Game 109: Tigers Prevail In 10 Wacky, Sloppy Innings, 11-8

Cleveland (Mon., Aug. 4, 1975) - The Cleveland Indians committed seven errors, the most in modern history for the franchise, and the final of those miscues opened the floodgates as the Tigers beat the Tribe, 11-8, in 10 innings at Municipal Stadium Monday night. It was the Tigers' second straight win.

Third baseman Buddy Bell made three errors by himself. But it was second baseman Jack Brohamer's fumbling of a ground ball in the tenth that started the Tigers' game-winning rally off reliever Jim Kern.

Jack Pierce singled, Aurelio Rodriguez doubled for a run, then rookie Art James came through with a two-out single that plated two more runs as the Tigers broke away from a 8-8 tie.

There were 19 runs and 27 hits, but only two home runs hit (Brohamer for Cleveland, a three-run shot; and Pierce for the Tigers, a solo blast).

The Tigers (45-64) jumped on Cleveland starter Dennis Eckersley for five runs in the first inning as the first six batters singled to start the game.

The Indians got a four spot in the fourth to make the score 5-4. Brohamer's drive over the right field wall off Detroit starter Mickey Lolich was the big blow.

Cleveland scored three times in the seventh inning to take a 7-6 lead but the Tigers answered with two in the eighth to regain the lead, 8-7. Rookie John Knox's double scored both runs. Knox had three RBI on the night.

The Indians bounced right back to score a run in their half of the eighth to tie the game once again. A bases loaded walk to Rick Manning scored the run.

Despite all the fireworks offensively, Tigers reliever (and winner) Dave Lemanczyk set down the final eight Indians hitters in a row to earn the victory, his first of the year.

The Major Said: "It wasn't pretty by any stretch but we'll take it. I didn't like the eight runs we gave up but I liked how we kept coming at them with the bats."

Tigers   500 000 120 3  11-16-0
Cleveland 000 400 310 0 8-11-7

HR: Brohamer (CLE); Pierce (DET, 4)

WP: Lemanczyk (1-2)
LP: Kern

Tigers record: 45-64 (actual 46-63)
Home: 22-34
Away: 23-30
Last 10: 5-5