Detroit (Wed., Sept. 17, 1975) - If any pitcher in the American League has had worse luck than Joe Coleman since May, it would be amazing.
Coleman, a 20-game loser this season (often due to lack of run support), hasn't won since May 19. And he was three outs away from ending that streak Wednesday night at Tiger Stadium but it still didn't happen.
The Tigers won, 4-3, in the bottom of the ninth on a single by Gary Sutherland, but not before blowing a 3-0 lead in the top of the frame, denying Coleman his fourth win of the year.
Coleman had pitched eight shutout innings, allowing just two singles, when he surrendered back-to-back singles to Duane Kuiper and Rick Manning to start the ninth. Manager Ralph Houk walked to the mound, and was met with some jeers when he signaled for reliever Tom Walker. Coleman left the field to a chorus of cheers for his effort.
But Walker's first pitch, to George Hendrick, was deposited over the left field wall for a three-run homer and a 3-3 tie. As Hendrick circled the bases, Tiger Stadium was filled with boos.
TV cameras caught Coleman in the dugout with a sheepish grin, shaking his head, after Hendrick's homer.
In the Tigers' half of the ninth, with two out and nobody on base, catcher Terry Humphrey blooped a single into right field. Billy Baldwin followed with an infield hit. Sutherland stepped up and drove a Jim Kern pitch into right field, a flare that enabled the slow-footed Humphrey to score. Houk couldn't pinch run for Humphrey because Bill Freehan wasn't available due to a sore knee.
The Tigers (59-92) had won their second straight game, but Coleman's winless streak continued. It was hard to pitch any better and not get a victory, but that's how Coleman's 1975 season has gone.
The Major Said: "I knew I'd catch heat for lifting Joe, but I thought he was running out of gas, and the tying run was at the plate. I feel bad for him but I'd do it again."
Cleveland 000 000 003 3-5-1
Tigers 001 200 001 4-12-2
HR: Hendrick (CLE)
WP: Walker (3-2)
LP: Kern
Tigers record: 59-92 (actual 56-95)
Home: 30-46
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 4-6
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