Detroit (Sat., Sept. 20, 1975) - Carl Yastrzemski had three hits and scored three runs, Rico Petrocelli had four RBI, and Luis Tiant pitched a complete game shutout as the Boston Red Sox stymied the Tigers, 7-0, at Tiger Stadium.
The Red Sox squared the weekend series at a game apiece.
Tiant was masterful, scattering eight hits and walking one.
The Red Sox scored twice in the first inning, twice in the seventh, and three times in the ninth to hand the Tigers (60-94) their 30th loss in their past 43 games.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (14-16) went 8-plus innings, giving up 12 hits and five runs, three earned.
Petrocelli had a two-run single in the first, an RBI single in the seventh, and even drove in a run in the ninth by getting hit by a pitch.
Yastrzemski had three singles, walked, and reached base on an error.
Ron LeFlore had two singles for Detroit, but was caught stealing in the third with the score just 2-0, Boston. The caught stealing canceled an error by Rick Burleson that put LeFlore on first base.
Rookies Bob Molinaro (RF) and Jerry Manuel (2B) started, but went 0-for-7 between them.
The Major Said: "Tiant was as good as I've seen him. We got eight hits but nothing hit real hard and we couldn't really bunch them."
Boston 200 000 203 7-16-1
Tigers 000 000 000 0-8-1
WP: Tiant
LP: Lolich (14-16)
Tigers record: 60-94 (actual 57-97)
Home: 31-48
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 4-6
Showing posts with label Mickey Lolich. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mickey Lolich. Show all posts
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Game 148: Brown's First '75 Hit Upends Orioles, 5-3
Detroit (Sat., Sept. 13, 1975) - Gates Brown's first base hit of the season---a single to right field---drove in two runs in the eighth inning, lifting the Tigers to a 5-3 win over Baltimore Saturday night at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers trailed 3-1 heading into the eighth. A single and two walks quickly loaded the bases with no outs. Ben Oglivie drove home one run with a sacrifice fly, and Tom Veryzer tied the game with a single with two outs. Leon Roberts walked, re-loading the bases. Brown was sent in to pinch-hit for Terry Humphrey, and Gates drove a bounding ball past first baseman Lee May for a two-run single.
It was Brown's first hit in 10 at-bats in a season marred by a bad back. It may be Brown's last hit; the 36-year-old pinch-hitting specialist has hinted at retirement after the season.
Brown's hit made a winner out of Mickey Lolich (14-15), who pitched his 12th complete game. Lolich gave up 10 hits, walked four and struck out seven. He lowered his ERA to 3.24. The O's tried to rally in the ninth, putting runners on first and second, but Lolich struck out Tommy Davis to end the game.
It was a game of veteran heroes; Lolich turned 35 on Friday, and 38-year-old Brooks Robinson had two hits and drove in all three Orioles runs.
The Tigers (57-91) snapped a four-game losing streak.
The Major Said: "If Gates does call it quits, I am proud to have managed him for two years. He's a pro's pro. He could have hung them up this year with his bad back, but he wouldn't think of doing that in the middle of the season."
Baltimore 010 002 000 3-10-1
Tigers 000 001 04x 5-11-0
WP: Lolich (14-15)
LP: Alexander
Tigers record: 57-91 (actual 55-93)
Home: 28-45
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 3-7
The Tigers trailed 3-1 heading into the eighth. A single and two walks quickly loaded the bases with no outs. Ben Oglivie drove home one run with a sacrifice fly, and Tom Veryzer tied the game with a single with two outs. Leon Roberts walked, re-loading the bases. Brown was sent in to pinch-hit for Terry Humphrey, and Gates drove a bounding ball past first baseman Lee May for a two-run single.
It was Brown's first hit in 10 at-bats in a season marred by a bad back. It may be Brown's last hit; the 36-year-old pinch-hitting specialist has hinted at retirement after the season.
Brown's hit made a winner out of Mickey Lolich (14-15), who pitched his 12th complete game. Lolich gave up 10 hits, walked four and struck out seven. He lowered his ERA to 3.24. The O's tried to rally in the ninth, putting runners on first and second, but Lolich struck out Tommy Davis to end the game.
It was a game of veteran heroes; Lolich turned 35 on Friday, and 38-year-old Brooks Robinson had two hits and drove in all three Orioles runs.
The Tigers (57-91) snapped a four-game losing streak.
The Major Said: "If Gates does call it quits, I am proud to have managed him for two years. He's a pro's pro. He could have hung them up this year with his bad back, but he wouldn't think of doing that in the middle of the season."
Baltimore 010 002 000 3-10-1
Tigers 000 001 04x 5-11-0
WP: Lolich (14-15)
LP: Alexander
Tigers record: 57-91 (actual 55-93)
Home: 28-45
Away: 29-46
Last 10: 3-7
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Game 142: Yanks Beat Tigers in 9th, 1-0
Queens, NY (Mon., Sept. 8, 1975) - Bobby Bonds looped a base hit into right field with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, and the New York Yankees beat the Tigers, 1-0, at Shea Stadium.
The hit eluded a diving Leon Roberts and plated Chris Chambliss, who had doubled.
The tough-luck loser was Mickey Lolich (13-15), who pitched the whole game for Detroit.
The hitter prior to Bonds, Fred Stanley, legged out an infield hit to keep the inning alive.
The Tigers (55-87) managed just six hits off Yankees starter Rudy May, two by Willie Horton. They only got two runners as far as second base.
In the ninth, with one out, Chambliss doubled. Rick Dempsey struck out, and Lolich was one out away from forcing the game into extra innings. But Lolich walked Rick Bladt on four pitches, then Stanley's chopper stayed fair down the third base line and there was no throw.
That brought up Bonds, who was jammed but managed a blooper that Roberts couldn't quite reach, setting off a celebration at home plate.
The Major Said: "1-0. It's happened to us before. Tough loss, what can you say? Mickey was terrific."
Tigers 000 000 000 0-6-0
New York 000 000 001 1-8-0
WP: May
LP: Lolich (13-15)
Tigers record: 55-87 (actual 54-88)
Home: 27-44
Away: 28-43
Last 10: 3-7
The hit eluded a diving Leon Roberts and plated Chris Chambliss, who had doubled.
The tough-luck loser was Mickey Lolich (13-15), who pitched the whole game for Detroit.
The hitter prior to Bonds, Fred Stanley, legged out an infield hit to keep the inning alive.
The Tigers (55-87) managed just six hits off Yankees starter Rudy May, two by Willie Horton. They only got two runners as far as second base.
In the ninth, with one out, Chambliss doubled. Rick Dempsey struck out, and Lolich was one out away from forcing the game into extra innings. But Lolich walked Rick Bladt on four pitches, then Stanley's chopper stayed fair down the third base line and there was no throw.
That brought up Bonds, who was jammed but managed a blooper that Roberts couldn't quite reach, setting off a celebration at home plate.
The Major Said: "1-0. It's happened to us before. Tough loss, what can you say? Mickey was terrific."
Tigers 000 000 000 0-6-0
New York 000 000 001 1-8-0
WP: May
LP: Lolich (13-15)
Tigers record: 55-87 (actual 54-88)
Home: 27-44
Away: 28-43
Last 10: 3-7
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
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
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Game 124: A's Nip Tigers Late; Losing Streak is 9
Oakland, CA (Tue., Aug. 19, 1975) - Gene Tenace singled in Sal Bando in the eighth inning, breaking a 2-2 tie, and the Oakland A's beat the Tigers, 3-2 Tuesday night at the Coliseum, extending Detroit's losing streak to a season-high nine games.
The Tigers (48-76) had a brief 2-1 lead after scoring twice in the fourth, but Bando's double in the fifth inning scored Bert Campaneris with the tying run.
Ben Oglivie led off the Tigers' ninth with a single, but he was cut down trying to steal moments later by Tenace. Rollie Fingers pitched the ninth and retired the next two hitters in order after Oglivie's aborted steal attempt.
The Tigers trailed 1-0 when, with two outs and nobody on, they started a two-run rally in the fourth. Willie Horton singled, as did Bill Freehan. Oglivie doubled home Horton, and Leon Roberts followed with an RBI single.
The Tigers have lost 12 of their past 13 games and are in danger of finishing in last place for the first time since 1952. They currently trail fifth place Milwaukee by eight games.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (10-14) pitched the whole game---something Tigers starters have done a lot lately but haven't been rewarded. Dick Bosman pitched the first eight innings for Oakland before giving way to Fingers, who the Tigers roughed up in Detroit a couple weeks back.
The Major Said: "When things are going bad these are the kinds of games you lose. When you're going good, you get the late runs, not the other guys."
Tigers 000 200 000 2-8-0
Oakland 001 010 01x 3-8-0
WP: Blue
SV: Fingers
LP: Lolich (10-14)
Tigers record: 48-76 (actual 50-74)
Home: 24-41
Away: 24-35
Last 10: 1-9
The Tigers (48-76) had a brief 2-1 lead after scoring twice in the fourth, but Bando's double in the fifth inning scored Bert Campaneris with the tying run.
Ben Oglivie led off the Tigers' ninth with a single, but he was cut down trying to steal moments later by Tenace. Rollie Fingers pitched the ninth and retired the next two hitters in order after Oglivie's aborted steal attempt.
The Tigers trailed 1-0 when, with two outs and nobody on, they started a two-run rally in the fourth. Willie Horton singled, as did Bill Freehan. Oglivie doubled home Horton, and Leon Roberts followed with an RBI single.
The Tigers have lost 12 of their past 13 games and are in danger of finishing in last place for the first time since 1952. They currently trail fifth place Milwaukee by eight games.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (10-14) pitched the whole game---something Tigers starters have done a lot lately but haven't been rewarded. Dick Bosman pitched the first eight innings for Oakland before giving way to Fingers, who the Tigers roughed up in Detroit a couple weeks back.
The Major Said: "When things are going bad these are the kinds of games you lose. When you're going good, you get the late runs, not the other guys."
Tigers 000 200 000 2-8-0
Oakland 001 010 01x 3-8-0
WP: Blue
SV: Fingers
LP: Lolich (10-14)
Tigers record: 48-76 (actual 50-74)
Home: 24-41
Away: 24-35
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
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Game 115: Lolich Calms Twins, 1-0
Detroit (Sat., Aug. 9, 1975) - Mickey Lolich fired a complete-game, six-hitter, and the Tigers returned the favor of a 1-0 victory Saturday at Tiger Stadium, one day after losing by the same score.
Lolich (10-12) scattered his hits, all singles, and was able to get key outs whenever he had runners on base. He walked one and struck out four in his ninth complete-game of the year.
Lolich was also the beneficiary of some good defense in the fifth inning. Glenn Borgmann singled but was cut down at third base by left fielder Ben Oglivie after Luis Gomez singled. That play ended the inning.
The Tigers' run came off the bat of Bill Freehan in the second inning, who slugged his 11th home run of the year. Freehan has five homers in his last 84 at-bats.
Twins starter Dave Goltz pitched all eight innings and took the tough loss.
The Tigers (48-67) have scored one run in their past three games.
The Major Said: "We've been on the short end of these kinds of games more often than not. Mickey was tremendous. You need a start like that when you're not swinging the bats well, which we aren't."
Minnesota 000 000 000 0-6-0
Tigers 010 000 00x 1-6-0
HR: Freehan (DET, 11)
WP: Lolich (10-12)
LP: Goltz
Tigers record: 48-67 (actual 46-69)
Home: 24-37
Away: 24-30
Last 10: 5-5
Lolich (10-12) scattered his hits, all singles, and was able to get key outs whenever he had runners on base. He walked one and struck out four in his ninth complete-game of the year.
Lolich was also the beneficiary of some good defense in the fifth inning. Glenn Borgmann singled but was cut down at third base by left fielder Ben Oglivie after Luis Gomez singled. That play ended the inning.
The Tigers' run came off the bat of Bill Freehan in the second inning, who slugged his 11th home run of the year. Freehan has five homers in his last 84 at-bats.
Twins starter Dave Goltz pitched all eight innings and took the tough loss.
The Tigers (48-67) have scored one run in their past three games.
The Major Said: "We've been on the short end of these kinds of games more often than not. Mickey was tremendous. You need a start like that when you're not swinging the bats well, which we aren't."
Minnesota 000 000 000 0-6-0
Tigers 010 000 00x 1-6-0
HR: Freehan (DET, 11)
WP: Lolich (10-12)
LP: Goltz
Tigers record: 48-67 (actual 46-69)
Home: 24-37
Away: 24-30
Last 10: 5-5
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Game 109: Tigers Prevail In 10 Wacky, Sloppy Innings, 11-8
Cleveland (Mon., Aug. 4, 1975) - The Cleveland Indians committed seven errors, the most in modern history for the franchise, and the final of those miscues opened the floodgates as the Tigers beat the Tribe, 11-8, in 10 innings at Municipal Stadium Monday night. It was the Tigers' second straight win.
Third baseman Buddy Bell made three errors by himself. But it was second baseman Jack Brohamer's fumbling of a ground ball in the tenth that started the Tigers' game-winning rally off reliever Jim Kern.
Jack Pierce singled, Aurelio Rodriguez doubled for a run, then rookie Art James came through with a two-out single that plated two more runs as the Tigers broke away from a 8-8 tie.
There were 19 runs and 27 hits, but only two home runs hit (Brohamer for Cleveland, a three-run shot; and Pierce for the Tigers, a solo blast).
The Tigers (45-64) jumped on Cleveland starter Dennis Eckersley for five runs in the first inning as the first six batters singled to start the game.
The Indians got a four spot in the fourth to make the score 5-4. Brohamer's drive over the right field wall off Detroit starter Mickey Lolich was the big blow.
Cleveland scored three times in the seventh inning to take a 7-6 lead but the Tigers answered with two in the eighth to regain the lead, 8-7. Rookie John Knox's double scored both runs. Knox had three RBI on the night.
The Indians bounced right back to score a run in their half of the eighth to tie the game once again. A bases loaded walk to Rick Manning scored the run.
Despite all the fireworks offensively, Tigers reliever (and winner) Dave Lemanczyk set down the final eight Indians hitters in a row to earn the victory, his first of the year.
The Major Said: "It wasn't pretty by any stretch but we'll take it. I didn't like the eight runs we gave up but I liked how we kept coming at them with the bats."
Tigers 500 000 120 3 11-16-0
Cleveland 000 400 310 0 8-11-7
HR: Brohamer (CLE); Pierce (DET, 4)
WP: Lemanczyk (1-2)
LP: Kern
Tigers record: 45-64 (actual 46-63)
Home: 22-34
Away: 23-30
Last 10: 5-5
Third baseman Buddy Bell made three errors by himself. But it was second baseman Jack Brohamer's fumbling of a ground ball in the tenth that started the Tigers' game-winning rally off reliever Jim Kern.
Jack Pierce singled, Aurelio Rodriguez doubled for a run, then rookie Art James came through with a two-out single that plated two more runs as the Tigers broke away from a 8-8 tie.
There were 19 runs and 27 hits, but only two home runs hit (Brohamer for Cleveland, a three-run shot; and Pierce for the Tigers, a solo blast).
The Tigers (45-64) jumped on Cleveland starter Dennis Eckersley for five runs in the first inning as the first six batters singled to start the game.
The Indians got a four spot in the fourth to make the score 5-4. Brohamer's drive over the right field wall off Detroit starter Mickey Lolich was the big blow.
Cleveland scored three times in the seventh inning to take a 7-6 lead but the Tigers answered with two in the eighth to regain the lead, 8-7. Rookie John Knox's double scored both runs. Knox had three RBI on the night.
The Indians bounced right back to score a run in their half of the eighth to tie the game once again. A bases loaded walk to Rick Manning scored the run.
Despite all the fireworks offensively, Tigers reliever (and winner) Dave Lemanczyk set down the final eight Indians hitters in a row to earn the victory, his first of the year.
The Major Said: "It wasn't pretty by any stretch but we'll take it. I didn't like the eight runs we gave up but I liked how we kept coming at them with the bats."
Tigers 500 000 120 3 11-16-0
Cleveland 000 400 310 0 8-11-7
HR: Brohamer (CLE); Pierce (DET, 4)
WP: Lemanczyk (1-2)
LP: Kern
Tigers record: 45-64 (actual 46-63)
Home: 22-34
Away: 23-30
Last 10: 5-5
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Game 103: Lolich Goes All the Way Again; Tigers Win, 4-3
New York (Wed., July 30, 1975) - Mickey Lolich fired his ninth complete game of the season, and despite giving up 13 hits, he only allowed three runs as the Tigers beat the New York Yankees, 4-3, Wednesday night at Shea Stadium.
Lolich (9-12) frequently had runners on base but was able to limit the damage as the Tigers (43-60) took two of three from the Yankees.
The Tigers scored three runs in the first inning off Yankees starter Rudy May. The first four Tigers and six of the first eight reached base.
The Yankees pecked away against the Tigers left-hander, scoring single runs in the second, seventh and eighth innings. But Lolich set down the final five Yankees hitters in a row to end the ballgame.
Rookie catcher John Wockenfuss had two hits, including a triple, and three RBI for Detroit.
In the first inning, the Tigers used a mix of five singles and a hit batsman to cobble together three runs. They could have had more, but Gene Michael, the ninth man to bat in the inning, flied out with the bases loaded.
The Tigers, who took three of four from the Yankees last month in Detroit, are 8-6 against New York this season, with four more matchups to play. They are now off to Boston for a big five-game series against the Red Sox, necessitated by a slew of April rainouts.
In their last 14 games, the Tigers are 9-5.
The Major Said: "What can you say about (Lolich)? He has a rubber arm, like they say. With (John) Hiller out, I figure that the way he was going, Mickey was the best option in the ninth inning."
Tigers 300 010 000 4-11-1
NY 010 000 110 3-13-1
WP: Lolich (9-12)
LP: May
Tigers record: 43-60 (actual 46-57)
Home: 22-34
Away: 21-26
Last 10: 6-4
Lolich (9-12) frequently had runners on base but was able to limit the damage as the Tigers (43-60) took two of three from the Yankees.
The Tigers scored three runs in the first inning off Yankees starter Rudy May. The first four Tigers and six of the first eight reached base.
The Yankees pecked away against the Tigers left-hander, scoring single runs in the second, seventh and eighth innings. But Lolich set down the final five Yankees hitters in a row to end the ballgame.
Rookie catcher John Wockenfuss had two hits, including a triple, and three RBI for Detroit.
In the first inning, the Tigers used a mix of five singles and a hit batsman to cobble together three runs. They could have had more, but Gene Michael, the ninth man to bat in the inning, flied out with the bases loaded.
The Tigers, who took three of four from the Yankees last month in Detroit, are 8-6 against New York this season, with four more matchups to play. They are now off to Boston for a big five-game series against the Red Sox, necessitated by a slew of April rainouts.
In their last 14 games, the Tigers are 9-5.
The Major Said: "What can you say about (Lolich)? He has a rubber arm, like they say. With (John) Hiller out, I figure that the way he was going, Mickey was the best option in the ninth inning."
Tigers 300 010 000 4-11-1
NY 010 000 110 3-13-1
WP: Lolich (9-12)
LP: May
Tigers record: 43-60 (actual 46-57)
Home: 22-34
Away: 21-26
Last 10: 6-4
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Game 98: Lolich Quiets Tribe, 3-1
Detroit (Sat., July 26, 1975) - The Tigers like those 3-1 games.
They won for the fourth time out of their past seven victories by the score of 3-1, beating the Cleveland Indians Saturday in Detroit.
The win evened this four-game weekend series between the Tigers (40-58) and the Tribe.
Mickey Lolich pitched his seventh complete game, a masterful six-hitter, allowing just one Indian runner to reach second base after the third inning. The run he surrendered was unearned.
Ron LeFlore and Aurelio Rodriguez each had two hits and a run scored for Detroit, winners of six of their past nine games.
Lolich (8-12) outdueled Indians starter Dennis Eckerlsey, a 20-year-old rookie. Eckersley went 7.2 innings of six-hit baseball.
The Major Said: "They (Indians) thumped us pretty good Friday night, so it was great to see Mickey do his thing. We do tend to win low-scoring games."
Cleveland 001 000 000 1-6-1
Tigers 000 020 01x 3-7-2
WP: Lolich (8-12)
LP: Eckersley
Tigers record: 40-58 (actual 44-54)
Home: 21-33
Away: 19-25
Last 10: 6-4
They won for the fourth time out of their past seven victories by the score of 3-1, beating the Cleveland Indians Saturday in Detroit.
The win evened this four-game weekend series between the Tigers (40-58) and the Tribe.
Mickey Lolich pitched his seventh complete game, a masterful six-hitter, allowing just one Indian runner to reach second base after the third inning. The run he surrendered was unearned.
Ron LeFlore and Aurelio Rodriguez each had two hits and a run scored for Detroit, winners of six of their past nine games.
Lolich (8-12) outdueled Indians starter Dennis Eckerlsey, a 20-year-old rookie. Eckersley went 7.2 innings of six-hit baseball.
The Major Said: "They (Indians) thumped us pretty good Friday night, so it was great to see Mickey do his thing. We do tend to win low-scoring games."
Cleveland 001 000 000 1-6-1
Tigers 000 020 01x 3-7-2
WP: Lolich (8-12)
LP: Eckersley
Tigers record: 40-58 (actual 44-54)
Home: 21-33
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
Friday, July 20, 2012
Games 87 & 88: Tigers Score Late in Game 2 to Salvage DH Split
Chicago (Thu., July 17, 1975) - The Tigers broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth inning of game two of a twi-night doubleheader, and salvaged a split of the twinbill with the Chicago White Sox at Comiskey Park Thursday.
The Tigers won game two, 3-1, after dropping the opener, 7-0.
Wilbur Wood breezed through the first game, pitching a complete game six-hitter as the Chisox broke the game open with a four-run sixth inning that extended their lead to 6-0.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (7-11) gave up 13 hits in six innings in the first game. In the sixth inning, the White Sox went station-to-station as eight consecutive batters reached base on an error, six singles, and a fielder's choice, accounting for the four runs.
In the nightcap, Lerrin LaGrow pitched 6.2 innings, giving up just one run on eight hits and no walks. But the winner was reliever Bob Reynolds (2-1), who was the beneficiary of a Mickey Stanley double, which scored Ben Oglivie from first base in the eighth inning, breaking the 1-1 tie.
The Tigers (34-54) added an insurance run in the ninth on a John Wockenfuss triple and an Aurelio Rodriguez sacrifice fly.
Reliever John Hiller, whose last outing was a four-run implosion in Detroit against the White Sox which lost the game, gave up a walk in the ninth but coaxed a game-ending double play grounder from Jerry Hairston, who had been 3-for-3. The save was Hiller's 15th.
Stanley started the second game at leadoff, subbing for Ron LeFlore in center field, and had three hits, including two doubles.
The Major Said: "I like how we bounced back, and I like how John (Hiller) bounced back. I know that last outing he had haunted him all through the All-Star break, so it was good to see him get the save tonight."
Game 1
Tigers 000 000 000 0-6-2
Chicago 020 004 10x 7-15-0
WP- Wood
LP- Lolich (7-11)
Game 2
Tigers 100 000 011 3-10-0
Chicago 000 001 000 1-8-0
WP- Reynolds (2-1)
SV- Hiller (15)
LP- Osteen
The Tigers won game two, 3-1, after dropping the opener, 7-0.
Wilbur Wood breezed through the first game, pitching a complete game six-hitter as the Chisox broke the game open with a four-run sixth inning that extended their lead to 6-0.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (7-11) gave up 13 hits in six innings in the first game. In the sixth inning, the White Sox went station-to-station as eight consecutive batters reached base on an error, six singles, and a fielder's choice, accounting for the four runs.
In the nightcap, Lerrin LaGrow pitched 6.2 innings, giving up just one run on eight hits and no walks. But the winner was reliever Bob Reynolds (2-1), who was the beneficiary of a Mickey Stanley double, which scored Ben Oglivie from first base in the eighth inning, breaking the 1-1 tie.
The Tigers (34-54) added an insurance run in the ninth on a John Wockenfuss triple and an Aurelio Rodriguez sacrifice fly.
Reliever John Hiller, whose last outing was a four-run implosion in Detroit against the White Sox which lost the game, gave up a walk in the ninth but coaxed a game-ending double play grounder from Jerry Hairston, who had been 3-for-3. The save was Hiller's 15th.
Stanley started the second game at leadoff, subbing for Ron LeFlore in center field, and had three hits, including two doubles.
The Major Said: "I like how we bounced back, and I like how John (Hiller) bounced back. I know that last outing he had haunted him all through the All-Star break, so it was good to see him get the save tonight."
Game 1
Tigers 000 000 000 0-6-2
Chicago 020 004 10x 7-15-0
WP- Wood
LP- Lolich (7-11)
Game 2
Tigers 100 000 011 3-10-0
Chicago 000 001 000 1-8-0
WP- Reynolds (2-1)
SV- Hiller (15)
LP- Osteen
Monday, July 9, 2012
Games 78 & 79: Brewers Take Twinbill With Blowout and 1-Run Affair
Detroit (July 6) - The Milwaukee Brewers surrendered just four runs in two games and swept a doubleheader from the Tigers Sunday afternoon in Detroit, taking three of four games in the weekend series.
The Brewers routed the Tigers, 13-2 in Game 1, then held on to win 3-2 in the nightcap.
Milwaukee banged out 19 hits in the first game---at least one in every inning. Robin Yount had three doubles and four RBI. He scored three times. Tigers pitchers walked eight Milwaukee hitters.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (6-10) became the third Detroit pitcher to register double digits in losses this season (Joe Coleman 12; Lerrin LaGrow 11). Lolich lasted just 3.2 innings, surrendering 10 hits and seven earned runs.
In Game 2, Milwaukee fell behind 1-0 in the first inning, but scored twice in the fifth inning on a 2-run double by George Scott. They added an insurance run in the seventh and survived a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the ninth with the score 3-2. The game ended with Ron LeFlore's line drive being caught by shortstop Kurt Bevacqua, who threw to second baseman Bob Sheldon to double off Gates Brown.
Brewers starters Tom Hausman and Pete Broberg (Games 1 and 2, respectively) combined to throw 13 innings and allow just three runs between them.
The Major Said: "That first game was as ugly as it gets. We had a shot in the second game, but Ronnie hits into that double play. That's pretty much how our season has gone, right there."
Game 1
Milwaukee 210 401 500 13-19-1
Tigers 100 000 100 2-11-2
HR: Scott (MIL); Bevacqua (MIL)
WP: Hausman
LP: Lolich (6-10)
Game 2
Milwaukee 000 020 100 3-9-0
Tigers 100 000 010 2-8-0
WP: Broberg
SV: Murphy
LP: LaGrow (3-11)
Tigers record: 31-48 (actual 33-46)
Home: 14-28
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
The Brewers routed the Tigers, 13-2 in Game 1, then held on to win 3-2 in the nightcap.
Milwaukee banged out 19 hits in the first game---at least one in every inning. Robin Yount had three doubles and four RBI. He scored three times. Tigers pitchers walked eight Milwaukee hitters.
Tigers starter Mickey Lolich (6-10) became the third Detroit pitcher to register double digits in losses this season (Joe Coleman 12; Lerrin LaGrow 11). Lolich lasted just 3.2 innings, surrendering 10 hits and seven earned runs.
In Game 2, Milwaukee fell behind 1-0 in the first inning, but scored twice in the fifth inning on a 2-run double by George Scott. They added an insurance run in the seventh and survived a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the ninth with the score 3-2. The game ended with Ron LeFlore's line drive being caught by shortstop Kurt Bevacqua, who threw to second baseman Bob Sheldon to double off Gates Brown.
Brewers starters Tom Hausman and Pete Broberg (Games 1 and 2, respectively) combined to throw 13 innings and allow just three runs between them.
The Major Said: "That first game was as ugly as it gets. We had a shot in the second game, but Ronnie hits into that double play. That's pretty much how our season has gone, right there."
Game 1
Milwaukee 210 401 500 13-19-1
Tigers 100 000 100 2-11-2
HR: Scott (MIL); Bevacqua (MIL)
WP: Hausman
LP: Lolich (6-10)
Game 2
Milwaukee 000 020 100 3-9-0
Tigers 100 000 010 2-8-0
WP: Broberg
SV: Murphy
LP: LaGrow (3-11)
Tigers record: 31-48 (actual 33-46)
Home: 14-28
Away: 17-20
Last 10: 3-7
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
Friday, June 15, 2012
Game 67: Tigers Overcome Cuellar, O's in 12, 4-0
Baltimore (June 26) -- Tigers manager Ralph Houk summed it up.
"I've been in big league baseball for 30 years," Houk said, "and I've never seen a team have 24 men retired in a row and still win the game."
Yet that's exactly what happened tonight at Memorial Stadium, where the Tigers beat the Baltimore Orioles, 4-0, in 12 innings.
Orioles starter Mike Cuellar set down 24 straight Tigers from the first thru eight innings, but Mickey Lolich matched Cuellar in terms of scoreless frames, and after nine innings the game was tied 0-0.
Both starters pitched into the 10th; Cuellar made it one out into the frame, and Lolich finished it.
Willie Horton led off the 12th inning with a home run, his 12th, off Dyar Miller. The Tigers went on to score three more runs off Grant Jackson.
Bob Reynolds pitched two innings to get the win over his former team.
The Tigers (28-39) have won five of their past nine games, which includes two shutouts.
But it looked like the story was going to be Cuellar, the Orioles' star lefty. For eight innings, it was.
Ron LeFlore led off the game with a single. After that, Cuellar set down the next 24 Tigers hitters.
(ed. note: Cuellar's last name is misspelled on his 1975 Topps trading card)
Meanwhile, Lolich was allowing the occasional base runner but no runs.
Cuellar took the result---a no decision---in stride.
"I did what I could," he said. "Sometimes it's not good enough."
Houk, for his part, praised Horton.
"Willie's been terrific for us," the manager said. "He's healthy, playing everyday, enjoying being our DH. And his production speaks for itself."
Horton has 12 homers and 46 RBI, both in the league's top five.
Horton's homer tonight was the second time in 48 hours that he struck for a tie-breaking home run in the game's final inning, essentially winning the game. He did it on Tuesday in the ninth inning in Milwaukee.
Notes: Lolich pitched beyond the ninth inning in a start for the 10th time in his career, which began in 1963...Tonight was just the Tigers' third extra innings game of the season. They're 1-2...Gene Michael started at shortstop for the fourth straight game, as Tom Veryzer's troublesome left ankle has flared up again...Houk said that John Wockenfuss would be spelling 33-year-old Bill Freehan at catcher more often as the summer wears on, especially since Freehan is fresh off the disabled list with a sore back.
*******************************************
Tigers record: 28-39 (actual 27-40)
Home: 13-23
Road: 15-16
Last 10: 5-5
"I've been in big league baseball for 30 years," Houk said, "and I've never seen a team have 24 men retired in a row and still win the game."
Yet that's exactly what happened tonight at Memorial Stadium, where the Tigers beat the Baltimore Orioles, 4-0, in 12 innings.
Orioles starter Mike Cuellar set down 24 straight Tigers from the first thru eight innings, but Mickey Lolich matched Cuellar in terms of scoreless frames, and after nine innings the game was tied 0-0.
Both starters pitched into the 10th; Cuellar made it one out into the frame, and Lolich finished it.
Willie Horton led off the 12th inning with a home run, his 12th, off Dyar Miller. The Tigers went on to score three more runs off Grant Jackson.
Bob Reynolds pitched two innings to get the win over his former team.
The Tigers (28-39) have won five of their past nine games, which includes two shutouts.
But it looked like the story was going to be Cuellar, the Orioles' star lefty. For eight innings, it was.
Ron LeFlore led off the game with a single. After that, Cuellar set down the next 24 Tigers hitters.
(ed. note: Cuellar's last name is misspelled on his 1975 Topps trading card)
Meanwhile, Lolich was allowing the occasional base runner but no runs.
Cuellar took the result---a no decision---in stride.
"I did what I could," he said. "Sometimes it's not good enough."
Houk, for his part, praised Horton.
"Willie's been terrific for us," the manager said. "He's healthy, playing everyday, enjoying being our DH. And his production speaks for itself."
Horton has 12 homers and 46 RBI, both in the league's top five.
Horton's homer tonight was the second time in 48 hours that he struck for a tie-breaking home run in the game's final inning, essentially winning the game. He did it on Tuesday in the ninth inning in Milwaukee.
Notes: Lolich pitched beyond the ninth inning in a start for the 10th time in his career, which began in 1963...Tonight was just the Tigers' third extra innings game of the season. They're 1-2...Gene Michael started at shortstop for the fourth straight game, as Tom Veryzer's troublesome left ankle has flared up again...Houk said that John Wockenfuss would be spelling 33-year-old Bill Freehan at catcher more often as the summer wears on, especially since Freehan is fresh off the disabled list with a sore back.
*******************************************
Tigers record: 28-39 (actual 27-40)
Home: 13-23
Road: 15-16
Last 10: 5-5
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Game 56: Tigers Power Past Bosox, 6-5
Detroit (June 16) - Wins don't come easy for the Tigers these days. Even games that appear in hand.
The Tigers survived a three-run Boston rally in the ninth inning and held on to beat the Red Sox, 6-5 at Tiger Stadium tonight.
It was the first time the Tigers (23-33) won consecutive games at home since May 9-10.
Ron LeFlore (4) and Dan Meyer (7) slugged home runs for Detroit, who had six extra-base hits on the night. LeFlore's led off the first inning, and Meyer's two-run shot extended the Tigers' lead to 6-2 in the seventh.
Jim Rice smacked a two-run homer for Boston.
Things got dicey in the ninth, as the Red Sox put the first three men on base and scored three times, leaving the tying run on base when Doug Griffin struck out against John Hiller to end the game.
Hiller's save was his 13th, ensuring the win for Mickey Lolich (6-7).
Lolich pitched two batters into the ninth, but couldn't get his fourth complete game of the season.
"It would have been flat out irresponsible of me to leave Mickey in there," manager Ralph Houk said. "He was clearly tired and he deserved to win."
Hiller came on with runners on second and third and nobody out. Rice greeted him with a single that scored both runners when Leon Roberts bobbled the ball in right field.
LeFlore had three hits (single, double, HR), scored a run and had two RBI
Fred Lynn grounded out, then Rico Petrocelli singled to send Rice to third. Dwight Evans hit the ball back to Hiller, but the Tigers couldn't complete the double play and Rice scored, causing the crowd of 21,145 to squirm in their seats. But Hiller settled down to fan Griffin on a 2-2 fastball.
LeFlore had three hits and two RBI. Gary Sutherland, returning to his starting spot at second base after missing a week with a sore hand, had two hits and an RBI.
Lolich allowed seven hits, struck out five and walked only one.
Royal Oak native Jim Burton started for Boston and went five innings. Meyer's homer came off Reggie Cleveland, who relieved Burton.
The Tigers are now 10-20 at home and improved to 2-4 on their current 12-game home stand.
"We just have to play better at home," Lolich said. "We still have a lot of games left on this home stand, so we can maybe get back into the race."
Beating first-place Boston two more times in this series will address that.
Notes: The Tigers played their first game after the sale of 1B Nate Colbert to Montreal, which occurred after Saturday's game. Mickey Stanley started at first base tonight and went 0-for-4...Houk, on Colbert: "He just didn't get it going. His back flared up on him and that didn't help. The doctors in Montreal think he'll be fine in a few weeks. We wish him well."...Tonight's win was the Tigers' first over Boston in five tries this season...The Tigers have committed 55 errors this season, by far the most in the majors.
************************************************
Tigers record: 23-33 (actual 25-31)
Home: 10-20
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 4-6
The Tigers survived a three-run Boston rally in the ninth inning and held on to beat the Red Sox, 6-5 at Tiger Stadium tonight.
It was the first time the Tigers (23-33) won consecutive games at home since May 9-10.
Ron LeFlore (4) and Dan Meyer (7) slugged home runs for Detroit, who had six extra-base hits on the night. LeFlore's led off the first inning, and Meyer's two-run shot extended the Tigers' lead to 6-2 in the seventh.
Jim Rice smacked a two-run homer for Boston.
Things got dicey in the ninth, as the Red Sox put the first three men on base and scored three times, leaving the tying run on base when Doug Griffin struck out against John Hiller to end the game.
Hiller's save was his 13th, ensuring the win for Mickey Lolich (6-7).
Lolich pitched two batters into the ninth, but couldn't get his fourth complete game of the season.
"It would have been flat out irresponsible of me to leave Mickey in there," manager Ralph Houk said. "He was clearly tired and he deserved to win."
Hiller came on with runners on second and third and nobody out. Rice greeted him with a single that scored both runners when Leon Roberts bobbled the ball in right field.
LeFlore had three hits (single, double, HR), scored a run and had two RBI
Fred Lynn grounded out, then Rico Petrocelli singled to send Rice to third. Dwight Evans hit the ball back to Hiller, but the Tigers couldn't complete the double play and Rice scored, causing the crowd of 21,145 to squirm in their seats. But Hiller settled down to fan Griffin on a 2-2 fastball.
LeFlore had three hits and two RBI. Gary Sutherland, returning to his starting spot at second base after missing a week with a sore hand, had two hits and an RBI.
Lolich allowed seven hits, struck out five and walked only one.
Royal Oak native Jim Burton started for Boston and went five innings. Meyer's homer came off Reggie Cleveland, who relieved Burton.
The Tigers are now 10-20 at home and improved to 2-4 on their current 12-game home stand.
"We just have to play better at home," Lolich said. "We still have a lot of games left on this home stand, so we can maybe get back into the race."
Beating first-place Boston two more times in this series will address that.
Notes: The Tigers played their first game after the sale of 1B Nate Colbert to Montreal, which occurred after Saturday's game. Mickey Stanley started at first base tonight and went 0-for-4...Houk, on Colbert: "He just didn't get it going. His back flared up on him and that didn't help. The doctors in Montreal think he'll be fine in a few weeks. We wish him well."...Tonight's win was the Tigers' first over Boston in five tries this season...The Tigers have committed 55 errors this season, by far the most in the majors.
************************************************
Tigers record: 23-33 (actual 25-31)
Home: 10-20
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 4-6
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Games 51 and 52: Tigers Lifeless at Home Again, Swept by Halos
Detroit (June 11) - Three runs and 12 hits. That's what the Tigers mustered tonight---in two games.
Needless to say, it wasn't enough to win a game, as the California Angels swept a twi-night doubleheader, 4-2 and 3-1 at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers (21-31) continue to struggle at home, where they are 8-18.
They swept the Angels in a three-game series in Anaheim last week, but that just underscores the discrepancy between the Tigers at home and on the road (13-13).
The Tigers were hoping that a 6-2 road trip would give them some momentum heading into tonight's twinbill, which kicks off a 12-game home stand.
The way the Tigers are playing at Michigan and Trumbull, they might want to consider wearing their road grays during this homestand.
"It's a thought," manager Ralph Houk said wryly when it was thrown out there by a reporter.
Houk can't do much more than show gallows humor as his team's offense continues to slumber. Even during the successful road trip, the bats were suspect.
Rookie catcher John Wockenfuss, called up from Toledo (fellow catcher Terry Humphrey was sent to the Mud Hens), started both games and went 2-for-7 with a double.
The Tigers managed just three hits in the nightcap off lefty Andy Hassler, who went 7.1 innings.
It got so bad that even Ron LeFlore's one-out triple in the sixth inning failed to yield a run. Boos cascaded when the Tigers couldn't get LeFlore home.
In Game 1, Detroit native and lefty Frank Tanana, just 21 years old, kept the Tigers at bay with eight innings of eight-hit ball.
Mickey Lolich (5-7) took the loss in Game 1, while Ray Bare (1-2), making his first start of the season, was tagged with the loss in the nightcap.
The Angels scored twice in the ninth inning in Game 1, breaking a 2-2 tie. The runs came after two were out and nobody on base. A couple walks and two singles produced the game-winning tallies. The key hit was Bruce Bochte's two-run single off reliever Bob Reynolds.
Bochte was the hero in Game 1
In Game 2, the Angels pecked away, scoring single runs in the second, sixth and seventh innings.
There wasn't much offense from the Angels, either, but these days, it doesn't take much to beat the Tigers.
"Tomorrow is another day," Houk said.
It was difficult to tell if he was trying to convince the reporters, or himself.
Notes: Rumors persist that the Tigers are about to rid themselves of Nate Colbert any day now. Colbert is 20-for-162 (.123) and has 58 strikeouts...Houk, on Wockenfuss starting both games behind the plate: "He's young and fresh. No issue." Wockenfuss: "I would have started three if it was a tripleheader."
**********************************************************
Tigers record: 21-31 (actual 24-28)
Home: 8-18
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 6-4
Needless to say, it wasn't enough to win a game, as the California Angels swept a twi-night doubleheader, 4-2 and 3-1 at Tiger Stadium.
The Tigers (21-31) continue to struggle at home, where they are 8-18.
They swept the Angels in a three-game series in Anaheim last week, but that just underscores the discrepancy between the Tigers at home and on the road (13-13).
The Tigers were hoping that a 6-2 road trip would give them some momentum heading into tonight's twinbill, which kicks off a 12-game home stand.
The way the Tigers are playing at Michigan and Trumbull, they might want to consider wearing their road grays during this homestand.
"It's a thought," manager Ralph Houk said wryly when it was thrown out there by a reporter.
Houk can't do much more than show gallows humor as his team's offense continues to slumber. Even during the successful road trip, the bats were suspect.
Rookie catcher John Wockenfuss, called up from Toledo (fellow catcher Terry Humphrey was sent to the Mud Hens), started both games and went 2-for-7 with a double.
The Tigers managed just three hits in the nightcap off lefty Andy Hassler, who went 7.1 innings.
It got so bad that even Ron LeFlore's one-out triple in the sixth inning failed to yield a run. Boos cascaded when the Tigers couldn't get LeFlore home.
In Game 1, Detroit native and lefty Frank Tanana, just 21 years old, kept the Tigers at bay with eight innings of eight-hit ball.
Mickey Lolich (5-7) took the loss in Game 1, while Ray Bare (1-2), making his first start of the season, was tagged with the loss in the nightcap.
The Angels scored twice in the ninth inning in Game 1, breaking a 2-2 tie. The runs came after two were out and nobody on base. A couple walks and two singles produced the game-winning tallies. The key hit was Bruce Bochte's two-run single off reliever Bob Reynolds.
Bochte was the hero in Game 1
In Game 2, the Angels pecked away, scoring single runs in the second, sixth and seventh innings.
There wasn't much offense from the Angels, either, but these days, it doesn't take much to beat the Tigers.
"Tomorrow is another day," Houk said.
It was difficult to tell if he was trying to convince the reporters, or himself.
Notes: Rumors persist that the Tigers are about to rid themselves of Nate Colbert any day now. Colbert is 20-for-162 (.123) and has 58 strikeouts...Houk, on Wockenfuss starting both games behind the plate: "He's young and fresh. No issue." Wockenfuss: "I would have started three if it was a tripleheader."
**********************************************************
Tigers record: 21-31 (actual 24-28)
Home: 8-18
Away: 13-13
Last 10: 6-4
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Game 46: Tigers Squeak Out Another, 3-2
Oakland (June 6) - The Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the fourth inning and then held on for a 3-2 win, their fourth straight, over the A's in Oakland tonight.
The Tigers have rediscovered their pitching, which enabled them to stay near .500 in the season's first month. In the past three games, the Tigers have allowed just five runs.
Mickey Lolich (5-6) went eight strong innings (eight hits, two runs, six strikeouts) before giving way to fireman John Hiller, who appears to have bounced back from his season-long struggles. Hiller pitched an uneventful ninth for his 10th save, his third straight scoreless appearance.
The A's scored single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, but aside from that, Lolich held the three-time defending World Champs at bay.
Danny Meyer continued his hot hitting with a double and two singles. Meyer has eight hits in his last 14 at-bats.
Manager Ralph Houk attributed the Tigers' 4-0 start on this eight-game road trip to pitching and timely hitting.
"We're not doing a whole lot on offense, but we're doing enough, because our pitching has been terrific," Houk said.
The Tigers opened the scoring in the first inning. With Gary Sutherland on third base and Meyer on second with one out, DH Willie Horton lofted a sacrifice fly to center field.
They tacked on two more runs in the fifth on a Leon Roberts ground out and an error by Oakland SS Bert Campaneris, making the score 3-0 Detroit.
The A's scored on a Phil Garner ground out in the fifth and a Joe Rudi triple in the sixth. After Rudi's hit put a runner on third with one out, Lolich beared down and struck out Gene Tenace before inducing a ground out from Sal Bando to preserve the 3-2 lead.
Lolich said it wasn't as easy as he made it look.
Lolich retired 10 straight A's batters from the first thru fourth innings
"That's a great lineup," he said of the A's. "It's a pressure-filled lineup and I was just trying to make it through each inning with minimal damage."
He did that. At one point, the 34-year-old lefty retired 10 in a row.
The four-game winning streak matches the Tigers' season high.
"We just need wins," Lolich said. "The wheels were coming off there for awhile," he added about the team's 1-10 funk prior to the road trip.
The win enabled the Tigers (19-27) to virtually tie the Baltimore Orioles (20-28) for fifth place in the East Division. That sounds better than tied for last, right?
Notes: The Tigers continue to get next to nothing offensively from the first base position. With Nate Colbert temporarily benched, rookie Jack Pierce has started the last three games but is 0-for-12...Ron LeFlore went 0-for-5 with four fly outs to center field...The A's made three errors...Horton's 30 RBI ranks him fifth in the league...Announced attendance was just over 6,500 as the A's continue to struggle to draw, despite three straight World Series titles.
******************************************************************
Tigers record: 19-27 (actual 22-24)
Home: 8-16
Away: 11-11
Last 10: 5-5
The Tigers have rediscovered their pitching, which enabled them to stay near .500 in the season's first month. In the past three games, the Tigers have allowed just five runs.
Mickey Lolich (5-6) went eight strong innings (eight hits, two runs, six strikeouts) before giving way to fireman John Hiller, who appears to have bounced back from his season-long struggles. Hiller pitched an uneventful ninth for his 10th save, his third straight scoreless appearance.
The A's scored single runs in the fifth and sixth innings, but aside from that, Lolich held the three-time defending World Champs at bay.
Danny Meyer continued his hot hitting with a double and two singles. Meyer has eight hits in his last 14 at-bats.
Manager Ralph Houk attributed the Tigers' 4-0 start on this eight-game road trip to pitching and timely hitting.
"We're not doing a whole lot on offense, but we're doing enough, because our pitching has been terrific," Houk said.
The Tigers opened the scoring in the first inning. With Gary Sutherland on third base and Meyer on second with one out, DH Willie Horton lofted a sacrifice fly to center field.
They tacked on two more runs in the fifth on a Leon Roberts ground out and an error by Oakland SS Bert Campaneris, making the score 3-0 Detroit.
The A's scored on a Phil Garner ground out in the fifth and a Joe Rudi triple in the sixth. After Rudi's hit put a runner on third with one out, Lolich beared down and struck out Gene Tenace before inducing a ground out from Sal Bando to preserve the 3-2 lead.
Lolich said it wasn't as easy as he made it look.
Lolich retired 10 straight A's batters from the first thru fourth innings
"That's a great lineup," he said of the A's. "It's a pressure-filled lineup and I was just trying to make it through each inning with minimal damage."
He did that. At one point, the 34-year-old lefty retired 10 in a row.
The four-game winning streak matches the Tigers' season high.
"We just need wins," Lolich said. "The wheels were coming off there for awhile," he added about the team's 1-10 funk prior to the road trip.
The win enabled the Tigers (19-27) to virtually tie the Baltimore Orioles (20-28) for fifth place in the East Division. That sounds better than tied for last, right?
Notes: The Tigers continue to get next to nothing offensively from the first base position. With Nate Colbert temporarily benched, rookie Jack Pierce has started the last three games but is 0-for-12...Ron LeFlore went 0-for-5 with four fly outs to center field...The A's made three errors...Horton's 30 RBI ranks him fifth in the league...Announced attendance was just over 6,500 as the A's continue to struggle to draw, despite three straight World Series titles.
******************************************************************
Tigers record: 19-27 (actual 22-24)
Home: 8-16
Away: 11-11
Last 10: 5-5
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