Knox was hit in the hand by a pitch in the first inning and had to leave the game.
The Tigers (39-57) had won five of their past six prior to Thursday's loss.
The Major Said: "Reggie would hit 60 home runs if he played here. He's a guy who you think is going to hit one out here every time he steps to the plate."
Oakland 300 010 200 6-10-0
Tigers 000 000 020 2-6-0
HR: Jackson (OAK [2]); Sutherland (DET, 3)
WP: Perry
LP: Coleman (3-13)
Tigers record: 39-57 (actual 43-53)
Home: 20-32
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
Jackson's blasts, both mammoth shots deep into the right field upper deck, came in the first and seventh innings.
Former Tiger Jim Perry went 7.1 innings, allowing two runs and six hits, to get the win.
Tigers starter Joe Coleman (3-13) was again roughed up, giving up six runs in 6.1 innings as his ERA rose to 5.05.
Gary Sutherland, who wasn't supposed to play, hit a two-run homer in the eighth for the Tigers' only offense. Sutherland was slated for a day off, but replacement second baseman John Knox was hit in the hand by a pitch in the first inning and had to leave the game.
The Tigers (39-57) had won five of their past six prior to Thursday's loss.
The Major Said: "Reggie would hit 60 home runs if he played here. He's a guy who you think is going to hit one out here every time he steps to the plate."
Oakland 300 010 200 6-10-0
Tigers 000 000 020 2-6-0
HR: Jackson (OAK [2]); Sutherland (DET, 3)
WP: Perry
LP: Coleman (3-13)
Tigers record: 39-57 (actual 43-53)
Home: 20-32
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Game 95: Benji!! A's, Fingers Stunned in 9th, 6-5
Detroit (Wed., July 23, 1975) - Ben Oglivie hit a two-run homer into the right field upper deck in the bottom of the ninth, and the Tigers came all the way back from an early 5-1 deficit to beat the Oakland A's, 6-5, at Tiger Stadium Wednesday night.
It was Detroit's third straight win, all over division-leading Oakland, against whom the Tigers are 6-2 this season.
Oglivie's home run came off Rollie Fingers, who the night before surrendered an 8th-inning, three-run blast to Bill Freehan, enabling the Tigers to win that game.
The Tigers scored twice in the sixth to pull to within 5-3, then added a single run in the seventh, made possible by an error by left fielder Claudell Washington.
In the ninth, John Wockenfuss led off with a double. After Tom Veryzer struck out, Oglivie stepped up and clubbed his second homer of the year.
The A's opened ths scoring with three unearned runs off starter Vern Ruhle in the fourth inning. Veryzer's muff of a ground ball should have been the second out of the inning, loading the bases. The next batter struck out, but thanks to the fourth out, the A's s got a walk and a double to push across three runs.
Willie Horton singled twice and scored twice for the Tigers (39-56), who have won five of six on this home stand.
The Major Said: "This was a great win, exciting for the fans. Hell, exciting for me, too. You never get tired of winning games in the ninth inning. It's a wonderful feeling. Fingers has had two tough nights here, but he's still one of the best in the business."
Oakland 000 320 000 5-9-1
Tigers 010 002 102 6-11-1
HR: Rudi (OAK); Oglivie (DET, 2)
WP: Arroyo (1-0)
LP: Fingers
Tigers record: 39-56 (actual 42-53)
Home: 20-31
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
It was Detroit's third straight win, all over division-leading Oakland, against whom the Tigers are 6-2 this season.
Oglivie's home run came off Rollie Fingers, who the night before surrendered an 8th-inning, three-run blast to Bill Freehan, enabling the Tigers to win that game.
The Tigers scored twice in the sixth to pull to within 5-3, then added a single run in the seventh, made possible by an error by left fielder Claudell Washington.
In the ninth, John Wockenfuss led off with a double. After Tom Veryzer struck out, Oglivie stepped up and clubbed his second homer of the year.
The A's opened ths scoring with three unearned runs off starter Vern Ruhle in the fourth inning. Veryzer's muff of a ground ball should have been the second out of the inning, loading the bases. The next batter struck out, but thanks to the fourth out, the A's s got a walk and a double to push across three runs.
Willie Horton singled twice and scored twice for the Tigers (39-56), who have won five of six on this home stand.
The Major Said: "This was a great win, exciting for the fans. Hell, exciting for me, too. You never get tired of winning games in the ninth inning. It's a wonderful feeling. Fingers has had two tough nights here, but he's still one of the best in the business."
Oakland 000 320 000 5-9-1
Tigers 010 002 102 6-11-1
HR: Rudi (OAK); Oglivie (DET, 2)
WP: Arroyo (1-0)
LP: Fingers
Tigers record: 39-56 (actual 42-53)
Home: 20-31
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Games 93 & 94: Tigers Sweep Twinbill; Both 3-1
Detroit (Tue., July 22, 1975) - Bill Freehan's three-run homer broke a scoreless tie in the eighth inning, enabling the Tigers to sweep a doubleheader with the Oakland A's Tuesday at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers won both games by the score of 3-1.
With two outs and runners on first and third in the bottom of the eighth inning in the nightcap, Freehan connected into left center field off reliever Rollie Fingers, and the Tigers held off an Oakland rally in the ninth.
The A's loaded the bases with nobody out in the ninth, but John Hiller allowed just one run before coaxing Billy Williams into a game-ending ground out.
In Game 1, the Tigers also scored all three of their runs in one inning---the sixth. The big blow was a two-run homer by Jack Pierce into the left field upper deck. The A's scored their only run in the first inning.
Tigers starters Lerrin LaGrow (complete game) and Tom Walker combined for 17 innings pitched and two earned runs allowed on nine hits. LaGrow pitched the first game.
The Tigers (38-56) have won four of five and are 5-2 against AL West-leading Oakland this season.
The Major Said: "We're winning some games because we're pitching and rewarding that pitching. It's very simple. For the most part, I like how we've pitched. The bats just haven't always been there."
Game 1
Oakland 100 000 000 1-4-0
Tigers 000 003 00x 3-8-1
HR: Pierce (DET, 3)
WP: LaGrow
LP: Bahnsen
Game 2
Oakland 000 000 001 1-6-2
Tigers 000 000 03x 3-5-0
HR: Freehan (DET, 7)
WP: Walker
SV: Hiller (15)
LP: Abbott
Tigers record: 38-56 (actual 42-52)
Home: 19-31
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 5-5
The Tigers won both games by the score of 3-1.
With two outs and runners on first and third in the bottom of the eighth inning in the nightcap, Freehan connected into left center field off reliever Rollie Fingers, and the Tigers held off an Oakland rally in the ninth.
The A's loaded the bases with nobody out in the ninth, but John Hiller allowed just one run before coaxing Billy Williams into a game-ending ground out.
In Game 1, the Tigers also scored all three of their runs in one inning---the sixth. The big blow was a two-run homer by Jack Pierce into the left field upper deck. The A's scored their only run in the first inning.
Tigers starters Lerrin LaGrow (complete game) and Tom Walker combined for 17 innings pitched and two earned runs allowed on nine hits. LaGrow pitched the first game.
The Tigers (38-56) have won four of five and are 5-2 against AL West-leading Oakland this season.
The Major Said: "We're winning some games because we're pitching and rewarding that pitching. It's very simple. For the most part, I like how we've pitched. The bats just haven't always been there."
Game 1
Oakland 100 000 000 1-4-0
Tigers 000 003 00x 3-8-1
HR: Pierce (DET, 3)
WP: LaGrow
LP: Bahnsen
Game 2
Oakland 000 000 001 1-6-2
Tigers 000 000 03x 3-5-0
HR: Freehan (DET, 7)
WP: Walker
SV: Hiller (15)
LP: Abbott
Tigers record: 38-56 (actual 42-52)
Home: 19-31
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 5-5
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Game 92: Royals Crown Tigers Late, 4-3
Detroit (Mon., July 21, 1975) - The Kansas City Royals used two hit batsmen and three singles to score three times in the eighth inning, sending them to a 4-3 win over the Tigers Monday night in Detroit.
The win averted a three-game sweep at the hands of the Tigers (36-56).
The Tigers led, 2-1 after seven innings before Kansas City erupted against Mickey Lolich.
Ben Oglivie hit a home run (1st) in the ninth inning to draw the Tigers to within 4-3, but reliever Stev Mingori left pinch runner John Knox stranded at first base after a Willie Horton single to seal the victory.
Harmon Killebrew (KC) and Leon Roberts (DET, 9th) each had solo homers.
Lolich failed to retire any of the four hitters he faced in the eighth, hitting two of them and allowing singles to the others. Buck Martinez's two-run single was the big blow.
The Major Said: "Mickey was cruising until the eighth. Just goes to show how quickly things can change in this game. We won the series, though, and we haven't done much of that lately."
KC 000 100 030 4-10-1
Tigers 000 020 001 3-7-1
HR: Killebrew (KC); Roberts (DET, 9); Oglivie (DET, 1)
WP: Leonard
SV: Mingori
LP: Lolich (7-12)
Tigers record: 36-56 (actual 42-50)
Home: 17-31
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 4-6
The win averted a three-game sweep at the hands of the Tigers (36-56).
The Tigers led, 2-1 after seven innings before Kansas City erupted against Mickey Lolich.
Ben Oglivie hit a home run (1st) in the ninth inning to draw the Tigers to within 4-3, but reliever Stev Mingori left pinch runner John Knox stranded at first base after a Willie Horton single to seal the victory.
Harmon Killebrew (KC) and Leon Roberts (DET, 9th) each had solo homers.
Lolich failed to retire any of the four hitters he faced in the eighth, hitting two of them and allowing singles to the others. Buck Martinez's two-run single was the big blow.
The Major Said: "Mickey was cruising until the eighth. Just goes to show how quickly things can change in this game. We won the series, though, and we haven't done much of that lately."
KC 000 100 030 4-10-1
Tigers 000 020 001 3-7-1
HR: Killebrew (KC); Roberts (DET, 9); Oglivie (DET, 1)
WP: Leonard
SV: Mingori
LP: Lolich (7-12)
Tigers record: 36-56 (actual 42-50)
Home: 17-31
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 4-6
Monday, July 23, 2012
Game 91: Bare Spins Shutout; Tigers Win, 2-0
Detroit (Sun., July 20, 1975) - Ray Bare pitched a complete game, six-hit shutout, leading the Tigers to a 2-0 win over the Kansas City Royals Sunday at Tiger Stadium.
Bare walked two and struck out three in keeping the Royals at bay.
Gary Sutherland hit a solo home run and Ben Oglivie doubled home a run to account for the Tigers (36-55) offense.
Bare (3-2) only allowed two Royals runners past first base.
Oglivie's RBI double occurred in the third, while Sutherland connected off Kansas City starter Nelson Briles in the fifth inning.
The win was just the Tigers' sixth in their past 19 games.
The Major Said: "Well, Ray was terrific, obviously. We've wasted a lot of efforts like that this year, so it was good to see Ray get rewarded. He was great today."
KC 000 000 000 0-6-0
Tigers 001 010 00x 2-5-1
HR: Sutherland (2, DET)
WP: Bare (3-2)
LP: Briles
Tigers record: 36-55 (actual 42-49)
Home: 17-30
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 4-6
Bare walked two and struck out three in keeping the Royals at bay.
Gary Sutherland hit a solo home run and Ben Oglivie doubled home a run to account for the Tigers (36-55) offense.
Bare (3-2) only allowed two Royals runners past first base.
Oglivie's RBI double occurred in the third, while Sutherland connected off Kansas City starter Nelson Briles in the fifth inning.
The win was just the Tigers' sixth in their past 19 games.
The Major Said: "Well, Ray was terrific, obviously. We've wasted a lot of efforts like that this year, so it was good to see Ray get rewarded. He was great today."
KC 000 000 000 0-6-0
Tigers 001 010 00x 2-5-1
HR: Sutherland (2, DET)
WP: Bare (3-2)
LP: Briles
Tigers record: 36-55 (actual 42-49)
Home: 17-30
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 4-6
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Game 90: Tigers Avert Defeat, Beat Royals, 2-1
Detroit (Sat., July 19, 1975) - Aurelio Rodriguez singled home Bill Freehan in the bottom of the 11th inning, lifting the Tigers to a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals Saturday night at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers (35-55) scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extra innings.
Kansas City's George Brett opened the Royals 10th with a triple, but didn't score.
In the 11th, Freehan walked with one out and moved to second on a Leon Roberts single with two outs. The next batter was Rodriguez, and he flicked a base hit into center field to easily score Freehan and send the crowd of 15,337 home happy.
The Royals took a 1-0 lead in the fifth when Frank White scored from third thanks to an error by Rodriguez, who would more than atone for that miscue later.
In the Tigers ninth, they loaded the bases with nobody out on two singles and a walk. Jack Pierce drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly. Roberts singled, reloading the bases. Rodriguez tapped out, pitcher to home plate, and Tom Veryzer struck out, keeping the game tied, 1-1.
Gary Sutherland and Roberts each had two singles for the Tigers. Fernando Arroyo (1-1) pitched three innings of scoreless relief to earn the win.
In an oddity, Kansas City's Al Cowens had four singles: on each occasion, he never made it to second base, and he gathered the hits leading off an inning, batting second in an inning, batting third and batting fourth.
The Major Said: "It was good to win a close game for a change. I thought Arroyo was terrific. He wiggled out of it after George tripled. Good win tonight."
KC 000 010 000 00 1-8-1
Tigers 000 000 001 01 2-10-2
WP: Arroyo (1-1)
LP: Bird
Tigers record: 35-55 (actual 41-49)
Home: 16-30
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 4-6
The Tigers (35-55) scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extra innings.
Kansas City's George Brett opened the Royals 10th with a triple, but didn't score.
In the 11th, Freehan walked with one out and moved to second on a Leon Roberts single with two outs. The next batter was Rodriguez, and he flicked a base hit into center field to easily score Freehan and send the crowd of 15,337 home happy.
The Royals took a 1-0 lead in the fifth when Frank White scored from third thanks to an error by Rodriguez, who would more than atone for that miscue later.
In the Tigers ninth, they loaded the bases with nobody out on two singles and a walk. Jack Pierce drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly. Roberts singled, reloading the bases. Rodriguez tapped out, pitcher to home plate, and Tom Veryzer struck out, keeping the game tied, 1-1.
Gary Sutherland and Roberts each had two singles for the Tigers. Fernando Arroyo (1-1) pitched three innings of scoreless relief to earn the win.
In an oddity, Kansas City's Al Cowens had four singles: on each occasion, he never made it to second base, and he gathered the hits leading off an inning, batting second in an inning, batting third and batting fourth.
The Major Said: "It was good to win a close game for a change. I thought Arroyo was terrific. He wiggled out of it after George tripled. Good win tonight."
KC 000 010 000 00 1-8-1
Tigers 000 000 001 01 2-10-2
WP: Arroyo (1-1)
LP: Bird
Tigers record: 35-55 (actual 41-49)
Home: 16-30
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 4-6
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Game 89: Tigers Suffer Another Late-Inning Loss, 4-2
Chicago (Fri., July 18, 1975) - Brian Downing sliced a single to right field with two outs in the eighth inning, scoring two runs, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Tigers, 4-2, at Comiskey Park on Friday night.
Downing's hit made a loser out of Tigers reliever John Hiller (3-8), though the hit came off Fernando Arroyo, who replaced Hiller after two straight walks.
After Arroyo entered the game, Bucky Dent grounded out, sending Bill Melton and Jerry Hairston to third base and second base, respectively. That brought up Downing, who poked his opposite field hit to right to break a 2-2 tie, giving him three RBI on the night.
The Tigers (34-55) took a 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and third, but the White Sox scored twice in the sixth inning to tie it, on a Hairston single and a Downing sacrifice fly.
White Sox starter Jim Kaat pitched eight innings to earn the win. Rich Gossage pitched the ninth to earn the save.
Mickey Stanley had three hits, including a home run, for Detroit.
The Major Said: "We seem to be on the losing end of a lot of these kinds of games. When you lose a lot, you lose a lot of close games, because so many games are close in this league. If you can't win close games, you won't go anywhere."
Tigers 101 000 000 2-9-0
Chicago 000 002 02x 4-7-1
HR: Stanley (2, DET)
WP: Kaat
SV: Gossage
LP: Hiller (3-8)
Tigers record: 34-55 (actual: 40-49)
Home: 15-30
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 3-7
Downing's hit made a loser out of Tigers reliever John Hiller (3-8), though the hit came off Fernando Arroyo, who replaced Hiller after two straight walks.
After Arroyo entered the game, Bucky Dent grounded out, sending Bill Melton and Jerry Hairston to third base and second base, respectively. That brought up Downing, who poked his opposite field hit to right to break a 2-2 tie, giving him three RBI on the night.
The Tigers (34-55) took a 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and third, but the White Sox scored twice in the sixth inning to tie it, on a Hairston single and a Downing sacrifice fly.
White Sox starter Jim Kaat pitched eight innings to earn the win. Rich Gossage pitched the ninth to earn the save.
Mickey Stanley had three hits, including a home run, for Detroit.
The Major Said: "We seem to be on the losing end of a lot of these kinds of games. When you lose a lot, you lose a lot of close games, because so many games are close in this league. If you can't win close games, you won't go anywhere."
Tigers 101 000 000 2-9-0
Chicago 000 002 02x 4-7-1
HR: Stanley (2, DET)
WP: Kaat
SV: Gossage
LP: Hiller (3-8)
Tigers record: 34-55 (actual: 40-49)
Home: 15-30
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 3-7
Friday, July 20, 2012
Games 87 & 88: Tigers Score Late in Game 2 to Salvage DH Split
Chicago (Thu., July 17, 1975) - The Tigers broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth inning of game two of a twi-night doubleheader, and salvaged a split of the twinbill with the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park Thursday.
The Tigers won game two, 3-1, after dropping the opener, 7-0.
Wilbur Wood breezed through the first game, pitching a complete game six-hitter as the Chisox broke the game open with a four-run sixth inning that extended their lead to 6-0.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (7-11) gave up 13 hits in six innings in the first game. In the sixth inning, the White Sox went station-to-station as eight consecutive batters reached base on an error, six singles, and a fielder's choice, accounting for the four runs.
In the nightcap, Lerrin LaGrow pitched 6.2 innings, giving up just one run on eight hits and no walks. But the winner was reliever Bob Reynolds (2-1), who was the beneficiary of a Mickey Stanley double, which scored Ben Oglivie from first base in the eighth inning, breaking the 1-1 tie.
The Tigers (34-54) added an insurance run in the ninth on a John Wockenfuss triple and an Aurelio Rodriguez sacrifice fly.
Reliever John Hiller, whose last outing was a four-run implosion in Detroit against the White Sox which lost the game, gave up a walk in the ninth but coaxed a game-ending double play grounder from Jerry Hairston, who had been 3-for-3. The save was Hiller's 15th.
Stanley started the second game at leadoff, subbing for Ron LeFlore in center field, and had three hits, including two doubles.
The Major Said: "I like how we bounced back, and I like how John (Hiller) bounced back. I know that last outing he had haunted him all through the All-Star break, so it was good to see him get the save tonight."
Game 1
Tigers 000 000 000 0-6-2
Chicago 020 004 10x 7-15-0
WP- Wood
LP- Lolich (7-11)
Game 2
Tigers 100 000 011 3-10-0
Chicago 000 001 000 1-8-0
WP- Reynolds (2-1)
SV- Hiller (15)
LP- Osteen
The Tigers won game two, 3-1, after dropping the opener, 7-0.
Wilbur Wood breezed through the first game, pitching a complete game six-hitter as the Chisox broke the game open with a four-run sixth inning that extended their lead to 6-0.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (7-11) gave up 13 hits in six innings in the first game. In the sixth inning, the White Sox went station-to-station as eight consecutive batters reached base on an error, six singles, and a fielder's choice, accounting for the four runs.
In the nightcap, Lerrin LaGrow pitched 6.2 innings, giving up just one run on eight hits and no walks. But the winner was reliever Bob Reynolds (2-1), who was the beneficiary of a Mickey Stanley double, which scored Ben Oglivie from first base in the eighth inning, breaking the 1-1 tie.
The Tigers (34-54) added an insurance run in the ninth on a John Wockenfuss triple and an Aurelio Rodriguez sacrifice fly.
Reliever John Hiller, whose last outing was a four-run implosion in Detroit against the White Sox which lost the game, gave up a walk in the ninth but coaxed a game-ending double play grounder from Jerry Hairston, who had been 3-for-3. The save was Hiller's 15th.
Stanley started the second game at leadoff, subbing for Ron LeFlore in center field, and had three hits, including two doubles.
The Major Said: "I like how we bounced back, and I like how John (Hiller) bounced back. I know that last outing he had haunted him all through the All-Star break, so it was good to see him get the save tonight."
Game 1
Tigers 000 000 000 0-6-2
Chicago 020 004 10x 7-15-0
WP- Wood
LP- Lolich (7-11)
Game 2
Tigers 100 000 011 3-10-0
Chicago 000 001 000 1-8-0
WP- Reynolds (2-1)
SV- Hiller (15)
LP- Osteen
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Game 86: Royals Crush Tigers' Comeback Bid In 9th, 6-5
Kansas City (July 13, 1975) - Bill Freehan hit two home runs for the Tigers, including a three-run shot that tied the game in the eighth inning, but the Kansas City Royals pushed across a run in the bottom of the ninth to win, 6-5, at Royals Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Cookie Rojas's single plated George Brett with the winning run, with the bases loaded and one out.
The Tigers (33-53) go into the All-Star break a season-high 20 games below .500 and having lost 11 of their past 14 games.
Willie Horton also hit a home run for Detroit. Kansas City's Frank White homered for the third straight game.
The Royals built a 5-1 lead by the time the Tigers started to chip away in the sixth inning, when they scored a run on Horton's 15th homer.
In the eighth, Leon Roberts and Horton singled to start the frame. That brought up Freehan, who connected for a solo homer in the fourth off starter Dennis Leonard, who was lifted after Horton's single sent Roberts to second base.
Reliever Nelson Briles hung a breaking ball that Freehan rocketed into left center field for his sixth homer of the season and second of the game, tying the contest, 5-5.
Two outs later, Tom Veryzer tripled but was stranded.
In the Royals ninth, Brett started with a single off Dave Lemanczyk and went to third on a John Mayberry base hit. Hal McRae grounded out, sending Mayberry to second. Tony Solaita was walked intentionally, and Rojas blistered a fastball past a diving Veryzer between short and third for the game-winning hit.
The Major Said: "I liked the way we fought back. Bill showed he can still do it. But we had to go through the heart of their order and we couldn't get it done."
Tigers 000 101 030 5-12-0
KC 220 100 001 6-16-0
HR: Horton (DET, 15); Freehan (DET, [2] 6); White (KC)
WP: Briles
LP: Lemanczyk (0-1)
Tigers record: 33-53 (actual 39-47)
Home: 15-30
Away: 18-23
Last 10: 2-8
Cookie Rojas's single plated George Brett with the winning run, with the bases loaded and one out.
The Tigers (33-53) go into the All-Star break a season-high 20 games below .500 and having lost 11 of their past 14 games.
Willie Horton also hit a home run for Detroit. Kansas City's Frank White homered for the third straight game.
The Royals built a 5-1 lead by the time the Tigers started to chip away in the sixth inning, when they scored a run on Horton's 15th homer.
In the eighth, Leon Roberts and Horton singled to start the frame. That brought up Freehan, who connected for a solo homer in the fourth off starter Dennis Leonard, who was lifted after Horton's single sent Roberts to second base.
Reliever Nelson Briles hung a breaking ball that Freehan rocketed into left center field for his sixth homer of the season and second of the game, tying the contest, 5-5.
Two outs later, Tom Veryzer tripled but was stranded.
In the Royals ninth, Brett started with a single off Dave Lemanczyk and went to third on a John Mayberry base hit. Hal McRae grounded out, sending Mayberry to second. Tony Solaita was walked intentionally, and Rojas blistered a fastball past a diving Veryzer between short and third for the game-winning hit.
The Major Said: "I liked the way we fought back. Bill showed he can still do it. But we had to go through the heart of their order and we couldn't get it done."
Tigers 000 101 030 5-12-0
KC 220 100 001 6-16-0
HR: Horton (DET, 15); Freehan (DET, [2] 6); White (KC)
WP: Briles
LP: Lemanczyk (0-1)
Tigers record: 33-53 (actual 39-47)
Home: 15-30
Away: 18-23
Last 10: 2-8
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Game 85: Fitzmorris Battles, Royals Cruise, 7-1
Kansas City (July 12, 1975) - Al Fitzmorris labored through eight innings, giving up 10 hits but only one unearned run, and the Kansas City Royals routed the Tigers, 7-1, at Royals Stadium Saturday night.
The Royals used a 16-hit barrage to take two of the first three games of this weekend series, which is the last before the All-Star break.
The Tigers had 11 hits, but left many runners on base and were lacking that big hit all evening. Ten of the Tigers' hits were singles.
The Royals roughed up Tigers starter Lerrin LaGrow (3-12), blistering him for seven runs (six earned) and 12 hits in 4.2 innings.
Frank White hit a two-run home run in the second inning, his second homer of the series.
The Royals scored three times in the second and twice more in the third.
The Tigers' (33-52) only run scored on a ground out by Ben Oglivie in the third inning. Detroit has now lost 10 of their past 13 games.
Right-hander Fernando Arroyo made his big league debut for Detroit, relieving LaGrow. Arroyo went 2.1 innings, giving up three hits and two walks, but no runs.
The Major Said: "I get tired of tipping my cap to the other pitcher. We had a lot of chances against Fitzmorris but we just couldn't get that big hit. But Lerrin (LaGrow) wasn't sharp, which didn't help."
Tigers 001 000 000 1-11-2
KC 032 020 00x 7-16-2
HR: White (KC)
WP: Fitzmorris
LP: LaGrow (3-12)
Tigers record: 33-52 (actual 38-47)
Home: 15-30
Away: 18-22
Last 10: 3-7
The Royals used a 16-hit barrage to take two of the first three games of this weekend series, which is the last before the All-Star break.
The Tigers had 11 hits, but left many runners on base and were lacking that big hit all evening. Ten of the Tigers' hits were singles.
The Royals roughed up Tigers starter Lerrin LaGrow (3-12), blistering him for seven runs (six earned) and 12 hits in 4.2 innings.
Frank White hit a two-run home run in the second inning, his second homer of the series.
The Royals scored three times in the second and twice more in the third.
The Tigers' (33-52) only run scored on a ground out by Ben Oglivie in the third inning. Detroit has now lost 10 of their past 13 games.
Right-hander Fernando Arroyo made his big league debut for Detroit, relieving LaGrow. Arroyo went 2.1 innings, giving up three hits and two walks, but no runs.
The Major Said: "I get tired of tipping my cap to the other pitcher. We had a lot of chances against Fitzmorris but we just couldn't get that big hit. But Lerrin (LaGrow) wasn't sharp, which didn't help."
Tigers 001 000 000 1-11-2
KC 032 020 00x 7-16-2
HR: White (KC)
WP: Fitzmorris
LP: LaGrow (3-12)
Tigers record: 33-52 (actual 38-47)
Home: 15-30
Away: 18-22
Last 10: 3-7
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Game 84: Tigers Return Extra Innings Favor, 2-1
Kansas City (July 11, 1975) - Thursday night, the Tigers lost, 2-1, in 10 innings. One night later, they turned the tables on the Kansas City Royals.
Willie Horton's bloop single to center field with two outs in the 10th scored Ron LeFlore with the go-ahead run, and Bob Reynolds shakily nailed his second save of the season as the Tigers won, 2-1.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich and counterpart Marty Pattin were both brilliant. Lolich pitched nine innings, giving up the lone Royals run and scattering eight hits. Pattin was pulled with one out in the ninth after surrendering just six hits and striking out eight.
The Tigers scored in the fourth inning on a Jack Pierce ground out, and the Royals tied it in the eighth on Frank White's home run just over the left field wall.
The Tigers reclaimed the lead in the 10th after LeFlore led off with a single and moved to second on a balk by reliever (and loser) Doug Bird. Gary Sutherland sacrificed LeFlore to third, and after a Leon Roberts strikeout, Horton delivered.
In the Royals tenth, Reynolds coaxed a fly ball from George Brett after Kansas City put runners on first and third with two outs. Lolich (7-10) got the win.
The Tigers (33-51) won for just the third time in 12 games.
The Major Said: "I'm just so happy one of our starters finally got rewarded for a great effort. White hit a great pitch, down and in. Good for Mickey (Lolich). He deserved the win."
Tigers 000 100 000 1 2-10-0
KC 000 000 010 0 1-10-0
HR: White (KC)
WP: Lolich (7-10)
SV: Reynolds (2)
LP: Bird
Tigers record: 33-51 (actual 37-47)
Home: 15-30
Away: 18-21
L
Willie Horton's bloop single to center field with two outs in the 10th scored Ron LeFlore with the go-ahead run, and Bob Reynolds shakily nailed his second save of the season as the Tigers won, 2-1.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich and counterpart Marty Pattin were both brilliant. Lolich pitched nine innings, giving up the lone Royals run and scattering eight hits. Pattin was pulled with one out in the ninth after surrendering just six hits and striking out eight.
The Tigers scored in the fourth inning on a Jack Pierce ground out, and the Royals tied it in the eighth on Frank White's home run just over the left field wall.
The Tigers reclaimed the lead in the 10th after LeFlore led off with a single and moved to second on a balk by reliever (and loser) Doug Bird. Gary Sutherland sacrificed LeFlore to third, and after a Leon Roberts strikeout, Horton delivered.
In the Royals tenth, Reynolds coaxed a fly ball from George Brett after Kansas City put runners on first and third with two outs. Lolich (7-10) got the win.
The Tigers (33-51) won for just the third time in 12 games.
The Major Said: "I'm just so happy one of our starters finally got rewarded for a great effort. White hit a great pitch, down and in. Good for Mickey (Lolich). He deserved the win."
Tigers 000 100 000 1 2-10-0
KC 000 000 010 0 1-10-0
HR: White (KC)
WP: Lolich (7-10)
SV: Reynolds (2)
LP: Bird
Tigers record: 33-51 (actual 37-47)
Home: 15-30
Away: 18-21
L
Friday, July 13, 2012
Game 83: Bats Cold; Tigers Fall in 10, 2-1
Kansas City (July 10) - The Tigers managed just three hits, and Kansas City starter Steve Busby pitched a 10-inning complete game as the Royals beat Detroit, 2-1, at Royals Stadium Thursday night.
Tony Solaita's single with two outs scored John Mayberry from second base with the winning run.
The Tigers scored their lone run in the first inning, when they collected two of their three hits, all singles. The third hit didn't come until the eighth inning as Busby cruised. He finished the game by retiring 22 of the last 24 Tigers hitters.
The Royals scored in the first inning as well, ona pair of doubles from George Brett and Mayberry.
Tigers starter Vern Ruhle went eight innings. Newly recalled Gene Pentz took the loss in relief.
In the 10th, Jim Wohlford led off with a walk. Brett popped out trying to bunt, but Mayberry singled, sending Wohlford to third base. Hal McRae grounded to third baseman Aurelio Rodriguez, who gunned Wohlford down at the plate for the second out.
That brought up Solaita, who delivered a line drive over the head of second baseman Gary Sutherland.
The Tigers (32-51) have lost 9 of 11.
The Major Said: "Another wasted pitching performance, but this time you have to hand it to Busby. He just had great command. He made great pitches at all the right times, it seemed."
Tigers 100 000 000 0 1-3-0
KC 100 000 000 1 2-8-1
WP: Busby
LP: Pentz (0-1)
Tigers record: 32-51 (actual 37-46)
Home: 15-30
Away: 17-21
Last 10: 2-8
Tony Solaita's single with two outs scored John Mayberry from second base with the winning run.
The Tigers scored their lone run in the first inning, when they collected two of their three hits, all singles. The third hit didn't come until the eighth inning as Busby cruised. He finished the game by retiring 22 of the last 24 Tigers hitters.
The Royals scored in the first inning as well, ona pair of doubles from George Brett and Mayberry.
Tigers starter Vern Ruhle went eight innings. Newly recalled Gene Pentz took the loss in relief.
In the 10th, Jim Wohlford led off with a walk. Brett popped out trying to bunt, but Mayberry singled, sending Wohlford to third base. Hal McRae grounded to third baseman Aurelio Rodriguez, who gunned Wohlford down at the plate for the second out.
That brought up Solaita, who delivered a line drive over the head of second baseman Gary Sutherland.
The Tigers (32-51) have lost 9 of 11.
The Major Said: "Another wasted pitching performance, but this time you have to hand it to Busby. He just had great command. He made great pitches at all the right times, it seemed."
Tigers 100 000 000 0 1-3-0
KC 100 000 000 1 2-8-1
WP: Busby
LP: Pentz (0-1)
Tigers record: 32-51 (actual 37-46)
Home: 15-30
Away: 17-21
Last 10: 2-8
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Game 82: Hiller Implodes; Chisox Stun Tigers, 9-8
Detroit (July 9) - Pat Kelly's RBI single capped a stunning four-run ninth inning rally, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Tigers, 9-8, at Tiger Stadium Wednesday night.
The Tigers entered the ninth with an 8-5 lead, thanks to Jack Pierce's three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth. Pierce's blast was in response to Chicago scoring twice in their half of the eighth to tie the game, 5-5.
Chicago jumped on Tigers starter Ray Bare with three runs in the first inning.
The Tigers took a 5-3 lead with three runs in the fifth.
In the ninth, Hiller allowed a single and a walk to start the frame. The fans got restless as the Tigers closer, who has battled inconsistency all season, got into immediate trouble. But after Jerry Hairston flied out for the second out, Hiller still had the 8-5 lead, albeit with the bases loaded.
But the next three White Sox hitters singled, leading to the four runs as the Tiger Stadium crowd of 13,567 booed lustily.
White Sox reliever Ozzy Osborn set the Tigers down in order in the ninth to cap the stunning win.
Ron LeFlore had three hits and an RBI for the Tigers.
The Tigers (32-50) travel to Kansas City for a four-game weekend series.
The Major Said: "Obviously John (Hiller) hasn't been himself this year. He takes two steps forward and one step back. You just gotta believe that he's going to find his groove and get this thing back on track. And it's not like (the White Sox) hit the ball all that hard. They hit a couple flares."
Chicago 300 000 024 9-15-0
Tigers 011 030 030 8-14-1
HR: Horton (14); Pierce (2)
WP: Osborn
LP: Hiller (3-7)
Tigers record: 32-50 (actual 36-46)
Home: 15-30
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 2-8
The Tigers entered the ninth with an 8-5 lead, thanks to Jack Pierce's three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth. Pierce's blast was in response to Chicago scoring twice in their half of the eighth to tie the game, 5-5.
Chicago jumped on Tigers starter Ray Bare with three runs in the first inning.
The Tigers took a 5-3 lead with three runs in the fifth.
In the ninth, Hiller allowed a single and a walk to start the frame. The fans got restless as the Tigers closer, who has battled inconsistency all season, got into immediate trouble. But after Jerry Hairston flied out for the second out, Hiller still had the 8-5 lead, albeit with the bases loaded.
But the next three White Sox hitters singled, leading to the four runs as the Tiger Stadium crowd of 13,567 booed lustily.
White Sox reliever Ozzy Osborn set the Tigers down in order in the ninth to cap the stunning win.
Ron LeFlore had three hits and an RBI for the Tigers.
The Tigers (32-50) travel to Kansas City for a four-game weekend series.
The Major Said: "Obviously John (Hiller) hasn't been himself this year. He takes two steps forward and one step back. You just gotta believe that he's going to find his groove and get this thing back on track. And it's not like (the White Sox) hit the ball all that hard. They hit a couple flares."
Chicago 300 000 024 9-15-0
Tigers 011 030 030 8-14-1
HR: Horton (14); Pierce (2)
WP: Osborn
LP: Hiller (3-7)
Tigers record: 32-50 (actual 36-46)
Home: 15-30
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 2-8
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Game 81: Rodriguez Comes Through When it Counts, 6-5
Detroit (July 8) - Aurelio Rodriguez, with one swing, made up for a whole night of bad ones.
Rodriguez singled home pinch-runner Art James with the bases loaded in the 13th inning, and the Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox, 6-5, Tuesday night in Detroit.
The Tigers third baseman had been hitless with four strikeouts prior to turning hero in the 13th.
The Tigers (32-49) had a 4-1 lead but fell behind, 5-4, after a three-run home run by Bill Melton in the sixth inning. The Tigers tied the game in the ninth inning on Leon Roberts' sacrifice fly.
In the 13th, the Tigers loaded the bases with one out on a lead-off single by Bill Freehan, a single by Mickey Stanley and an intentional walk to Ben Oglivie. James ran for Freehan.
Stanley had four hits for the Tigers, including a solo home run. Ron LeFlore had three singles and scored two runs. John Hiller (3-6) picked up the win with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.
The Major Said: "No one will talk about it, but I thought (relief pitcher) Ike Brookens was one of the heroes tonight. He gave us three innings and some change of scoreless relief, which gave us a chance to tie the game. He was a little rocky but he got the job done."
Chicago 000 104 000 000 0 5-12-1
Tigers 110 200 001 000 1 6-16-1
HR: Kelly (CHI); Melton (CHI); Stanley (DET; 1)
WP: Hiller (3-6)
LP: Forster
Tigers record: 32-49 (actual 35-46)
Home: 15-29
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Rodriguez singled home pinch-runner Art James with the bases loaded in the 13th inning, and the Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox, 6-5, Tuesday night in Detroit.
The Tigers third baseman had been hitless with four strikeouts prior to turning hero in the 13th.
The Tigers (32-49) had a 4-1 lead but fell behind, 5-4, after a three-run home run by Bill Melton in the sixth inning. The Tigers tied the game in the ninth inning on Leon Roberts' sacrifice fly.
In the 13th, the Tigers loaded the bases with one out on a lead-off single by Bill Freehan, a single by Mickey Stanley and an intentional walk to Ben Oglivie. James ran for Freehan.
Stanley had four hits for the Tigers, including a solo home run. Ron LeFlore had three singles and scored two runs. John Hiller (3-6) picked up the win with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.
The Major Said: "No one will talk about it, but I thought (relief pitcher) Ike Brookens was one of the heroes tonight. He gave us three innings and some change of scoreless relief, which gave us a chance to tie the game. He was a little rocky but he got the job done."
Chicago 000 104 000 000 0 5-12-1
Tigers 110 200 001 000 1 6-16-1
HR: Kelly (CHI); Melton (CHI); Stanley (DET; 1)
WP: Hiller (3-6)
LP: Forster
Tigers record: 32-49 (actual 35-46)
Home: 15-29
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Game 80: Johnson Blasts Tigers in 12th, 3-2
Detroit (July 7) - Deron Johnson drove an opposite field home run to right field in the 12th inning, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Tigers, 3-2, Monday night at Tiger Stadium.
Leading off the 12th, the 36-year-old DH connected off Bob Reynolds as the Tigers fell to 14-29 at home and 31-49 overall. They have lost seven of eight.
The Tigers tied the game 2-2 in the eighth inning and put runners on base in the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th but couldn't score again. They had 14 hits.
Bill Melton slugged a two-run homer in the sixth to put Chicago ahead, 2-1.
Tom Veryzer had four hits for the Tigers.
The Major Said: "It's not like we didn't have any chances. You should get a lot more runs than two when you have 14 hits. It's not like (the players) are not trying, but the results just aren't there.
Chicago 000 002 000 001 3-10-1
Tigers 100 000 100 000 2-14-0
HR: Melton (CHI); Johnson (CHI)
WP: Gossage
LP: Reynolds
Tigers record: 31-49 (actual 34-46)
Home: 14-29
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Leading off the 12th, the 36-year-old DH connected off Bob Reynolds as the Tigers fell to 14-29 at home and 31-49 overall. They have lost seven of eight.
The Tigers tied the game 2-2 in the eighth inning and put runners on base in the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th but couldn't score again. They had 14 hits.
Bill Melton slugged a two-run homer in the sixth to put Chicago ahead, 2-1.
Tom Veryzer had four hits for the Tigers.
The Major Said: "It's not like we didn't have any chances. You should get a lot more runs than two when you have 14 hits. It's not like (the players) are not trying, but the results just aren't there.
Chicago 000 002 000 001 3-10-1
Tigers 100 000 100 000 2-14-0
HR: Melton (CHI); Johnson (CHI)
WP: Gossage
LP: Reynolds
Tigers record: 31-49 (actual 34-46)
Home: 14-29
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Monday, July 9, 2012
Games 78 & 79: Brewers Take Twinbill With Blowout and 1-Run Affair
Detroit (July 6) - The Milwaukee Brewers surrendered just four runs in two games and swept a doubleheader from the Tigers Sunday afternoon in Detroit, taking three of four games in the weekend series.
The Brewers routed the Tigers, 13-2 in Game 1, then held on to win 3-2 in the nightcap.
Milwaukee banged out 19 hits in the first game---at least one in every inning. Robin Yount had three doubles and four RBI. He scored three times. Tigers pitchers walked eight Milwaukee hitters.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (6-10) became the third Detroit pitcher to register double digits in losses this season (Joe Coleman 12; Lerrin LaGrow 11). Lolich lasted just 3.2 innings, surrendering 10 hits and seven earned runs.
In Game 2, Milwaukee fell behind 1-0 in the first inning, but scored twice in the fifth inning on a 2-run double by George Scott. They added an insurance run in the seventh and survived a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the ninth with the score 3-2. The game ended with Ron LeFlore's line drive being caught by shortstop Kurt Bevacqua, who threw to second baseman Bob Sheldon to double off Gates Brown.
Brewers starters Tom Hausman and Pete Broberg (Games 1 and 2, respectively) combined to throw 13 innings and allow just three runs between them.
The Major Said: "That first game was as ugly as it gets. We had a shot in the second game, but Ronnie hits into that double play. That's pretty much how our season has gone, right there."
Game 1
Milwaukee 210 401 500 13-19-1
Tigers 100 000 100 2-11-2
HR: Scott (MIL); Bevacqua (MIL)
WP: Hausman
LP: Lolich (6-10)
Game 2
Milwaukee 000 020 100 3-9-0
Tigers 100 000 010 2-8-0
WP: Broberg
SV: Murphy
LP: LaGrow (3-11)
Tigers record: 31-48 (actual 33-46)
Home: 14-28
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
The Brewers routed the Tigers, 13-2 in Game 1, then held on to win 3-2 in the nightcap.
Milwaukee banged out 19 hits in the first game---at least one in every inning. Robin Yount had three doubles and four RBI. He scored three times. Tigers pitchers walked eight Milwaukee hitters.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (6-10) became the third Detroit pitcher to register double digits in losses this season (Joe Coleman 12; Lerrin LaGrow 11). Lolich lasted just 3.2 innings, surrendering 10 hits and seven earned runs.
In Game 2, Milwaukee fell behind 1-0 in the first inning, but scored twice in the fifth inning on a 2-run double by George Scott. They added an insurance run in the seventh and survived a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the ninth with the score 3-2. The game ended with Ron LeFlore's line drive being caught by shortstop Kurt Bevacqua, who threw to second baseman Bob Sheldon to double off Gates Brown.
Brewers starters Tom Hausman and Pete Broberg (Games 1 and 2, respectively) combined to throw 13 innings and allow just three runs between them.
The Major Said: "That first game was as ugly as it gets. We had a shot in the second game, but Ronnie hits into that double play. That's pretty much how our season has gone, right there."
Game 1
Milwaukee 210 401 500 13-19-1
Tigers 100 000 100 2-11-2
HR: Scott (MIL); Bevacqua (MIL)
WP: Hausman
LP: Lolich (6-10)
Game 2
Milwaukee 000 020 100 3-9-0
Tigers 100 000 010 2-8-0
WP: Broberg
SV: Murphy
LP: LaGrow (3-11)
Tigers record: 31-48 (actual 33-46)
Home: 14-28
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Game 77: Colborn Outduels Ruhle, 1-0
Detroit (July 5) - Darrell Porter slammed a solo home run into the right field upper deck in the eighth inning, and Jim Colborn pitched a complete-game shutout as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Tigers, 1-0, Saturday afternoon at Tiger Stadium.
Colborn outdueled Tigers starter Vern Ruhle (6-7) by hurling a four-hitter and walking only one batter.
Ruhle went 7.1 innings, giving up just three hits. He carried a one-hitter into the eighth before Porter led off with his home run.
The Tigers (31-46) moved only one runner to second base all game, on Aurelio Rodriguez's double in the third inning.
The Major Said: "Vern made one mistake and it cost him. We've done this a lot this season---wasting good pitching performances. My heart breaks for the kid."
Milwaukee 000 000 010 1-4-1
Tigers 000 000 000 0-4-0
HR: Porter (MIL)
Tigers record: 31-46 (actual 31-46)
Home: 14-26
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Colborn outdueled Tigers starter Vern Ruhle (6-7) by hurling a four-hitter and walking only one batter.
Ruhle went 7.1 innings, giving up just three hits. He carried a one-hitter into the eighth before Porter led off with his home run.
The Tigers (31-46) moved only one runner to second base all game, on Aurelio Rodriguez's double in the third inning.
The Major Said: "Vern made one mistake and it cost him. We've done this a lot this season---wasting good pitching performances. My heart breaks for the kid."
Milwaukee 000 000 010 1-4-1
Tigers 000 000 000 0-4-0
HR: Porter (MIL)
Tigers record: 31-46 (actual 31-46)
Home: 14-26
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Game 76: Singles Galore as Tigers Tame Brewers, 4-1
Detroit (July 4) - The Tigers rapped out 11 hits, all singles, and Ray Bare pitched seven strong innings in a 4-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers Friday night at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers' 7-8-9 hitters went 4-for-8 and scored three runs, drawing three walks in the process.
Bare (2-2) scattered seven hits over seven innings, striking out five and walking none.
The Tigers broke a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning with a single run, then added two more runs in the sixth.
Ron LeFlore had two RBI for the Tigers (31-45), who improved to 14-25 at home.
Robin Yount had two hits and an RBI for Milwaukee.
The Major Said: "Ray was good. We got some timely hits. We played good defense. And we won. Funny how that works."
Milwaukee 001 000 000 1-8-0
Tigers 001 102 00x 4-11-0
Tigers record: 31-45 (actual 30-46)
Home: 14-25
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 4-6
The Tigers' 7-8-9 hitters went 4-for-8 and scored three runs, drawing three walks in the process.
Bare (2-2) scattered seven hits over seven innings, striking out five and walking none.
The Tigers broke a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning with a single run, then added two more runs in the sixth.
Ron LeFlore had two RBI for the Tigers (31-45), who improved to 14-25 at home.
Robin Yount had two hits and an RBI for Milwaukee.
The Major Said: "Ray was good. We got some timely hits. We played good defense. And we won. Funny how that works."
Milwaukee 001 000 000 1-8-0
Tigers 001 102 00x 4-11-0
Tigers record: 31-45 (actual 30-46)
Home: 14-25
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 4-6
Friday, July 6, 2012
Game 75: O's Dismantle Tigers Again, 11-2
(Ed. note: beginning 7/5/12, this
project will be played on a daily, "real time" basis, meaning the season
will now carry on as if it was really 1975, day-by-day. As such, the
recaps will be more brief, "agate type" recaps and will appear the day
after the game is played, just like a 1975 newspaper. The only
difference is that the 2012 calendar is two days ahead of the 1975
calendar. Example: the July 3, 1975 game [Thursday] will be played on
July 5, 2012 [Thursday]. Each recap will feature "The Major Said," a
quote from Tigers manager Ralph "The Major" Houk)
Detroit (July 3) - Ken Singleton had four hits and scored four runs, and Bobby Grich followed his eight-RBI game with three hits, and the Baltimore Orioles routed the Detroit Tigers for the second straight night, 11-2, Thursday night in Detroit.
The Tigers (30-45) are 13-25 at home and have lost six of their past eight overall, including the last three straight. The two losses to the Orioles were by a combined score of 27-7.
Tigers starter Joe Coleman (3-12) saw his ERA shoot up to 5.01 with a 4.2 inning outing in which he gave up nine hits and six runs.
The O's scored twice in the first inning. Lee May drove in a run with a ground out, and former Tiger Jim Northrup laced a double in the gap to plate Al Bumbry from first base.
Singleton made it 3-0 with a solo HR in the third, but the Tigers narrowed the lead to 3-2 with two runs in their half of the third, courtesy a two-run double by Bill Freehan.
Then it was all Baltimore.
The Orioles scored three times in the fifth and exploded for five runs in the seventh to win going away.
After being swept in the two-game set by Baltimore, the Tigers welcome the Milwaukee Brewers for a four-game weekend series which includes a Sunday doubleheader.
The Major Said: "Twenty-seven runs in two games. I don't care if I ever see those guys (Orioles) again.They beat us like a drum/ Good riddance."
Baltimore 201 030 500 11-16-1
Tigers 002 000 000 2-8-1
Tigers record: 30-45 (actual 29-46)
Home: 13-25
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Detroit (July 3) - Ken Singleton had four hits and scored four runs, and Bobby Grich followed his eight-RBI game with three hits, and the Baltimore Orioles routed the Detroit Tigers for the second straight night, 11-2, Thursday night in Detroit.
The Tigers (30-45) are 13-25 at home and have lost six of their past eight overall, including the last three straight. The two losses to the Orioles were by a combined score of 27-7.
Tigers starter Joe Coleman (3-12) saw his ERA shoot up to 5.01 with a 4.2 inning outing in which he gave up nine hits and six runs.
The O's scored twice in the first inning. Lee May drove in a run with a ground out, and former Tiger Jim Northrup laced a double in the gap to plate Al Bumbry from first base.
Singleton made it 3-0 with a solo HR in the third, but the Tigers narrowed the lead to 3-2 with two runs in their half of the third, courtesy a two-run double by Bill Freehan.
Then it was all Baltimore.
The Orioles scored three times in the fifth and exploded for five runs in the seventh to win going away.
After being swept in the two-game set by Baltimore, the Tigers welcome the Milwaukee Brewers for a four-game weekend series which includes a Sunday doubleheader.
The Major Said: "Twenty-seven runs in two games. I don't care if I ever see those guys (Orioles) again.They beat us like a drum/ Good riddance."
Baltimore 201 030 500 11-16-1
Tigers 002 000 000 2-8-1
Tigers record: 30-45 (actual 29-46)
Home: 13-25
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Game 74: Grich, Orioles Spank Tigers, 16-5
(Ed. note: beginning with this game recap, this project will be played on a daily, "real time" basis, meaning the season will now carry on as if it was really 1975, day-by-day. As such, the recaps will be more brief, "agate type" recaps and will appear the day after the game is played, just like a 1975 newspaper. The only difference is that the 2012 calendar is two days ahead of the 1975 calendar. Example: the July 3, 1975 game [Thursday] will be played on July 5, 2012 [Thursday]. Each recap will feature "The Major Said," a quote from Tigers manager Ralph "The Major" Houk)
Detroit (July 2) - Bobby Grich slugged two three-run home runs and had 8 RBI, and the Baltimore Orioles built a 10-1 lead after three innings, eventually coasting to a 16-5 victory at Tiger Stadium last night.
The Orioles scored 14 runs off starter Tom Walker and the man who relieved him, Dave Lemanczyk, in 5.2 innings.
Veteran third baseman Brooks Robinson had five hits for the Orioles and scored three runs.
Grich hit a three-run homer in the second inning, added a two-run single in the third, and hit another three-run shot in the sixth as he set a career high for most RBI in one game.
Two Tigers (Gary Sutherland, Bill Freehan) had triples and scored a run.
The Tigers (30-44) lost for the seventh time in their past 10 games.
The Major Said: "Not much you can say after something like this. You take your lumps and come back tomorrow. It still just counts one in the standings. Grich was something else, eh?"
Baltimore 145 013 002 16-20-2
Tigers 010 020 011 5-9-2
Tigers record: 30-44 (actual 28-46)
Home: 13-24
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Detroit (July 2) - Bobby Grich slugged two three-run home runs and had 8 RBI, and the Baltimore Orioles built a 10-1 lead after three innings, eventually coasting to a 16-5 victory at Tiger Stadium last night.
The Orioles scored 14 runs off starter Tom Walker and the man who relieved him, Dave Lemanczyk, in 5.2 innings.
Veteran third baseman Brooks Robinson had five hits for the Orioles and scored three runs.
Grich hit a three-run homer in the second inning, added a two-run single in the third, and hit another three-run shot in the sixth as he set a career high for most RBI in one game.
Two Tigers (Gary Sutherland, Bill Freehan) had triples and scored a run.
The Tigers (30-44) lost for the seventh time in their past 10 games.
The Major Said: "Not much you can say after something like this. You take your lumps and come back tomorrow. It still just counts one in the standings. Grich was something else, eh?"
Baltimore 145 013 002 16-20-2
Tigers 010 020 011 5-9-2
Tigers record: 30-44 (actual 28-46)
Home: 13-24
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Game 73: Oh, Mon! Carty, Tribe Scalp Tigers in 9th, 5-4
July 1 (Cleveland) - They call Rico Carty the Big Mon. Tonight he showed why.
Carty hit a home run that temporarily put his Cleveland Indians ahead, then continued a ninth inning rally that enabled the Indians to slip past the Tigers, 5-4, at Municipal Stadium.
The loss stunned the Tigers (30-43), who looked to be on the verge of sweeping this two-day, three-game series. The Tigers led, 4-2, after they scored twice in the seventh inning. But the Indians didn't quit.
Charlie Spikes' solo homer made it 4-3 in the Indians' seventh.
In the ninth, Mickey Lolich carried a six-hitter into the frame, but after George Hendrick doubled and Carty sent him to third with a single, manager Ralph Houk called for Bob Reynolds to relieve Lolich.
Spikes then hit a ball that caromed off Reynolds' leg and went to first baseman Jack Pierce, who made the out as Hendrick scored the tying run. Carty advanced to second.
Carty had two hits, including a home run, and scored twice, including the game-winning run
After John Ellis flied out to center, Bill Sudakis---just signed yesterday as a free agent---lofted a flare to left field that dropped in front of Dan Meyer and scored Carty with the winning run.
The loss dropped the Tigers back into the AL East cellar, one-half game behind the Tribe.
Bill Freehan (4th) hit a solo homer for Detroit.
In the seventh, the game tied 2-2, Gene Michael led off with a double. Aurelio Rodriguez singled him to third. Ron LeFlore singled, scoring Michael and sending Rodriguez to second base. After Gary Sutherland was hit by a pitch, loading the bases, Meyer hit a tapper to pitcher Jim Kern (in relief of Jim Bibby), whose only play was to first base, scoring Rodriguez to make it 4-2, Detroit.
The Tigers put runners on first and second with two out in the ninth, but couldn't tack on any insurance.
Thanks partly to the Big Mon, that would prove fatal.
Notes: Freehan, on his homer: "I thought I'd have more (than 4) by now. But I'm starting to feel better at the plate"...The Tigers finished their 11-game road trip with a 4-7 record.
******************************************************
Tigers record: 30-43 (actual 28-45)
Home: 13-23
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 4-6
Carty hit a home run that temporarily put his Cleveland Indians ahead, then continued a ninth inning rally that enabled the Indians to slip past the Tigers, 5-4, at Municipal Stadium.
The loss stunned the Tigers (30-43), who looked to be on the verge of sweeping this two-day, three-game series. The Tigers led, 4-2, after they scored twice in the seventh inning. But the Indians didn't quit.
Charlie Spikes' solo homer made it 4-3 in the Indians' seventh.
In the ninth, Mickey Lolich carried a six-hitter into the frame, but after George Hendrick doubled and Carty sent him to third with a single, manager Ralph Houk called for Bob Reynolds to relieve Lolich.
Spikes then hit a ball that caromed off Reynolds' leg and went to first baseman Jack Pierce, who made the out as Hendrick scored the tying run. Carty advanced to second.
Carty had two hits, including a home run, and scored twice, including the game-winning run
After John Ellis flied out to center, Bill Sudakis---just signed yesterday as a free agent---lofted a flare to left field that dropped in front of Dan Meyer and scored Carty with the winning run.
The loss dropped the Tigers back into the AL East cellar, one-half game behind the Tribe.
Bill Freehan (4th) hit a solo homer for Detroit.
In the seventh, the game tied 2-2, Gene Michael led off with a double. Aurelio Rodriguez singled him to third. Ron LeFlore singled, scoring Michael and sending Rodriguez to second base. After Gary Sutherland was hit by a pitch, loading the bases, Meyer hit a tapper to pitcher Jim Kern (in relief of Jim Bibby), whose only play was to first base, scoring Rodriguez to make it 4-2, Detroit.
The Tigers put runners on first and second with two out in the ninth, but couldn't tack on any insurance.
Thanks partly to the Big Mon, that would prove fatal.
Notes: Freehan, on his homer: "I thought I'd have more (than 4) by now. But I'm starting to feel better at the plate"...The Tigers finished their 11-game road trip with a 4-7 record.
******************************************************
Tigers record: 30-43 (actual 28-45)
Home: 13-23
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 4-6
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