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
Showing posts with label Gary Sutherland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gary Sutherland. Show all posts
Monday, September 24, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Game 151: Coleman's Winless Streak Continues, But Tigers Triumph in 9th
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
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
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Game 147: Tigers Get 11 Hits But Only 1 Run as Coleman Loses 20th
Detroit (Fri., Sept. 12, 1975) - Mike Torrez pitched a complete game, despite giving up 11 hits, and the Baltimore Orioles used three first inning runs as their only offense in forging a 3-1 victory over the Tigers at Tiger Stadium, handing pitcher Joe Coleman a history-making loss.
Paul Blair (two-run) and Ken Singleton (solo) each hit home runs for the Orioles in the first off Coleman (3-20), who became the first Tigers pitcher since Art Houtteman in 1952 to lose 20 games in a season. Coleman has lost 16 straight decisions. His last win came on May 19.
The crowd of 14,546, realizing the gravity of Coleman's situation, tried exhorting the Tigers as the game went on, moaning and groaning at every Tigers out in the later innings.
But despite getting hits in every inning except the third and ninth, the Tigers couldn't score beyond the second inning, when Tom Veryzer's sacrifice fly plated Bill Freehan, who walked and went to third base on Aurelio Rodriguez's double.
Rodriguez had four hits for the Tigers (56-91), and Gary Sutherland had three, but Detroit left 10 men on base.
Coleman pitched well, limiting the Orioles to one hit after the second inning. But in a tough luck year, the right-hander fell victim to a lack of run support, as he has so often this season.
Coleman's 20 losses come just two years after he won 23 games.
The Major Said: "That's a shame that Joe lost 20 games. It's not all about how he's pitched. When this looked possible a couple weeks ago I asked him if he wanted to sit a couple starts out and he said no way. That's a testament to his competitiveness."
Baltimore 300 000 000 3-6-0
Tigers 010 000 000 1-11-3
HR: Blair (BAL); Singleton (BAL)
WP: Torrez
LP: Coleman (3-20)
Tigers record: 56-91 (actual 55-92)
Home: 27-45
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 2-8
Paul Blair (two-run) and Ken Singleton (solo) each hit home runs for the Orioles in the first off Coleman (3-20), who became the first Tigers pitcher since Art Houtteman in 1952 to lose 20 games in a season. Coleman has lost 16 straight decisions. His last win came on May 19.
The crowd of 14,546, realizing the gravity of Coleman's situation, tried exhorting the Tigers as the game went on, moaning and groaning at every Tigers out in the later innings.
But despite getting hits in every inning except the third and ninth, the Tigers couldn't score beyond the second inning, when Tom Veryzer's sacrifice fly plated Bill Freehan, who walked and went to third base on Aurelio Rodriguez's double.
Rodriguez had four hits for the Tigers (56-91), and Gary Sutherland had three, but Detroit left 10 men on base.
Coleman pitched well, limiting the Orioles to one hit after the second inning. But in a tough luck year, the right-hander fell victim to a lack of run support, as he has so often this season.
Coleman's 20 losses come just two years after he won 23 games.
The Major Said: "That's a shame that Joe lost 20 games. It's not all about how he's pitched. When this looked possible a couple weeks ago I asked him if he wanted to sit a couple starts out and he said no way. That's a testament to his competitiveness."
Baltimore 300 000 000 3-6-0
Tigers 010 000 000 1-11-3
HR: Blair (BAL); Singleton (BAL)
WP: Torrez
LP: Coleman (3-20)
Tigers record: 56-91 (actual 55-92)
Home: 27-45
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 2-8
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Game 143: Tigers Bats Come Alive, 10-5
Queens, NY (Tue., Sept. 9, 1975) - Ben Oglivie slammed two home runs and had four RBI, and rookie Billy Baldwin had two doubles and scored three runs as the Tigers broke free from a 4-4 tie to beat the New York Yankees, 10-5, at Shea Stadium.
Gary Sutherland also had four RBI for the Tigers, who finished their season series with the Yanks with an 11-7 record, including 6-3 in New York.
The Tigers rocked Yankees starter Doc Medich for seven runs and 10 hits in 5+ innings of work.
Tigers starter Ray Bare (6-9) was shaky (6 IP, 5 R, 8 H) but managed to get the victory.
In the sixth inning, with the game tied 4-4, the Tigers erupted for four runs. Oglivie led off with a home run, and the next three batters reached base, sending Medich to the showers. Sutherland, who had four hits on the night, added a two-run triple in the inning, off reliever Dick Tidrow.
Detroit, leading 8-5, then added two insurance runs in the eighth inning.
The Tigers (56-87) rapped out 13 hits, one night after getting shutout on six hits.
Tom Walker pitched three innings for his first save of the year.
The Major Said: "That's baseball. You score nothing one night, ten the next. You knew (the Yankees) would keep coming, so there's no such thing as feeling comfortable against them, even when we went up, 8-5."
Tigers 103 004 020 10-13-2
New York 100 211 000 5-9-0
HR: Oglivie (DET, [2] 11); Herrmann (NY); Bonds (NY)
WP: Bare (6-9)
SV: Walker (1)
LP: Medich
Tigers record: 56-87 (actual 54-89)
Home: 27-44
Away: 29-43
Last 10: 4-6
Gary Sutherland also had four RBI for the Tigers, who finished their season series with the Yanks with an 11-7 record, including 6-3 in New York.
The Tigers rocked Yankees starter Doc Medich for seven runs and 10 hits in 5+ innings of work.
Tigers starter Ray Bare (6-9) was shaky (6 IP, 5 R, 8 H) but managed to get the victory.
In the sixth inning, with the game tied 4-4, the Tigers erupted for four runs. Oglivie led off with a home run, and the next three batters reached base, sending Medich to the showers. Sutherland, who had four hits on the night, added a two-run triple in the inning, off reliever Dick Tidrow.
Detroit, leading 8-5, then added two insurance runs in the eighth inning.
The Tigers (56-87) rapped out 13 hits, one night after getting shutout on six hits.
Tom Walker pitched three innings for his first save of the year.
The Major Said: "That's baseball. You score nothing one night, ten the next. You knew (the Yankees) would keep coming, so there's no such thing as feeling comfortable against them, even when we went up, 8-5."
Tigers 103 004 020 10-13-2
New York 100 211 000 5-9-0
HR: Oglivie (DET, [2] 11); Herrmann (NY); Bonds (NY)
WP: Bare (6-9)
SV: Walker (1)
LP: Medich
Tigers record: 56-87 (actual 54-89)
Home: 27-44
Away: 29-43
Last 10: 4-6
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
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Game 129: Tigers Get 10 Hits, But Lose, 2-1
Arlington, TX (Mon., Aug. 25, 1975) - The Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers each scored in just one inning, but the Rangers put up two runs, the Tigers one, and Texas won, 2-1, at Arlington Stadium Monday night.
The Rangers scored twice in the first inning on three singles and a force out, while the Tigers pushed across a run in the eighth when hot-hitting Dan Meyer doubled, plating Gary Sutherland.
In between, Tigers starter Ray Bare (4-8) and Texas lefty Jim Umbarger dueled. Umbarger was relieved by Steve Foucault, who picked up the save after taking over following Meyer's hit.
The Tigers (51-78) got a lead-off single from Aurelio Rodriguez in the ninth, but he was erased when Leon Roberts bounced into a double play. Undaunted, Ben Oglivie stroked a single before Foucault got pinch-hitter Gates Brown to ground into a 6-4 force out, ending the game.
The loss ended Detroit's modest three-game winning streak.
Meyer had two doubles, making him 7-for-16 in his last four games.
After the game, the Tigers placed right-handed reliever Bob Reynolds, who pitched a scoreless eighth inning, on waivers and recalled rookie righty Ike Brookens from Toledo. Reynolds, 28, struggled since being acquired from Baltimore in late-May, posting a 5.94 ERA in 36.1 innings and giving up six home runs.
Brookens, 26, will be making his second tour of duty with the Tigers this season. He has pitched 12 innings for Detroit in 1975, yielding just one earned run.
The Major Said: "You get 10 hits, you should score more than one run. That's all I have to say, really. Ray (Bare) pitched his butt off. Umbarger was just a little better, I suppose."
Tigers 000 000 010 1-10-1
Texas 200 000 00x 2-9-0
WP: Umbarger
SV: Foucault
LP: Bare (4-8)
Tigers record: 51-78 (actual 51-78)
Home: 24-41
Away: 27-37
Last 10: 3-7
The Rangers scored twice in the first inning on three singles and a force out, while the Tigers pushed across a run in the eighth when hot-hitting Dan Meyer doubled, plating Gary Sutherland.
In between, Tigers starter Ray Bare (4-8) and Texas lefty Jim Umbarger dueled. Umbarger was relieved by Steve Foucault, who picked up the save after taking over following Meyer's hit.
The Tigers (51-78) got a lead-off single from Aurelio Rodriguez in the ninth, but he was erased when Leon Roberts bounced into a double play. Undaunted, Ben Oglivie stroked a single before Foucault got pinch-hitter Gates Brown to ground into a 6-4 force out, ending the game.
The loss ended Detroit's modest three-game winning streak.
Meyer had two doubles, making him 7-for-16 in his last four games.
After the game, the Tigers placed right-handed reliever Bob Reynolds, who pitched a scoreless eighth inning, on waivers and recalled rookie righty Ike Brookens from Toledo. Reynolds, 28, struggled since being acquired from Baltimore in late-May, posting a 5.94 ERA in 36.1 innings and giving up six home runs.
Brookens, 26, will be making his second tour of duty with the Tigers this season. He has pitched 12 innings for Detroit in 1975, yielding just one earned run.
The Major Said: "You get 10 hits, you should score more than one run. That's all I have to say, really. Ray (Bare) pitched his butt off. Umbarger was just a little better, I suppose."
Tigers 000 000 010 1-10-1
Texas 200 000 00x 2-9-0
WP: Umbarger
SV: Foucault
LP: Bare (4-8)
Tigers record: 51-78 (actual 51-78)
Home: 24-41
Away: 27-37
Last 10: 3-7
Monday, August 27, 2012
Game 128: Tigers Win, Sweep Twins
Bloomington, MN (Sun., Aug. 24, 1975) - Dan Meyer stroked a two-run triple in the sixth inning, highlighting a three-run rally, leading the Tigers from a 3-1 deficit and a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.
The Tigers (51-77) completed a three-game sweep after a 10-game losing streak.
Meyer's hit into the right center field gap scored Ron LeFlore and Gary Sutherland, tying the game. One out later, Bill Freehan singled home Meyer to put the Tigers ahead, 4-3.
The winner was Mickey Lolich (11-14), who picked up his 10th complete game of the season despite surrendering 10 hits.
A two-run fifth inning put the Twins ahead, 2-1, but the Tigers bounced back with their three-run sixth.
Meyer had a sacrifice fly in the first inning for a three-RBI afternoon. He is in a 15-for-48 stretch, lifting his average to .244.
LeFlore also tripled in the sixth inning, his team-leading ninth three-bagger.
The Twins got a lead off single from Steve Braun (three hits, including a home run) in the ninth, but Lolich bore down and after Glenn Borgmann bunted Braun to second, Lolich retired Jerry Terrell (fly out) and Lyman Bostock (pop out) to seal the win.
The Major Said: "Good win. Good series. Good weekend. Just what we needed to pick everyone's spirits up a little bit, including mine. Now this road trip doesn't seem so disastrous."
Tigers 100 003 000 4-8-0
Minn. 001 020 000 3-10-2
HR: Braun (MIN)
WP: Lolich (11-14)
LP: Hughes
Tigers record: 51-77 (actual 51-77)
Home: 24-41
Away: 27-36
Last 10: 3-7
The Tigers (51-77) completed a three-game sweep after a 10-game losing streak.
Meyer's hit into the right center field gap scored Ron LeFlore and Gary Sutherland, tying the game. One out later, Bill Freehan singled home Meyer to put the Tigers ahead, 4-3.
The winner was Mickey Lolich (11-14), who picked up his 10th complete game of the season despite surrendering 10 hits.
A two-run fifth inning put the Twins ahead, 2-1, but the Tigers bounced back with their three-run sixth.
Meyer had a sacrifice fly in the first inning for a three-RBI afternoon. He is in a 15-for-48 stretch, lifting his average to .244.
LeFlore also tripled in the sixth inning, his team-leading ninth three-bagger.
The Twins got a lead off single from Steve Braun (three hits, including a home run) in the ninth, but Lolich bore down and after Glenn Borgmann bunted Braun to second, Lolich retired Jerry Terrell (fly out) and Lyman Bostock (pop out) to seal the win.
The Major Said: "Good win. Good series. Good weekend. Just what we needed to pick everyone's spirits up a little bit, including mine. Now this road trip doesn't seem so disastrous."
Tigers 100 003 000 4-8-0
Minn. 001 020 000 3-10-2
HR: Braun (MIN)
WP: Lolich (11-14)
LP: Hughes
Tigers record: 51-77 (actual 51-77)
Home: 24-41
Away: 27-36
Last 10: 3-7
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Game 126: Tigers Rout Twins, End Losing Skid
Bloomington, MN (Fri., Aug. 22, 1975) - Dan Meyer hit a grand slam as part of a five-run fourth inning, and the Tigers beat the Minnesota Twins, 8-3, on Friday night to snap their 10-game losing streak.
Meyer connected off Twins starter Dave Goltz, who was roughed up for seven runs and nine hits in four innings.
Vern Ruhle picked up the win for Detroit with six-plus innings of solid work.
The win was the Tigers' first since beating Minnesota 1-0 on August 9 in Detroit.
Trailing 3-2 heading into the fourth, the Tigers loaded the bases with nobody out. After a force out at the plate, Ron LeFlore delivered a run-scoring single to tie the game. Gary Sutherland grounded into another force out at home, bringing Meyer to the plate. On a 1-1 pitch, Meyer drilled a Goltz fastball over the right field wall.
The Tigers (49-77) pounded out 15 hits off four Twins pitchers.
Rod Carew had an RBI double and a run-scoring single in the first two innings as the Twins built a 3-2 lead. The Tigers had gone ahead 2-1 in the top of the second on a Bill Freehan triple, a Ben Oglivie double and an Aurelio Rodriguez sacrifice fly.
The Major Said: "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz. Isn't that the commercial? We were due, that's for sure. That was a pretty good pitcher (Goltz) we got to, too."
Tigers 020 500 100 8-15-1
Minn. 120 000 000 3-9-1
HR: Meyer (DET, 8)
WP: Ruhle (8-11)
LP: Goltz
Tigers record: 49-77 (actual 50-76)
Home: 24-41
Away: 25-36
Last 10: 1-9
Meyer connected off Twins starter Dave Goltz, who was roughed up for seven runs and nine hits in four innings.
Vern Ruhle picked up the win for Detroit with six-plus innings of solid work.
The win was the Tigers' first since beating Minnesota 1-0 on August 9 in Detroit.
Trailing 3-2 heading into the fourth, the Tigers loaded the bases with nobody out. After a force out at the plate, Ron LeFlore delivered a run-scoring single to tie the game. Gary Sutherland grounded into another force out at home, bringing Meyer to the plate. On a 1-1 pitch, Meyer drilled a Goltz fastball over the right field wall.
The Tigers (49-77) pounded out 15 hits off four Twins pitchers.
Rod Carew had an RBI double and a run-scoring single in the first two innings as the Twins built a 3-2 lead. The Tigers had gone ahead 2-1 in the top of the second on a Bill Freehan triple, a Ben Oglivie double and an Aurelio Rodriguez sacrifice fly.
The Major Said: "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz. Isn't that the commercial? We were due, that's for sure. That was a pretty good pitcher (Goltz) we got to, too."
Tigers 020 500 100 8-15-1
Minn. 120 000 000 3-9-1
HR: Meyer (DET, 8)
WP: Ruhle (8-11)
LP: Goltz
Tigers record: 49-77 (actual 50-76)
Home: 24-41
Away: 25-36
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 18, 2012
Game 120: Five-Run 1st Powers Angels, 6-4
Anaheim, CA (Fri., Aug. 15, 1975) - The California Angels jumped on Tigers starter Mickey Lolich for five runs in the first inning, and cruised to a 6-4 victory Friday night at Anaheim Stadium.
The first five Angels hitters reached base in the opening inning as they quickly erased an early 1-0 deficit.
The Tigers didn't score again until plating three runners in the eighth inning, but Angels fireman Don Kirkwood retired the last four Detroit hitters in order to save the win for starter Frank Tanana (Catholic Central HS).
An error by shortstop Mike Miley to open the eighth inning started the Tigers' three-run rally. With two outs, Gary Sutherland (double), pinch-hitter John Wockenfuss (single) and Bill Freehan (single) all had RBI hits.
But it was too little, too late as the Tigers (48-72) lost their fifth straight game and eighth of their last nine.
In the first inning, Lolich was victimized by a stream of seeing-eye base hits through the infield and a soft liner into the outfield as the Angels came out swinging. All nine Angels hitters batted in the first inning. Lolich recovered for a 1-2-3 second inning, and the Angels added an unearned run in the third. Lolich, though, survived and pitched the whole game.
The Major Said: "The only good thing about giving up five runs that quick is that you have the whole game to make it up, if your pitchers keep you in the game. Mickey kept us in it but we just came up a little short."
Tigers 100 000 030 4-9-1
California 501 000 00x 6-9-1
WP: Tanana
SV: Kirkwood
LP: Lolich (10-13)
Tigers record: 48-72 (actual 46-74)
Home: 24-41
Away: 24-31
Last 10: 2-8
The first five Angels hitters reached base in the opening inning as they quickly erased an early 1-0 deficit.
The Tigers didn't score again until plating three runners in the eighth inning, but Angels fireman Don Kirkwood retired the last four Detroit hitters in order to save the win for starter Frank Tanana (Catholic Central HS).
An error by shortstop Mike Miley to open the eighth inning started the Tigers' three-run rally. With two outs, Gary Sutherland (double), pinch-hitter John Wockenfuss (single) and Bill Freehan (single) all had RBI hits.
But it was too little, too late as the Tigers (48-72) lost their fifth straight game and eighth of their last nine.
In the first inning, Lolich was victimized by a stream of seeing-eye base hits through the infield and a soft liner into the outfield as the Angels came out swinging. All nine Angels hitters batted in the first inning. Lolich recovered for a 1-2-3 second inning, and the Angels added an unearned run in the third. Lolich, though, survived and pitched the whole game.
The Major Said: "The only good thing about giving up five runs that quick is that you have the whole game to make it up, if your pitchers keep you in the game. Mickey kept us in it but we just came up a little short."
Tigers 100 000 030 4-9-1
California 501 000 00x 6-9-1
WP: Tanana
SV: Kirkwood
LP: Lolich (10-13)
Tigers record: 48-72 (actual 46-74)
Home: 24-41
Away: 24-31
Last 10: 2-8
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Game 106: Five-Run Third KOs Tigers, 8-3
Boston (Fri., Aug. 1, 1975) - The Boston Red Sox erupted for five runs in the third inning, and cruised to an 8-3 victory over the Tigers at Fenway Park on Friday night.
The Red Sox have taken the first three games of this five-game weekend series.
Lerrin LaGrow (5-13) allowed the first five Red Sox hitters to reach base in the third inning, and he was removed after just 2.1 innings of work. Boston catcher Carlton Fisk stroked a two-run triple in the frame. Fisk homered in the second inning for a 1-0 Boston lead.
The Tigers (43-63) chipped away at the 6-0 deficit, as Gary Sutherland lofted a fly ball over the Green Monster in left for a two-run homer (5) in the fifth make the score 6-3. But the Red Sox added two runs in the eighth to salt away the win.
Bill Freehan hit a solo homer (9) in the fourth for Detroit.
Red Sox starter Luis Tiant went 8.1 innings for the win.
Tigers first baseman Jack Pierce went 0-for-3, extending his hitless slump to 29 at-bats in a row.
The Major Said: "You saw how quickly you can score runs in this ballpark. You blink and they're up 6-0. But that's how it goes here."
Tigers 000 120 000 3-10-0
Boston 015 000 02x 8-14-0
HR: Fisk (BOS); Freehan (DET, 9); Sutherland (DET, 5)
WP: Tiant
LP: LaGrow (5-13)
Tigers record: 43-63 (actual 46-60)
Home: 22-34
Away: 21-29
Last 10: 4-6
The Red Sox have taken the first three games of this five-game weekend series.
Lerrin LaGrow (5-13) allowed the first five Red Sox hitters to reach base in the third inning, and he was removed after just 2.1 innings of work. Boston catcher Carlton Fisk stroked a two-run triple in the frame. Fisk homered in the second inning for a 1-0 Boston lead.
The Tigers (43-63) chipped away at the 6-0 deficit, as Gary Sutherland lofted a fly ball over the Green Monster in left for a two-run homer (5) in the fifth make the score 6-3. But the Red Sox added two runs in the eighth to salt away the win.
Bill Freehan hit a solo homer (9) in the fourth for Detroit.
Red Sox starter Luis Tiant went 8.1 innings for the win.
Tigers first baseman Jack Pierce went 0-for-3, extending his hitless slump to 29 at-bats in a row.
The Major Said: "You saw how quickly you can score runs in this ballpark. You blink and they're up 6-0. But that's how it goes here."
Tigers 000 120 000 3-10-0
Boston 015 000 02x 8-14-0
HR: Fisk (BOS); Freehan (DET, 9); Sutherland (DET, 5)
WP: Tiant
LP: LaGrow (5-13)
Tigers record: 43-63 (actual 46-60)
Home: 22-34
Away: 21-29
Last 10: 4-6
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Game 101: Tigers Jump on Yanks, Outlast Them, 7-4
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
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
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
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
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
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
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Game 60: One Game After Slugfest, Tigers Win 2-0
Detroit (June 20) - Ain't that how it usually works?
The day after the Tigers and Yankees combined for 27 runs, only two were scored tonight at Tiger Stadium.
Both those runs were Detroit's, and they took a second straight game from the Yanks, 2-0.
Vern Ruhle (5-6) pitched a complete game, five-hit shutout in his first start in 10 days.
Dan Meyer had both Detroit RBI: on a ground out in the third inning and a single in the seventh.
The Tigers (25-35) have won four of their last six games.
"These games are more my speed," manager Ralph Houk said, referring to tonight's pitcher's duel in comparison to last night's slugfest.
Yankees lefty Rudy May pitched well (seven innings, two runs) but Ruhle was better.
"Vern was amazing," Houk said. "Especially when you thought he might be rusty."
Ruhle missed his last start with a "dead arm" and hadn't started since June 10.
"I felt refreshed," Ruhle said after the game, enjoying a cold can of beer while his pitching arm was being wrapped in ice. "Had all three pitches working. It was fun tonight."
Even with the paltry run support?
"Can't score 16 every night," Ruhle said, prompting laughter.
Gary Sutherland continued his torrid ways. Last night Sutherland was 4-for-4, and tonight he was 3-for-3. The 7-for-7 series has lifted his average to .332.
The Yanks managed to get four runners to second base, but Ruhle was in command all night. As a result, he tossed the Tigers' first complete game this season by anyone not named Mickey Lolich.
"I only walked one, and that is huge," Ruhle said. "I got ahead of hitters and that was key, too."
Notes: Mickey Stanley started at first base...Houk said that catcher Bill Freehan's back continues to tighten up on him every morning, making his return to the lineup unknown...May pitched well, but hit two batters and committed a balk...Sutherland is going so good that he was intentionally walked in the seventh inning. But the next batter, Meyer, delivered a run-scoring single.
***********************************************************8
Tigers record: 25-35 (actual 26-34)
Home: 12-22
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 4-6
The day after the Tigers and Yankees combined for 27 runs, only two were scored tonight at Tiger Stadium.
Both those runs were Detroit's, and they took a second straight game from the Yanks, 2-0.
Vern Ruhle (5-6) pitched a complete game, five-hit shutout in his first start in 10 days.
Dan Meyer had both Detroit RBI: on a ground out in the third inning and a single in the seventh.
The Tigers (25-35) have won four of their last six games.
"These games are more my speed," manager Ralph Houk said, referring to tonight's pitcher's duel in comparison to last night's slugfest.
Yankees lefty Rudy May pitched well (seven innings, two runs) but Ruhle was better.
"Vern was amazing," Houk said. "Especially when you thought he might be rusty."
Ruhle missed his last start with a "dead arm" and hadn't started since June 10.
"I felt refreshed," Ruhle said after the game, enjoying a cold can of beer while his pitching arm was being wrapped in ice. "Had all three pitches working. It was fun tonight."
Even with the paltry run support?
"Can't score 16 every night," Ruhle said, prompting laughter.
Gary Sutherland continued his torrid ways. Last night Sutherland was 4-for-4, and tonight he was 3-for-3. The 7-for-7 series has lifted his average to .332.
The Yanks managed to get four runners to second base, but Ruhle was in command all night. As a result, he tossed the Tigers' first complete game this season by anyone not named Mickey Lolich.
"I only walked one, and that is huge," Ruhle said. "I got ahead of hitters and that was key, too."
Notes: Mickey Stanley started at first base...Houk said that catcher Bill Freehan's back continues to tighten up on him every morning, making his return to the lineup unknown...May pitched well, but hit two batters and committed a balk...Sutherland is going so good that he was intentionally walked in the seventh inning. But the next batter, Meyer, delivered a run-scoring single.
***********************************************************8
Tigers record: 25-35 (actual 26-34)
Home: 12-22
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 4-6
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Game 59: Wow! Tigers Erase 8-Run Deficit; Dump Yanks, 16-11
Detroit (June 19) - If this is the Tigers' new formula for winning home games, then get ready for some 3-1/2 hour baseball games. And for some fireworks.
The offensively-challenged Tigers spotted the New York Yankees an 8-0 lead, then exploded for 16 runs from the third thru seventh innings to beat the Yanks 16-11 tonight at Tiger Stadium.
Yes, that's right. The Tigers scored 16 runs, a total that sometimes takes them a week to achieve.
"Who can explain it?" manager Ralph Houk said. "That's baseball."
What's even more amazing is that the outburst began against the Yankees' much-ballyhooed free agent signee, Jim "Catfish" Hunter.
Hunter had an 8-0 lead going into the bottom of the third. The Tigers nicked him for two runs in the third, then poured it on in the fourth with eight runs (seven charged to Hunter) to go ahead 10-9, the last two coming on Willie Horton's mammoth home run into the left field upper deck. It was Horton's second at-bat of the inning.
The eight-run fourth included seven hits, highlighted by Horton's homer and Danny Meyer's two-run triple.
The Tigers extended the lead to 14-9 with four runs in the sixth. Horton knocked in two more with a double.
Horton had four RBI to lead the Tigers to an unexpected victory
Ron Blomberg clubbed a two-run homer in the seventh to bring the Yankees to within 14-11, but the Tigers answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame on Leon Roberts' two-out, two-run single.
The Tigers banged out 20 hits as everyone except shortstop Tom Veryzer had at least one hit. Ron LeFlore (three hits) and Gary Sutherland (4-for-4) stayed hot. Combined with Meyer's three hits, the Tigers' 1-2-3 hitters went 10-for-14 and had seven RBI.
Quite a change from a team that normally scores runs like it's pulling teeth.
"It was a lot of fun out there tonight," Horton said. "Maybe this will get us going. Lots of smiles in the dugout, man."
LeFlore (.307), Sutherland (.322) and Horton (.318), three of the Tigers' first four hitters in Houk's lineup, are all hitting above .300. So why hasn't the team scored more runs this season?
"We've been streaky," LeFlore said. "I'm going good now but I wasn't for awhile. Suds (Sutherland) is hot again. And Willie has been the most consistent. But a lot of us have hit in streaks."
The offense made everyone forget the bad start of Ray Bare, who went just 1.2 innings and surrendered 9 hits and seven runs (five earned). Dave Lemanczyk (4-0) picked up the win with 3.2 innings of relief (two runs, none earned).
The game started ominously, as the first five Yankees scored, culminating with Chris Chambliss's three-run home run. When the Yankees went ahead 8-0 in the third, the booes could be heard loud and clear.
"It didn't look good, that's for sure," Houk said. "But baseball is nine innings, 27 outs."
The Tigers (24-35) get the Yankees three more times this weekend. It's doubtful any of those games will be as exhilirating as tonight's.
But you never know.
Notes: The 16 runs tied a season high, set exactly one month ago (May 19) in Minnesota...Chambliss had four hits for New York...The fourth inning knockout was Hunter's earliest since 1972...The Tigers team BA went from .264 to .268 during tonight's game...LeFlore is 17 for his last 34, raising his average 30 points (.277 to .307).
*************************************
Tigers record: 24-35 (actual (25-34)
Home: 11-22
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 4-6
The offensively-challenged Tigers spotted the New York Yankees an 8-0 lead, then exploded for 16 runs from the third thru seventh innings to beat the Yanks 16-11 tonight at Tiger Stadium.
Yes, that's right. The Tigers scored 16 runs, a total that sometimes takes them a week to achieve.
"Who can explain it?" manager Ralph Houk said. "That's baseball."
What's even more amazing is that the outburst began against the Yankees' much-ballyhooed free agent signee, Jim "Catfish" Hunter.
Hunter had an 8-0 lead going into the bottom of the third. The Tigers nicked him for two runs in the third, then poured it on in the fourth with eight runs (seven charged to Hunter) to go ahead 10-9, the last two coming on Willie Horton's mammoth home run into the left field upper deck. It was Horton's second at-bat of the inning.
The eight-run fourth included seven hits, highlighted by Horton's homer and Danny Meyer's two-run triple.
The Tigers extended the lead to 14-9 with four runs in the sixth. Horton knocked in two more with a double.
Horton had four RBI to lead the Tigers to an unexpected victory
Ron Blomberg clubbed a two-run homer in the seventh to bring the Yankees to within 14-11, but the Tigers answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame on Leon Roberts' two-out, two-run single.
The Tigers banged out 20 hits as everyone except shortstop Tom Veryzer had at least one hit. Ron LeFlore (three hits) and Gary Sutherland (4-for-4) stayed hot. Combined with Meyer's three hits, the Tigers' 1-2-3 hitters went 10-for-14 and had seven RBI.
Quite a change from a team that normally scores runs like it's pulling teeth.
"It was a lot of fun out there tonight," Horton said. "Maybe this will get us going. Lots of smiles in the dugout, man."
LeFlore (.307), Sutherland (.322) and Horton (.318), three of the Tigers' first four hitters in Houk's lineup, are all hitting above .300. So why hasn't the team scored more runs this season?
"We've been streaky," LeFlore said. "I'm going good now but I wasn't for awhile. Suds (Sutherland) is hot again. And Willie has been the most consistent. But a lot of us have hit in streaks."
The offense made everyone forget the bad start of Ray Bare, who went just 1.2 innings and surrendered 9 hits and seven runs (five earned). Dave Lemanczyk (4-0) picked up the win with 3.2 innings of relief (two runs, none earned).
The game started ominously, as the first five Yankees scored, culminating with Chris Chambliss's three-run home run. When the Yankees went ahead 8-0 in the third, the booes could be heard loud and clear.
"It didn't look good, that's for sure," Houk said. "But baseball is nine innings, 27 outs."
The Tigers (24-35) get the Yankees three more times this weekend. It's doubtful any of those games will be as exhilirating as tonight's.
But you never know.
Notes: The 16 runs tied a season high, set exactly one month ago (May 19) in Minnesota...Chambliss had four hits for New York...The fourth inning knockout was Hunter's earliest since 1972...The Tigers team BA went from .264 to .268 during tonight's game...LeFlore is 17 for his last 34, raising his average 30 points (.277 to .307).
*************************************
Tigers record: 24-35 (actual (25-34)
Home: 11-22
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 4-6
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Game 57: Tigers Claw Back, Still Lose
Detroit (June 17) - Danny Meyer knows how thin the line is between love and hate---and fair and foul.
Meyer, the Tigers left fielder, was at the plate with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth inning at Tiger Stadium tonight. The Tigers trailed the Boston Red Sox, 6-5.
Meyer pulled a 1-1 fastball from reliever Diego Segui down the right field line---about six inches foul. The drive would have won the game for the Tigers, no doubt.
Two pitches later, Meyer grounded into a game-ending, 6-4-3 double play as what was left of a crowd of 9,874 groaned collectively.
"That's baseball," Meyer said afterward.
Indeed.
The Tigers (23-34) saw their modest two-game winning streak come to an end.
Meyer had two of the team's 10 hits, but missing his third by inches was yet another example of how the Tigers just don't seem to get the breaks at home, where they are 10-21.
Wise had a rough start, but settled into 8.1 innings for Boston
The game started ominously, as the Bosox scored four times in the first inning off starter Lerrin LaGrow (2-9).
Three batters into the game, the Red Sox led 3-0 after Carl Yastrzemski pulled a LaGrow slider into the right field upper deck. They tacked on another run after a Jim Rice double and Rico Petrocelli single.
The Tigers answered with two runs of their own in the first. Ron LeFlore led off with a home run, and after the next three Tigers reached base, it was 4-2 Boston thanks to a Willie Horton single.
The Red Sox led 5-2 before the Tigers tied the game with two runs in the third and one in the fourth.
But that's when Boston starter Rick Wise got stingy.
Wise survived a rocky four innings before settling down and retiring 16 of the next 17 hitters, giving way to Segui with one out in the ninth and a runner on first base.
A LeFlore single and Gary Sutherland walk greeted Segui before the veteran threw the double play ball to Meyer.
Notes: Livonia native Bernie Carbo started in right field for Boston and went 0-for-5...Rookie pitcher Ike Brookens made his debut after being called up from Toledo to replace Gene Pentz, who was sent down after last night's game. The right-handed Brookens entered the game in the sixth inning and pitched 1.1 innings of one-hit ball...LeFlore had three hits, one RBI and a stolen base...The series finale will be played on Polish-American night. Yastrzemski and Boston coach Eddie Kasko are to be among those honored on the field before the game.
************************************************************
Tigers record: 23-34 (actual 25-32)
Home: 10-21
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 3-7
Meyer, the Tigers left fielder, was at the plate with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth inning at Tiger Stadium tonight. The Tigers trailed the Boston Red Sox, 6-5.
Meyer pulled a 1-1 fastball from reliever Diego Segui down the right field line---about six inches foul. The drive would have won the game for the Tigers, no doubt.
Two pitches later, Meyer grounded into a game-ending, 6-4-3 double play as what was left of a crowd of 9,874 groaned collectively.
"That's baseball," Meyer said afterward.
Indeed.
The Tigers (23-34) saw their modest two-game winning streak come to an end.
Meyer had two of the team's 10 hits, but missing his third by inches was yet another example of how the Tigers just don't seem to get the breaks at home, where they are 10-21.
Wise had a rough start, but settled into 8.1 innings for Boston
The game started ominously, as the Bosox scored four times in the first inning off starter Lerrin LaGrow (2-9).
Three batters into the game, the Red Sox led 3-0 after Carl Yastrzemski pulled a LaGrow slider into the right field upper deck. They tacked on another run after a Jim Rice double and Rico Petrocelli single.
The Tigers answered with two runs of their own in the first. Ron LeFlore led off with a home run, and after the next three Tigers reached base, it was 4-2 Boston thanks to a Willie Horton single.
The Red Sox led 5-2 before the Tigers tied the game with two runs in the third and one in the fourth.
But that's when Boston starter Rick Wise got stingy.
Wise survived a rocky four innings before settling down and retiring 16 of the next 17 hitters, giving way to Segui with one out in the ninth and a runner on first base.
A LeFlore single and Gary Sutherland walk greeted Segui before the veteran threw the double play ball to Meyer.
Notes: Livonia native Bernie Carbo started in right field for Boston and went 0-for-5...Rookie pitcher Ike Brookens made his debut after being called up from Toledo to replace Gene Pentz, who was sent down after last night's game. The right-handed Brookens entered the game in the sixth inning and pitched 1.1 innings of one-hit ball...LeFlore had three hits, one RBI and a stolen base...The series finale will be played on Polish-American night. Yastrzemski and Boston coach Eddie Kasko are to be among those honored on the field before the game.
************************************************************
Tigers record: 23-34 (actual 25-32)
Home: 10-21
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 3-7
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