Phenomenal Pitching Seasons

Denny McLain 1968 Detroit Tigers

May 15, 1968. vs Baltimore Orioles at Tiger Stadium

Tigers 3 Orioles 1

WP- Denny McLain (6-2) LP- Jim Hardin

HR- Norm Cash (2)

Real Life: 2IP, 4R, 4H, 0K, 1BB, 2HR (5-1)

Replay: 9IP, 1R, 2H, 11K, 0BB (6-2)

This game was diametrically opposed to what happened in real life. In the real game, McLain was bombed early, leaving after just two innings, having allowed four runs. In the replay game, he had his second-best start since his no hitter. He gave up just one run on two hits. He also had a season high eleven strikeouts and did not walk a single Oriole. McLain retired the first 18 batters he faced, until Dave May singled in the top of the seventh. May then scored Baltimore’s only run on Davey Johnson’s triple. McLain quickly settled down and retired the next nine in a row to finish the game. Norm Cash’s two run homer in the fourth was the big blow for the Tigers. McLain has won six straight starts.