Game Two of the 1968 World Series
Detroit Faithful Escaped St. Louis With the WS Even; Lolich Won
Jul 30, 2008 BarbaraAnne Helberg
His season accomplishments below the high standards set by stars Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals and Denny McLain, his Tiger teammate, Mickey Lolich entered the 1968 World Series as second best on the Detroit pitching staff with 14 less wins than McLain.
Horton and Cash Blast Four Baggers
Leftfielder Willie Horton accounted for the first Tiger run in the Series by blasting a long ball out of sight in the top of the second inning. After being shut out in Game One, the homer propelled the Tigers to their first lead in the Series, 1-0.
Nicknamed "Stormin' Norman" by Detroit broadcasters, first baseman Norm Cash unloaded a round-tripper into the right side stands. Detroit's bats stole the show, producing eight Tiger runs, while Lolich shut down the Cardinal hitters, who managed to bat in just one run.
Kaline Provided Defense and Offense
Detroit Manager Mayo Smith had decided to play veteran Al Kaline, injured earlier in the year, in right field, while moving Gold Glove Mickey Stanley from center field to shortstop. Hot-hitting Jim Northrup moved from right field to play center.
Kaline contributed two sensational defensive plays in Game Two, and he led the Detroit lineup in hits for the Series with 11. In Game Five, he delivered a two-run single that helped turn the Series around.
Northrup Played Big in 1968
In his fifth year with Detroit, Northrup enjoyed his most productive season in 1968. He smashed 21 home runs, and drove in 90 runs. From 580 at bats, he clubbed 153 hits, with 29 doubles and seven triples.
Northrup's totals for the Series were equally impressive. He hit a triple, two home runs, drove in eight runs, and scored four times. He slammed seven hits in the seven games.
Lolich's Homer Caps Season
Lolich added insult to injury when he crashed a home run, the only one of his career, in the third inning of Game Two. Hitting the four-bagger off Cardinal starter Nelson Briles provided shock therapy for the Detroit batsmen. Silent against the phonomenal Bob Gibson in Game One, the Tiger bats let loose in Game Two after Lolich's slam provided a 2-0 advantage.
Lolich won 17 games and lost nine in 1968. He completed eight games from 32 starts, and delivered four shutouts. At 3.19, his ERA was little applauded. His left-handed slings weren't easy to hit, however. He gave up 178 hits while striking out 197 batters in 220 innings. He walked 65 batters and yielded 23 home runs.
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