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.
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Tigers record: 30-43 (actual 28-45)
Home: 13-23
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 4-6
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