1968 World Series Game Five
Tigers Survive on Kaline's Hit, Horton's Throw, Lolich Pitching
Aug 4, 2008 BarbaraAnne Helberg
Down three games to one in the Series, the Tigers dug themselves a whole in Game Five as well, but rallied defensely in the fifth inning, then bashed three runs across the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning to grab a 5-3 lead that held up and sent the fall classic back to St. Louis. After losing two straight contests in Tiger Stadium, the Tigers gave their fans new hope even though they knew well enough that no club had ever rebounded from a 3-1 deficit to win the Series. And the losses in front of the home crowd crazies had been disappointing.
Tigers Had No Quit in 1968
Down 3-2 in the fifth inning, Detroit choked off the Cardinals' scoring rally when Tiger leftfielder Willie Horton threw out Lou Brock at the plate. Brock, hitting a monster .524 in the first four games of the Series, had doubled to lead off the top of the fifth. Second baseman Julian Javier, also a hot hitter, singled, and Brock, a leading base stealer and speedy as a gazelle, rounded third to no one's surprise, and headed home with another run.
Horton scooped up Javier's hit ball and zipped his throw on a line to the plate. Tiger catcher Bill Freehan stood blocking the plate, while Brock surprisingly chose not to slide through him. Brock was clearly out. Tiger Stadium cheered tentatively.
It was the single incident in the 1968 Series that still lives in reputation as the turnaround play that brought the Tigers a world championship. After that play on October 7, 1968, everything else the Tigers did turned into victory.
Kaline Has His Big Batting Moment
The man they came to call Mr. Tiger, Al Kaline, stepped to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning with base runners all around the pond. Mickey Lolich, the pitching star for the Tigers thus far, had been left in the game to hit for himself. Manager Mayo Smith wanted the lefty to continue pitching because he basically had been handcuffing the St. Louis batters since the first inning when they produced all three of their runs.
Lolich got on when he blooped an uncatchable single to right field. Dick McAuliffe got a base hit, then Mickey Stanley walked. And along came Mr. Tiger onto the biggest stage of his mighty career. He didn't wait long. Pounding the third pitch from reliefer Joe Hoerner, Kaline blasted the sphere into right field. Two runs scored. Detroit took the lead, 5-3. Tiger Stadium rocked.
Lolich Closes the Game Five Revival
On his way to eventual Series Most Valuable Player, Lolich closed the deal by shutting out the Birds in their final two at bats. He had pitched two complete games for both Tiger victories. Detroit now needed just one win to tie the Series in games.
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