Milwaukee, WI (Sun., Sept. 28, 1975) - Larry Anderson pitched a complete-game five hitter and the Tigers dropped their season finale, 5-1, to the Milwaukee Brewers at County Stadium.
The Tigers (60-99) finished the season with six consecutive losses, during which they scored just six runs.
The Brewers scored all their runs in the first two innings---two in the first and three in the second off rookie lefty Ed Glynn, who was making his first career start. Glynn lasted just two innings before being replaced by Dave Lemanczyk, who pitched four perfect innings of relief.
Hank Aaron had a two-run double in the first, and George Scott hit a two-run homer in the next inning, his third home run in two games, to help stake Milwaukee to a 5-0 lead.
The Tigers scratched out their run in the fifth inning on three singles, culminating in Terry Humphrey's RBI hit.
Anderson earned his first career complete game as the Tigers bats continued to doze, as they have for much of the season, averaging just 3.5 runs per game.
Milwaukee second baseman Bob Sheldon had three hits, making him 7-for-9 over the past two games.
The Tigers finished the 1975 season in last place for the second year in a row. They won 12 fewer games than last year, though three games were rained out and never made up.
Willie Horton's bid to become the first Tiger since himself in 1966 to earn 100 RBI fell short. He slumped in the final week and remained stuck on 96 RBI.
The Major said: "We just weren't good enough. We deserve our record. It was a transitional year with lots of young players but we weren't good. Period. We knew this would be tough but now it's time to keep getting better. 1976 will be better, I promise. Who knows? Maybe some exciting things will happen in '76."
Tigers 000 010 000 1-5-0
Milw. 230 000 00x 5-8-1
WP: Anderson
LP: Glynn (0-1)
Tigers record: 60-99 (actual 57-102)
Home: 31-49
Away: 29-50
Last 10: 3-7
Showing posts with label Willie Horton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Willie Horton. Show all posts
Monday, October 1, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Game 155: Tigers Blow It in 9th, 2-1
Detroit (Sun., Sept. 21, 1975) - Vern Ruhle had the Boston Red Sox shutout through eight innings on four hits, but his lead was only 1-0. It would prove to not be enough.
Ruhle (8-15) struggled in the ninth, and the Red Sox scored twice to beat the Tigers, 2-1 at Tiger Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the home finale for the Bengals.
The Red Sox came back to win the final two games of the series after dropping Friday's opener.
With one out in the ninth and the bases empty, Fred Lynn singled for Boston. Jim Rice reached on Gary Sutherland's error, and Carlton Fisk followed with a single, scoring Lynn from second with the tying run.
That ended Ruhle's day, but rookie reliever Ed Glynn, a lefty, walked left-handed hitting Bernie Carbo to load the bases with one out. Rico Petrocelli was up next and he lined a single to left to score Rice with the go-ahead run.
Rick Burleson then hit into a 4-6-3 double play, but the damage was done.
Jim Willoughby survived a lead-off single in the ninth by Dan Meyer, thanks largely to Tom Veryzer's errant bunt, which was caught in the air by Fisk, who rifled a throw to Carl Yastrzemski at first base to double off Meyer.
Pinch-hitter Gates Brown, in perhaps his last at-bat at Tiger Stadium in his career, flied out to left for the final out. Brown has hinted strongly at retirement after this season, and the Tigers (60-95) finished their home schedule with a 31-49 record.
Detroit scored its run in the sixth when second baseman Denny Doyle bobbled Aurelio Rodriguez's potential double-play ground ball, scoring Willie Horton from third base.
The Major Said: "We've wasted a lot of good pitching this year, and today was an example. Felt horrible for Vern, but he was obviously losing gas out there. Had to get him out of there. Tommy's (Veryzer) bunt was unfortunate."
Boston 000 000 002 2-7-1
Tigers 000 001 000 1-6-1
WP: Willoughby
LP: Ruhle (8-15)
Tigers record: 60-95 (actual 57-98)
Home: 31-49
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 4-6
Ruhle (8-15) struggled in the ninth, and the Red Sox scored twice to beat the Tigers, 2-1 at Tiger Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the home finale for the Bengals.
The Red Sox came back to win the final two games of the series after dropping Friday's opener.
With one out in the ninth and the bases empty, Fred Lynn singled for Boston. Jim Rice reached on Gary Sutherland's error, and Carlton Fisk followed with a single, scoring Lynn from second with the tying run.
That ended Ruhle's day, but rookie reliever Ed Glynn, a lefty, walked left-handed hitting Bernie Carbo to load the bases with one out. Rico Petrocelli was up next and he lined a single to left to score Rice with the go-ahead run.
Rick Burleson then hit into a 4-6-3 double play, but the damage was done.
Jim Willoughby survived a lead-off single in the ninth by Dan Meyer, thanks largely to Tom Veryzer's errant bunt, which was caught in the air by Fisk, who rifled a throw to Carl Yastrzemski at first base to double off Meyer.
Pinch-hitter Gates Brown, in perhaps his last at-bat at Tiger Stadium in his career, flied out to left for the final out. Brown has hinted strongly at retirement after this season, and the Tigers (60-95) finished their home schedule with a 31-49 record.
Detroit scored its run in the sixth when second baseman Denny Doyle bobbled Aurelio Rodriguez's potential double-play ground ball, scoring Willie Horton from third base.
The Major Said: "We've wasted a lot of good pitching this year, and today was an example. Felt horrible for Vern, but he was obviously losing gas out there. Had to get him out of there. Tommy's (Veryzer) bunt was unfortunate."
Boston 000 000 002 2-7-1
Tigers 000 001 000 1-6-1
WP: Willoughby
LP: Ruhle (8-15)
Tigers record: 60-95 (actual 57-98)
Home: 31-49
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 4-6
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Game 150: Tigers Debut Some Kids, Hang On 10-9
Detroit (Tue., Sept. 16, 1975) - The Tigers stormed out to a 10-3 lead then watched in horror as it almost was frittered away in holding off the Cleveland Indians, 10-9 at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers debuted three rookie pitchers from Toledo, whose minor league season ended later than others because the Mud Hens made it to the International League's championship series.
Lefties Tom Makowski and Ed Glynn and right-hander Steve Grilli all pitched in their first big league games. Makowski and Grilli combined to give up six runs in the eighth and ninth innings, turning a rout into a nailbiter.
Glynn picked up his first save with the tying run at first base, coaxing a ground out from Duane Kuiper.
From Toledo, the Tigers also called up infielders Chuck Scrivener and Jerry Manuel, and outfielder Bob Molinaro, but none of them played Tuesday night.
Ben Oglivie had four hits and three RBI and another rookie, 2B John Knox, had three hits.
Detroit (58-92) scored six times in the fourth inning, and added three in the fifth for a 10-3 lead. The Tigers roughed up Cleveland starter Dennis Eckersley and reliever Fred Beene for all 10 runs.
The Tigers racked up 18 hits, overcoming three errors---two by SS Tom Veryzer.
Fernando Arroyo got the start for Detroit because scheduled starter Vern Ruhle had shoulder soreness when he arrived at the ballpark. Arroyo (4-2) pitched six innings, allowing two earned runs, earning the victory. He had pitched two innings in Sunday's loss to Baltimore.
Willie Horton picked up another RBI, giving him 96, edging him closer to being the first Tiger to drive in 100 runs since Horton himself did it in 1966.
The Tigers are 29-46 at home and 29-46 on the road.
The Major Said: "We don't have a lot of time to see the rookie pitchers but we do have some games left so may as well put them in there. They had a good season in Toledo as a team. But realistically we won't find out much about any of them until spring training."
Cleveland 000 210 042 9-13-2
Tigers 001 630 000 10-18-3
HR: LeFlore (DET, 7); Bell (CLE)
WP: Arroyo (4-2)
SV: Glynn (1)
LP: Eckersley
Tigers record: 58-92 (actual 55-95)
Home: 29-46
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 4-6
The Tigers debuted three rookie pitchers from Toledo, whose minor league season ended later than others because the Mud Hens made it to the International League's championship series.
Lefties Tom Makowski and Ed Glynn and right-hander Steve Grilli all pitched in their first big league games. Makowski and Grilli combined to give up six runs in the eighth and ninth innings, turning a rout into a nailbiter.
Glynn picked up his first save with the tying run at first base, coaxing a ground out from Duane Kuiper.
From Toledo, the Tigers also called up infielders Chuck Scrivener and Jerry Manuel, and outfielder Bob Molinaro, but none of them played Tuesday night.
Ben Oglivie had four hits and three RBI and another rookie, 2B John Knox, had three hits.
Detroit (58-92) scored six times in the fourth inning, and added three in the fifth for a 10-3 lead. The Tigers roughed up Cleveland starter Dennis Eckersley and reliever Fred Beene for all 10 runs.
The Tigers racked up 18 hits, overcoming three errors---two by SS Tom Veryzer.
Fernando Arroyo got the start for Detroit because scheduled starter Vern Ruhle had shoulder soreness when he arrived at the ballpark. Arroyo (4-2) pitched six innings, allowing two earned runs, earning the victory. He had pitched two innings in Sunday's loss to Baltimore.
Willie Horton picked up another RBI, giving him 96, edging him closer to being the first Tiger to drive in 100 runs since Horton himself did it in 1966.
The Tigers are 29-46 at home and 29-46 on the road.
The Major Said: "We don't have a lot of time to see the rookie pitchers but we do have some games left so may as well put them in there. They had a good season in Toledo as a team. But realistically we won't find out much about any of them until spring training."
Cleveland 000 210 042 9-13-2
Tigers 001 630 000 10-18-3
HR: LeFlore (DET, 7); Bell (CLE)
WP: Arroyo (4-2)
SV: Glynn (1)
LP: Eckersley
Tigers record: 58-92 (actual 55-95)
Home: 29-46
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 4-6
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Games 144 & 145: Tigers Come From Ahead Twice and Lose DH to Bosox
Boston, MA (Wed., Sept. 10, 1975) - The Tigers blew leads in both ends of a twi-night doubleheader and were swept by the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park Wednesday evening.
In Game 1, the Tigers scored five runs in the first inning but were shutout the rest of the way in losing, 6-5. In the nightcap, the Tigers held a 2-0 lead midway through the game but ended up on the short end of a 5-3 score.
In the opener, the Tigers pounced on Red Sox starter Roger Moret for five runs in the first inning, courtesy a three-run homer by hot-hitting Willie Horton and a two-run shot by Aurelio Rodriguez.
But Moret got stingy and went seven innings, giving up no more runs after the first frame. Meanwhile, the Red Sox chipped away against Tigers starter Vern Ruhle, tying the game in the eighth inning and winning it in the bottom of the ninth on a two-out single by Carl Yastrzemski, scoring Rick Burleson.
In Game 2, the Red Sox scored three runs in the seventh inning to erase a 2-1 deficit and they held on from there.
Horton hit another homer in the second game, no. 25 on the season to go with 92 RBI. In his past 41 at-bats, Horton has seven home runs and 19 RBI.
Tom Walker got a spot start for the Tigers (56-89) in the nightcap. He pitched six innings and only allowed one run. Rookie Ike Brookens (0-2) was tagged with the loss, surrendering the three runs in the seventh in just 1/3 inning.
Detroit has one more game left in Boston, where the Tigers are 1-6 this season.
Yastrzemski had three hits in each game, going 6-for-10 with three RBI.
The Major Said: "No lead is safe in this ballpark, and especially when you score five runs in the first and nothing afterward. That's a recipe for disaster against this team in this place. And they didn't hit the ball out of the ballpark in either game."
Game 1
Tigers 500 000 000 5-8-0
Boston 010 003 011 6-11-1
HR: Horton (DET, 24); Rodriguez (DET, 6)
WP: Drago
LP: Arroyo (3-2)
Game 2
Tigers 010 100 001 3-9-1
Boston 000 010 31x 5-12-0
HR: Horton (DET, 25)
WP: Pole
SV: Willoughby
LP: Brookens (0-2)
Tigers record: 56-89 (actual 55-90)
Home: 27-44
Away: 29-45
Last 10: 4-6
In Game 1, the Tigers scored five runs in the first inning but were shutout the rest of the way in losing, 6-5. In the nightcap, the Tigers held a 2-0 lead midway through the game but ended up on the short end of a 5-3 score.
In the opener, the Tigers pounced on Red Sox starter Roger Moret for five runs in the first inning, courtesy a three-run homer by hot-hitting Willie Horton and a two-run shot by Aurelio Rodriguez.
But Moret got stingy and went seven innings, giving up no more runs after the first frame. Meanwhile, the Red Sox chipped away against Tigers starter Vern Ruhle, tying the game in the eighth inning and winning it in the bottom of the ninth on a two-out single by Carl Yastrzemski, scoring Rick Burleson.
In Game 2, the Red Sox scored three runs in the seventh inning to erase a 2-1 deficit and they held on from there.
Horton hit another homer in the second game, no. 25 on the season to go with 92 RBI. In his past 41 at-bats, Horton has seven home runs and 19 RBI.
Tom Walker got a spot start for the Tigers (56-89) in the nightcap. He pitched six innings and only allowed one run. Rookie Ike Brookens (0-2) was tagged with the loss, surrendering the three runs in the seventh in just 1/3 inning.
Detroit has one more game left in Boston, where the Tigers are 1-6 this season.
Yastrzemski had three hits in each game, going 6-for-10 with three RBI.
The Major Said: "No lead is safe in this ballpark, and especially when you score five runs in the first and nothing afterward. That's a recipe for disaster against this team in this place. And they didn't hit the ball out of the ballpark in either game."
Game 1
Tigers 500 000 000 5-8-0
Boston 010 003 011 6-11-1
HR: Horton (DET, 24); Rodriguez (DET, 6)
WP: Drago
LP: Arroyo (3-2)
Game 2
Tigers 010 100 001 3-9-1
Boston 000 010 31x 5-12-0
HR: Horton (DET, 25)
WP: Pole
SV: Willoughby
LP: Brookens (0-2)
Tigers record: 56-89 (actual 55-90)
Home: 27-44
Away: 29-45
Last 10: 4-6
Monday, September 10, 2012
Games 140 & 141: Five-Run 8th Earns Tigers DH Split
Cleveland, OH (Sunday, Sept. 7, 1975) - The Tigers scored five runs in the eighth inning in Game Two of a Sunday doubleheader, overcoming a 3-2 deficit, and earned a DH split with a 7-3 win over the Cleveland Indians at Municipal Stadium.
The Tribe won the first game, 4-3.
In the nightcap, Bill Freehan hit two homers and knocked in five runs, and Willie Horton slammed his fifth homer in six games. Freehan's second homer was a grand slam in the five-run eighth. Horton and Freehan hit back-to-back solo homers in the seventh for a brief 2-0 lead before the Indians scored three runs in their half of the seventh.
In Game One, Joe Coleman suffered his 19th loss despite pitching eight innings. Cleveland jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the third inning and the Tigers' catch-up efforts fell short.
Aurelio Rodriguez hit his fifth homer in the first game.
The Tigers (55-86) avoided a four-game sweep with the nightcap win. Indians starter Fritz Peterson pitched six shutout innings in Game Two, but left with soreness in his left (pitching) elbow. The Tigers then roughed up relievers Roric Harrison and Tom Buskey for their seven runs.
The Major Said: "The big boys led us in the second game. We needed that. Too bad about Peterson but that happens. Good to get out of here with at least one win."
Game 1
Tigers 000 200 010 3-7-1
Cleve. 201 100 00x 4-7-0
HR: Hendrick (CLE); Rodriguez (DET, 5)
WP: Bibby
SV: LaRoche
LP: Coleman (3-19)
Game 2
Tigers 000 000 250 7-11-1
Cleve. 000 000 300 3-10-0
HR: Horton (DET, 23); Freehan (DET, [2] 15)
WP: Arroyo (3-1)
LP: Harrison
Tigers record: 55-86 (actual 54-87)
Home: 27-44
Away: 28-42
Last 10: 4-6
The Tribe won the first game, 4-3.
In the nightcap, Bill Freehan hit two homers and knocked in five runs, and Willie Horton slammed his fifth homer in six games. Freehan's second homer was a grand slam in the five-run eighth. Horton and Freehan hit back-to-back solo homers in the seventh for a brief 2-0 lead before the Indians scored three runs in their half of the seventh.
In Game One, Joe Coleman suffered his 19th loss despite pitching eight innings. Cleveland jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the third inning and the Tigers' catch-up efforts fell short.
Aurelio Rodriguez hit his fifth homer in the first game.
The Tigers (55-86) avoided a four-game sweep with the nightcap win. Indians starter Fritz Peterson pitched six shutout innings in Game Two, but left with soreness in his left (pitching) elbow. The Tigers then roughed up relievers Roric Harrison and Tom Buskey for their seven runs.
The Major Said: "The big boys led us in the second game. We needed that. Too bad about Peterson but that happens. Good to get out of here with at least one win."
Game 1
Tigers 000 200 010 3-7-1
Cleve. 201 100 00x 4-7-0
HR: Hendrick (CLE); Rodriguez (DET, 5)
WP: Bibby
SV: LaRoche
LP: Coleman (3-19)
Game 2
Tigers 000 000 250 7-11-1
Cleve. 000 000 300 3-10-0
HR: Horton (DET, 23); Freehan (DET, [2] 15)
WP: Arroyo (3-1)
LP: Harrison
Tigers record: 55-86 (actual 54-87)
Home: 27-44
Away: 28-42
Last 10: 4-6
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Game 139: Indians Slug Way Past Tigers, 9-7
Cleveland, OH (Sat., Sept. 6, 1975) - Rico Carty's single in the seventh inning broke a 5-5 tie, and the Cleveland Indians went on to beat the Tigers, 9-7, in a slugfest on Saturday afternoon.
Willie Horton clubbed two two-run home runs for the Tigers (54-85).
The Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning when Ben Oglivie lofted a three-run homer over the right field wall. After Horton's first homer put Detroit ahead, 5-2 in the fifth inning, the Indians responded with three runs in their half, two scoring on a Boog Powell homer.
The Indians scored twice in the seventh and twice in the eighth for a 9-5 lead before Horton hit his second home run of the day with two out in the ninth to bring the Tigers to within 9-7. Jack Pierce walked but Jim Kern, who took over in the seventh inning from starter Dennis Eckersley, retired Aurelio Rodriguez on a force out to end the game.
Kern got the win while rookie reliever Ike Brookens (0-1) was tagged with the loss.
Rick Manning had three hits, an RBI and scored two runs for the Tribe.
Horton continued his tear; he has four homers and 12 RBI in his past four games, giving him 22 and 86 this season.
Dave Lemanczyk made a rare start for the Tigers and lasted just 4.1 innings, charged with five runs on four hits and five walks. He didn't strike out anyone.
Each team had 12 hits.
The Tigers committed three more errors, adding to their Major League-leading total, which stands at 121.
The Major Said: "Seven runs, 12 hits---you should win. But that's how it's gone for us. We'll keep battling to the end, though. I can promise you that. We owe that to the fans and the city of Detroit."
Tigers 300 020 002 7-12-3
Cleve. 020 030 22x 9-12-1
HR: Oglivie (DET, 9); Horton (DET, [2] 22); Powell (CLE)
WP: Kern
LP: Brookens (0-1)
Tigers record: 54-85 (actual 54-85)
Home: 27-44
Away: 27-41
Last 10: 3-7
Willie Horton clubbed two two-run home runs for the Tigers (54-85).
The Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning when Ben Oglivie lofted a three-run homer over the right field wall. After Horton's first homer put Detroit ahead, 5-2 in the fifth inning, the Indians responded with three runs in their half, two scoring on a Boog Powell homer.
The Indians scored twice in the seventh and twice in the eighth for a 9-5 lead before Horton hit his second home run of the day with two out in the ninth to bring the Tigers to within 9-7. Jack Pierce walked but Jim Kern, who took over in the seventh inning from starter Dennis Eckersley, retired Aurelio Rodriguez on a force out to end the game.
Kern got the win while rookie reliever Ike Brookens (0-1) was tagged with the loss.
Rick Manning had three hits, an RBI and scored two runs for the Tribe.
Horton continued his tear; he has four homers and 12 RBI in his past four games, giving him 22 and 86 this season.
Dave Lemanczyk made a rare start for the Tigers and lasted just 4.1 innings, charged with five runs on four hits and five walks. He didn't strike out anyone.
Each team had 12 hits.
The Tigers committed three more errors, adding to their Major League-leading total, which stands at 121.
The Major Said: "Seven runs, 12 hits---you should win. But that's how it's gone for us. We'll keep battling to the end, though. I can promise you that. We owe that to the fans and the city of Detroit."
Tigers 300 020 002 7-12-3
Cleve. 020 030 22x 9-12-1
HR: Oglivie (DET, 9); Horton (DET, [2] 22); Powell (CLE)
WP: Kern
LP: Brookens (0-1)
Tigers record: 54-85 (actual 54-85)
Home: 27-44
Away: 27-41
Last 10: 3-7
Friday, September 7, 2012
Game 137: Tigers Keep Yanks' Number, 11-4
Detroit (Thu., Sept. 4, 1975) - The Tigers have won 54 games this season. Almost 20 percent of those wins have come against the New York Yankees.
The Tigers blitzed the Yankees, 11-4 at Tiger Stadium on Thursday night, Detroit's 10th win over New York in 16 meetings in 1975.
In this win, the Tigers bats didn't get going until the fifth inning, when they scored three runs to erase a 2-0 deficit. Dan Meyer kept his hot and clutch hitting going with a two-run double in the inning.
But it was in the sixth where the Tigers blew the game open, knocking out starter Rudy May with a five-run explosion. Aurelio Rodriguez started the inning with a home run, and a walk and two singles to the next three batters sent May to the showers. Sparky Lyle entered the game and the lefty surrendered an RBI single to Gary Sutherland and Willie Horton knocked in two more with a double to cap the five-run frame.
The Yankees made the score 8-4 with two runs in the eighth, but the Tigers immediately responded with three runs of their own to put the game away.
Detroit (54-83) raked Yankees pitching for 18 hits for its second straight victory.
Ray Bare (5-9) broke a personal four-game losing streak by pitching 7.2 innings of six-hit ball.
Horton had four RBI, giving the previously struggling designated hitter nine ribbies in the two-game series. Horton's 82 RBI leads the Tigers by far.
The Major Said: "That's a good team (Yankees) and we have handled them, for whatever reason. I'm sure Billy (Martin, manager) is beside himself, but we've had a much tougher year than they have, I'll tell you that."
New York 110 000 020 4-8-1
Tigers 000 035 03x 11-18-0
HR: Rodriguez (DET, 4)
WP: Bare (5-9)
LP: May
Tigers record: 54-83 (actual 53-84)
Home: 27-44
Away: 27-39
Last 10: 4-6
The Tigers blitzed the Yankees, 11-4 at Tiger Stadium on Thursday night, Detroit's 10th win over New York in 16 meetings in 1975.
In this win, the Tigers bats didn't get going until the fifth inning, when they scored three runs to erase a 2-0 deficit. Dan Meyer kept his hot and clutch hitting going with a two-run double in the inning.
But it was in the sixth where the Tigers blew the game open, knocking out starter Rudy May with a five-run explosion. Aurelio Rodriguez started the inning with a home run, and a walk and two singles to the next three batters sent May to the showers. Sparky Lyle entered the game and the lefty surrendered an RBI single to Gary Sutherland and Willie Horton knocked in two more with a double to cap the five-run frame.
The Yankees made the score 8-4 with two runs in the eighth, but the Tigers immediately responded with three runs of their own to put the game away.
Detroit (54-83) raked Yankees pitching for 18 hits for its second straight victory.
Ray Bare (5-9) broke a personal four-game losing streak by pitching 7.2 innings of six-hit ball.
Horton had four RBI, giving the previously struggling designated hitter nine ribbies in the two-game series. Horton's 82 RBI leads the Tigers by far.
The Major Said: "That's a good team (Yankees) and we have handled them, for whatever reason. I'm sure Billy (Martin, manager) is beside himself, but we've had a much tougher year than they have, I'll tell you that."
New York 110 000 020 4-8-1
Tigers 000 035 03x 11-18-0
HR: Rodriguez (DET, 4)
WP: Bare (5-9)
LP: May
Tigers record: 54-83 (actual 53-84)
Home: 27-44
Away: 27-39
Last 10: 4-6
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Game 136: Tigers Use Longball to Overcome Yanks, 9-6
Detroit (Wed., Sept. 3, 1975) - The Tigers hit four home runs, including two from Willie Horton, and were able to out slug the New York Yankees, 9-6 Wednesday night.
The Tigers fell behind 1-0 in the fourth but scored three times in their half of the frame, highlighted by Horton's first homer of the night, a two-run shot. Detroit added two more runs in the fifth, on a two-run homer from hot-hitting Dan Meyer.
After the Yankees pulled to within 5-3 in the top of the seventh on Bobby Bonds's two-run homer, the Tigers responded in their half with a four spot, three of those runs coming from Horton's second homer and 20th of the season. That outburst made the score 9-3, Detroit, and the Tigers held on from there.
The Yankees managed to get the tying run to the plate in the ninth, but rookie right-hander Ike Brookens got Walt Williams to fly out to left field to end the game.
Horton finished the night with five RBI, giving him a team-leading 78 for the season.
Ben Oglivie added a solo homer (8) for Detroit, his third four-bagger in two nights.
The Tigers (53-83) are 9-6 vs. New York this season.
Mickey Lolich (13-14) went eight innings for the victory.
The Tigers roughed up Yankees ace Jim Hunter, who was raked for eight runs and 12 hits in 6-plus innings. Hunter surrendered three of the four Tigers homers.
Detroit banged out 14 hits in winning just its sixth game of the past 25.
The Major Said: "I have no idea why we've had success against New York. That's baseball. Sometimes you have a team's number. Hunter leads the league in complete games, so to knock him out in the seventh inning is quite a feat."
New York 000 100 221 6-11-0
Tigers 000 320 40x 9-14-2
HR: Horton (DET [2], 20); Meyer (DET, 11); Oglivie (DET, 8); Bonds (NY)
WP: Lolich (13-14)
LP: Hunter
Tigers record: 53-83 (actual 53-83)
Home: 26-44
Away: 27-39
Last 10: 4-6
The Tigers fell behind 1-0 in the fourth but scored three times in their half of the frame, highlighted by Horton's first homer of the night, a two-run shot. Detroit added two more runs in the fifth, on a two-run homer from hot-hitting Dan Meyer.
After the Yankees pulled to within 5-3 in the top of the seventh on Bobby Bonds's two-run homer, the Tigers responded in their half with a four spot, three of those runs coming from Horton's second homer and 20th of the season. That outburst made the score 9-3, Detroit, and the Tigers held on from there.
The Yankees managed to get the tying run to the plate in the ninth, but rookie right-hander Ike Brookens got Walt Williams to fly out to left field to end the game.
Horton finished the night with five RBI, giving him a team-leading 78 for the season.
Ben Oglivie added a solo homer (8) for Detroit, his third four-bagger in two nights.
The Tigers (53-83) are 9-6 vs. New York this season.
Mickey Lolich (13-14) went eight innings for the victory.
The Tigers roughed up Yankees ace Jim Hunter, who was raked for eight runs and 12 hits in 6-plus innings. Hunter surrendered three of the four Tigers homers.
Detroit banged out 14 hits in winning just its sixth game of the past 25.
The Major Said: "I have no idea why we've had success against New York. That's baseball. Sometimes you have a team's number. Hunter leads the league in complete games, so to knock him out in the seventh inning is quite a feat."
New York 000 100 221 6-11-0
Tigers 000 320 40x 9-14-2
HR: Horton (DET [2], 20); Meyer (DET, 11); Oglivie (DET, 8); Bonds (NY)
WP: Lolich (13-14)
LP: Hunter
Tigers record: 53-83 (actual 53-83)
Home: 26-44
Away: 27-39
Last 10: 4-6
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Game 132: Lolich Too Much for Angels, 3-0
Detroit (Fri., Aug. 29, 1975) - Mickey Lolich leads the Tigers in victories, and on Friday night he showed why, as the almost-35-year-old lefty pitched a complete-game, five-hit shutout as Detroit beat the California Angels, 3-0, at Tiger Stadium.
The win gave Lolich a team-high 12 victories, against 14 losses.
The Tigers scored twice in the second inning. Willie Horton, Bill Freehan, Dan Meyer and Ben Oglivie all singled, producing the runs.
Detroit added a run in the eighth as Lolich was keeping the Angels at arm's length throughout the game. California had base runners, but couldn't push across a run. Even Mickey Rivers' two-out triple in the third inning didn't help the Angels' cause.
The Angels left 10 men on base, including the bases loaded in the eighth inning.
But Lolich made the pitches he had to when he had to, despite walking five Angels, and the Tigers (52-80) won for just the fifth time in 21 games.
Leon Roberts had two hits and an RBI for the Tigers.
Frank Tanana (Catholic Central) took the loss for California.
The Major Said: "Mickey wasn't great but that's what veteran pitchers can do. They get into trouble, put runners on base, and wiggle out of it. I'm sure the Angels thought they had him on the ropes a few times tonight."
Calif. 000 000 000 0-5-1
Tigers 020 000 01x 3-10-1
WP: Lolich (12-14)
LP: Tanana
Tigers record: 52-80 (actual 51-81)
Home: 25-41
Away: 27-39
Last 10: 4-6
The win gave Lolich a team-high 12 victories, against 14 losses.
The Tigers scored twice in the second inning. Willie Horton, Bill Freehan, Dan Meyer and Ben Oglivie all singled, producing the runs.
Detroit added a run in the eighth as Lolich was keeping the Angels at arm's length throughout the game. California had base runners, but couldn't push across a run. Even Mickey Rivers' two-out triple in the third inning didn't help the Angels' cause.
The Angels left 10 men on base, including the bases loaded in the eighth inning.
But Lolich made the pitches he had to when he had to, despite walking five Angels, and the Tigers (52-80) won for just the fifth time in 21 games.
Leon Roberts had two hits and an RBI for the Tigers.
Frank Tanana (Catholic Central) took the loss for California.
The Major Said: "Mickey wasn't great but that's what veteran pitchers can do. They get into trouble, put runners on base, and wiggle out of it. I'm sure the Angels thought they had him on the ropes a few times tonight."
Calif. 000 000 000 0-5-1
Tigers 020 000 01x 3-10-1
WP: Lolich (12-14)
LP: Tanana
Tigers record: 52-80 (actual 51-81)
Home: 25-41
Away: 27-39
Last 10: 4-6
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Game 127: Horton Homers, Tigers Survive Late Scare, 5-3
Bloomington, MN (Sat., Aug. 23, 1975) - Willie Horton slammed a two-run homer, his first home run in three weeks, and the Tigers staved off a ninth inning rally to beat the Minnesota Twins, 5-3, Saturday.
The Tigers (50-77) won their second straight game on the heels of a 10-game losing streak. They won consecutive games for the first time since August 6.
Horton's homer, his 18th, gave the Tigers a seemingly comfortable 5-1 lead in the eighth inning. But the Twins kicked up their heels in the ninth, scoring twice and getting runners on first and third with one out. Then Fernando Arroyo, after giving up hits to the first two Twins batters he faced, quelled the uprising by striking out Lyman Bostock and getting Jerry Terrell to ground into a fielder's choice.
The Tigers opened a 3-0 lead in the fourth. Ahead 1-0, Dan Meyer, Ben Oglivie and Aurelio Rodriguez singled, loading the bases with two outs. John Wockenfuss walked, scoring Meyer, and a passed ball charged to Twins catcher Phil Roof scored Oglivie and it was 3-0 Detroit.
Lerrin LaGrow (7-14) went 8.1 innings for the win. Arroyo picked up his fifth save.
The Major Said: "I know Willie (Horton) is a very proud man and that streak of no home runs had been bothering him. Maybe he can get hot and hit some more. He tends to hit them in bunches."
Tigers 100 200 020 5-10-0
Minn. 000 001 002 3-9-0
HR: Horton (DET, 18)
WP: LaGrow (7-14)
SV: Arroyo (5)
LP: Blyleven
The Tigers (50-77) won their second straight game on the heels of a 10-game losing streak. They won consecutive games for the first time since August 6.
Horton's homer, his 18th, gave the Tigers a seemingly comfortable 5-1 lead in the eighth inning. But the Twins kicked up their heels in the ninth, scoring twice and getting runners on first and third with one out. Then Fernando Arroyo, after giving up hits to the first two Twins batters he faced, quelled the uprising by striking out Lyman Bostock and getting Jerry Terrell to ground into a fielder's choice.
The Tigers opened a 3-0 lead in the fourth. Ahead 1-0, Dan Meyer, Ben Oglivie and Aurelio Rodriguez singled, loading the bases with two outs. John Wockenfuss walked, scoring Meyer, and a passed ball charged to Twins catcher Phil Roof scored Oglivie and it was 3-0 Detroit.
Lerrin LaGrow (7-14) went 8.1 innings for the win. Arroyo picked up his fifth save.
The Major Said: "I know Willie (Horton) is a very proud man and that streak of no home runs had been bothering him. Maybe he can get hot and hit some more. He tends to hit them in bunches."
Tigers 100 200 020 5-10-0
Minn. 000 001 002 3-9-0
HR: Horton (DET, 18)
WP: LaGrow (7-14)
SV: Arroyo (5)
LP: Blyleven
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Game 123: Tigers Shutout, Loss Streak at Eight
Oakland, CA (Mon., Aug. 18, 1975) - Vida Blue quieted the Tigers on six hits, pitching a complete-game shutout as the Oakland A's beat Detroit, 2-0, Monday night at the Coliseum.
Only two Tigers base runners got past second base as Blue walked three and struck out five in the victory.
The Tigers (48-75) have lost eight straight and 11 of 12.
The A's scored both their runs in the seventh inning. Sal Bando opened the inning with a double. One out later, Claudell Washington walked. With two outs, Gene Tenace walked, loading the bases. Then first baseman Jim Holt delivered a single into center field to score Bando and Washington.
Hard-luck and struggling Joe Coleman (3-17) took the loss for the Tigers, going seven innings and only surrendering three hits. The A's only other hit came in the first inning, but once again the Tigers' MLB-worst offense couldn't support their starting pitcher.
Willie Horton and Ben Oglivie each had two hits, all singles, for Detroit.
The Major Said: "I'm sounding like a broken record to you guys (media). How many different ways can I say that our offense is a mess? Coleman has 17 losses but I bet at least half are due to lack of support."
Tigers 000 000 000 0-6-0
Oakland 000 000 20x 2-3-1
WP: Blue
LP: Coleman (3-17)
Tigers record: 48-75 (actual 49-74)
Home: 24-41
Away: 24-34
Last 10: 1-9
Only two Tigers base runners got past second base as Blue walked three and struck out five in the victory.
The Tigers (48-75) have lost eight straight and 11 of 12.
The A's scored both their runs in the seventh inning. Sal Bando opened the inning with a double. One out later, Claudell Washington walked. With two outs, Gene Tenace walked, loading the bases. Then first baseman Jim Holt delivered a single into center field to score Bando and Washington.
Hard-luck and struggling Joe Coleman (3-17) took the loss for the Tigers, going seven innings and only surrendering three hits. The A's only other hit came in the first inning, but once again the Tigers' MLB-worst offense couldn't support their starting pitcher.
Willie Horton and Ben Oglivie each had two hits, all singles, for Detroit.
The Major Said: "I'm sounding like a broken record to you guys (media). How many different ways can I say that our offense is a mess? Coleman has 17 losses but I bet at least half are due to lack of support."
Tigers 000 000 000 0-6-0
Oakland 000 000 20x 2-3-1
WP: Blue
LP: Coleman (3-17)
Tigers record: 48-75 (actual 49-74)
Home: 24-41
Away: 24-34
Last 10: 1-9
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Game 121: Tigers' 9th-Inning Rally Falls Short, 6-5
Anaheim, CA (Sat., Aug. 16, 1975) - Bill Freehan hit into a game-ending double play with the bases loaded, snuffing out a potential go-ahead rally as the Tigers lost to the California Angels, 6-5 at Anaheim Stadium Saturday night.
The Tigers trailed 6-2 heading into the ninth, then kicked up their heels off reliever Dick Lange.
A double, a single and a hit batsman loaded the bases with no outs. Ron LeFlore walked to force in a run, driving Lange out of the game in favor of Don Kirkwood. Gary Sutherland then lofted a sacrifice fly to left field. Dan Meyer singled, re-loading the bases, and Willie Horton singled, scoring Gates Brown to make the score 6-5 as the crowd grew restless.
But then Freehan bounced into a 4-6-3 double play to end the threat and the game.
The Angels scored a pair of runs in the second, third and seventh innings to build their 6-2 lead.
Bruce Bochte had three hits and three RBI for California, who have won the first two games of the weekend series. The Tigers (48-73) have lost six straight games.
Tigers starter Ray Bare (4-6) was roughed up for 12 hits and five runs in six-plus innings.
Detroit scored twice in the second inning to take a 2-0 lead, but that was short-lived as the Angels answered with two runs in their half of the inning.
The Major Said: "The irony is that Bill (Freehan) has been one of our best hitters in recent weeks. When you saw him up there in that situation, it was hard not to think that maybe tonight was our night."
Tigers 020 000 003 5-12-1
Calif. 022 000 20x 6-13-0
WP: Hockenberry
SV: Kirkwood
LP: Bare (4-6)
Tigers record: 48-73 (actual 47-74)
Home: 24-41
Away: 24-32
Last 10: 1-9
The Tigers trailed 6-2 heading into the ninth, then kicked up their heels off reliever Dick Lange.
A double, a single and a hit batsman loaded the bases with no outs. Ron LeFlore walked to force in a run, driving Lange out of the game in favor of Don Kirkwood. Gary Sutherland then lofted a sacrifice fly to left field. Dan Meyer singled, re-loading the bases, and Willie Horton singled, scoring Gates Brown to make the score 6-5 as the crowd grew restless.
But then Freehan bounced into a 4-6-3 double play to end the threat and the game.
The Angels scored a pair of runs in the second, third and seventh innings to build their 6-2 lead.
Bruce Bochte had three hits and three RBI for California, who have won the first two games of the weekend series. The Tigers (48-73) have lost six straight games.
Tigers starter Ray Bare (4-6) was roughed up for 12 hits and five runs in six-plus innings.
Detroit scored twice in the second inning to take a 2-0 lead, but that was short-lived as the Angels answered with two runs in their half of the inning.
The Major Said: "The irony is that Bill (Freehan) has been one of our best hitters in recent weeks. When you saw him up there in that situation, it was hard not to think that maybe tonight was our night."
Tigers 020 000 003 5-12-1
Calif. 022 000 20x 6-13-0
WP: Hockenberry
SV: Kirkwood
LP: Bare (4-6)
Tigers record: 48-73 (actual 47-74)
Home: 24-41
Away: 24-32
Last 10: 1-9
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Game 114: Tigers Shutout Second Night in Row, 1-0
Detroit (Fri., Aug. 8, 1975) - Thursday night, the Tigers were shutout and routed. Friday night, they were shutout but the game came down to the final pitch.
Leon Roberts bounced into a game-ending, 1-6-3 double play---pitcher to shortstop to first base---and the Minnesota Twins rode a first inning home run to beat the Tigers, 1-0, at Tiger Stadium.
After a Willie Horton double and a Ben Oglivie single, the Tigers had runners on first and third in the ninth inning with one out, but lefty fireman Tom Burgmeier induced Roberts, pinch-hitting for Billy Baldwin, to try pulling an outside pitch, which resulted in a weak tapper right back to Burgmeier.
Ironically, Tigers starter Joe Coleman (3-15), who's struggled all season, pitched his first complete game of the year---in a loss.
Dan Ford took Coleman deep in the first inning and the Twins had a 1-0 lead two batters into the game. That lead would hold up for the whole game, as the Tigers (47-67) have now gone 20 straight innings without scoring.
Burgmeier got the final two outs for starter Jim Hughes, who walked one and struck out four for the victory.
The Major Said: "How many times have we wasted a good pitching performance? It's a shame for Joe. He's had a rough year and this doesn't help."
Minnesota 100 000 000 1-9-1
Tigers 000 000 000 0-7-0
HR: Ford (MIN)
WP: Hughes
SV: Burgmeier
LP: Coleman (3-15)
Tigers record: 47-67 (actual 46-68)
Home: 23-37
Away: 24-30
Last 10: 4-6
Leon Roberts bounced into a game-ending, 1-6-3 double play---pitcher to shortstop to first base---and the Minnesota Twins rode a first inning home run to beat the Tigers, 1-0, at Tiger Stadium.
After a Willie Horton double and a Ben Oglivie single, the Tigers had runners on first and third in the ninth inning with one out, but lefty fireman Tom Burgmeier induced Roberts, pinch-hitting for Billy Baldwin, to try pulling an outside pitch, which resulted in a weak tapper right back to Burgmeier.
Ironically, Tigers starter Joe Coleman (3-15), who's struggled all season, pitched his first complete game of the year---in a loss.
Dan Ford took Coleman deep in the first inning and the Twins had a 1-0 lead two batters into the game. That lead would hold up for the whole game, as the Tigers (47-67) have now gone 20 straight innings without scoring.
Burgmeier got the final two outs for starter Jim Hughes, who walked one and struck out four for the victory.
The Major Said: "How many times have we wasted a good pitching performance? It's a shame for Joe. He's had a rough year and this doesn't help."
Minnesota 100 000 000 1-9-1
Tigers 000 000 000 0-7-0
HR: Ford (MIN)
WP: Hughes
SV: Burgmeier
LP: Coleman (3-15)
Tigers record: 47-67 (actual 46-68)
Home: 23-37
Away: 24-30
Last 10: 4-6
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Game 107: Bosox Break Away Late, 9-4
Boston (Sat., Aug. 2, 1975) - The Boston Red Sox broke open a 2-2 game with seven runs in the seventh and eighth innings and went on to beat the Tigers, 9-4, Saturday at Fenway Park.
The Red Sox have a chance at a rare five-game series sweep on Sunday.
Carl Yastrzemski clubbed a two-run homer into the right field corner to highlight a three-run seventh inning as the Red Sox broke the tie. Then they added four runs in the eighth, the big blow being another two-run homer, this one by Bernie Carbo.
Willie Horton had an RBI triple and a two-run home run for Detroit (43-64). Horton tried for an inside-the-park home run in the first inning, but was gunned down at the plate after his drive bounced around in right center field before Fred Lynn grabbed the baseball and hit cutoff man Rick Burleson, who threw a strike to catcher Tim Blackwell to nail the Tigers' DH.
Reliever Bob Reynolds bore the brunt of Boston's late-inning assault, giving up five runs (four earned) in 1.2 innings.
Burleson had three singles and a run scored for the first-place Red Sox.
Gene Michael had a solo homer for Detroit.
Rick Wise started and went 8.1 innings for the win for Boston. Vern Ruhle (7-8) took the loss.
The Major Said: "Again, that's what happens here (Fenway Park). Runs happen in a hurry. Unfortunately we have been on the receiving end instead of the other way around so far."
Tigers 100 001 002 4-5-2
Boston 010 100 34x 9-15-0
HR: Yastrzemski (BOS); Carbo (BOS); Michael (DET, 2); Horton (DET, 17)
WP: Wise
LP: Ruhle (7-8)
Tigers record: 43-64 (actual 46-61)
Home: 22-34
Away: 21-30
Last 10: 4-6
The Red Sox have a chance at a rare five-game series sweep on Sunday.
Carl Yastrzemski clubbed a two-run homer into the right field corner to highlight a three-run seventh inning as the Red Sox broke the tie. Then they added four runs in the eighth, the big blow being another two-run homer, this one by Bernie Carbo.
Willie Horton had an RBI triple and a two-run home run for Detroit (43-64). Horton tried for an inside-the-park home run in the first inning, but was gunned down at the plate after his drive bounced around in right center field before Fred Lynn grabbed the baseball and hit cutoff man Rick Burleson, who threw a strike to catcher Tim Blackwell to nail the Tigers' DH.
Reliever Bob Reynolds bore the brunt of Boston's late-inning assault, giving up five runs (four earned) in 1.2 innings.
Burleson had three singles and a run scored for the first-place Red Sox.
Gene Michael had a solo homer for Detroit.
Rick Wise started and went 8.1 innings for the win for Boston. Vern Ruhle (7-8) took the loss.
The Major Said: "Again, that's what happens here (Fenway Park). Runs happen in a hurry. Unfortunately we have been on the receiving end instead of the other way around so far."
Tigers 100 001 002 4-5-2
Boston 010 100 34x 9-15-0
HR: Yastrzemski (BOS); Carbo (BOS); Michael (DET, 2); Horton (DET, 17)
WP: Wise
LP: Ruhle (7-8)
Tigers record: 43-64 (actual 46-61)
Home: 22-34
Away: 21-30
Last 10: 4-6
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
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
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
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
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
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Games 71 & 72: How SWEEP It Is! Tigers Broom Tribe in DH
Cleveland (June 30) - If only the Tigers could get this kind of pitching every night; they'd win a lot more ballgames.
It got them two wins tonight in Cleveland.
In a twi-night doubleheader, the Tigers beat the Indians twice, 1-0 and 6-2. They didn't need a relief pitcher in either game.
In Game 1, Vern Ruhle made a single run in the first inning hold up for the entire game, firing a six-hitter. Three Indians runners made it to second base but no further.
In Game 2, Lerrin LaGrow took the mound and, like Ruhle, never left it until the game's final out was recorded. The Tigers built a 6-0 lead and cruised. LaGrow limited the Tribe to eight scattered hits.
"Pitching, pitching, pitching," manager Ralph Houk said in opening his post-game statement after Game 2. "Tonight we got a ton of it."
Doubtless Houk was surprised to get through a twinbill without having to call on a reliever.
In the opener, Houk didn't dare, as Ruhle was in total control. In the nightcap, Houk resisted because, as he said, the Tigers' lead was comfortable enough to allow for some error.
Willie Horton (three-run shot, 13th) and Leon Roberts (two-run blast, 6th) hit homers in Game 2, supporting LaGrow.
In the opener, the Tigers used Ron LeFlore's speed to etch out a run.
The speedster led off the game with a base hit, stole second, and went to third on Gary Sutherland's fly ball. From there, LeFlore was plated by Dan Meyer's sacrifice fly.
Ruhle wiggled out of trouble all game long in spinning a shutout in Game 1
"You can't hit home runs all the time," Houk said. "We got a run there directly because of Ronnie's speed. And it held up."
Ruhle made sure of that. He put some runners on the base paths, but they were scattered and the Indians couldn't get the hit to break through. Ruhle walked five batters.
In the fourth, George Hendrick led off with a double but didn't get any further.
In the seventh, Oscar Gamble led off with a double. Rico Carty walked and the runners advanced to second and third after a ground out. Frank Duffy tried a squeeze bunt but it was hit too hard to Ruhle, who threw Gamble out at the plate. Ruhle got Buddy Bell to ground out to third to end the frame.
In fact, Ruhle's shutout was unusual in that in six of the nine innings, the Indians put the lead off man on yet couldn't score.
In the nightcap, the Tigers built a 6-0 lead by the fifth inning. Horton's moon shot into deep left center knocked Cleveland starter Dave Raich out of the game.
Notes: John Knox got a rare start at 2B in the night cap and had three singles...John Ellis caught both games for the Indians...In the second game, the Indians wore red jerseys with red pants...Cleveland relievers retired the last 14 Tigers hitters in a row in the second game, but the damage had been done...With the DH sweep, the Tigers escaped the AL East basement; they are now 1/2 game ahead of Cleveland.
**************************************************
Tigers record: 30-42 (actual 27-45)
Home: 13-23
Away: 17-19
Last 10: 4-6
It got them two wins tonight in Cleveland.
In a twi-night doubleheader, the Tigers beat the Indians twice, 1-0 and 6-2. They didn't need a relief pitcher in either game.
In Game 1, Vern Ruhle made a single run in the first inning hold up for the entire game, firing a six-hitter. Three Indians runners made it to second base but no further.
In Game 2, Lerrin LaGrow took the mound and, like Ruhle, never left it until the game's final out was recorded. The Tigers built a 6-0 lead and cruised. LaGrow limited the Tribe to eight scattered hits.
"Pitching, pitching, pitching," manager Ralph Houk said in opening his post-game statement after Game 2. "Tonight we got a ton of it."
Doubtless Houk was surprised to get through a twinbill without having to call on a reliever.
In the opener, Houk didn't dare, as Ruhle was in total control. In the nightcap, Houk resisted because, as he said, the Tigers' lead was comfortable enough to allow for some error.
Willie Horton (three-run shot, 13th) and Leon Roberts (two-run blast, 6th) hit homers in Game 2, supporting LaGrow.
In the opener, the Tigers used Ron LeFlore's speed to etch out a run.
The speedster led off the game with a base hit, stole second, and went to third on Gary Sutherland's fly ball. From there, LeFlore was plated by Dan Meyer's sacrifice fly.
Ruhle wiggled out of trouble all game long in spinning a shutout in Game 1
"You can't hit home runs all the time," Houk said. "We got a run there directly because of Ronnie's speed. And it held up."
Ruhle made sure of that. He put some runners on the base paths, but they were scattered and the Indians couldn't get the hit to break through. Ruhle walked five batters.
In the fourth, George Hendrick led off with a double but didn't get any further.
In the seventh, Oscar Gamble led off with a double. Rico Carty walked and the runners advanced to second and third after a ground out. Frank Duffy tried a squeeze bunt but it was hit too hard to Ruhle, who threw Gamble out at the plate. Ruhle got Buddy Bell to ground out to third to end the frame.
In fact, Ruhle's shutout was unusual in that in six of the nine innings, the Indians put the lead off man on yet couldn't score.
In the nightcap, the Tigers built a 6-0 lead by the fifth inning. Horton's moon shot into deep left center knocked Cleveland starter Dave Raich out of the game.
Notes: John Knox got a rare start at 2B in the night cap and had three singles...John Ellis caught both games for the Indians...In the second game, the Indians wore red jerseys with red pants...Cleveland relievers retired the last 14 Tigers hitters in a row in the second game, but the damage had been done...With the DH sweep, the Tigers escaped the AL East basement; they are now 1/2 game ahead of Cleveland.
**************************************************
Tigers record: 30-42 (actual 27-45)
Home: 13-23
Away: 17-19
Last 10: 4-6
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