Phenomenal Pitching Seasons

Denny McLain 1968 Detroit Tigers

September 28, 1968. vs. Washington Senators at Tiger Stadium

Senators 6 Tigers 3

WP- Camilo Pasqual LP-Denny McLain (20-3)

HR-Frank Howard; Tommy Matchick(2)

Real Life: 7IP, 0R, 2H, 4K, 0BB. ND (31-6)

Replay: 6IP, 6ER, 11H, 7K, 4BB, 1HR. (20-13)

The Denny McLain replay is complete. Unfortunately, he chose the final game to have his worst outing of the year. He allowed six runs in six innings, pushing his final earned run average to 2.35. He won eleven fewer games in the replay and lost seven more, finishing with a final record of 20-13. It’s important to note, however, that eight of McLain’s thirteen losses were by one run. In addition, he had a quality start (3 runs or less in seven innings pitched), in half of those losses.

Though he didn’t come close to matching his real-life totals, there were certainly bright spots in the replay. McLain pitched a no hitter against the New York Yankees on April 27th and was one, ninth inning walk away from a perfect game. In August, he had three consecutive shutouts. As in real life, his offense let him down on numerous occasions.

Here are the statistical comparisons. Real life is in parentheses. STARTS-41 (41), IP-314.66 (336), ER-82 (73), UER-3 (13), HA- 216 (241), K-261 (280), BB-61 (63), CG-14 (28), SHO-10 (6), HR ALW- 21 (31), WINS- 20 (31), LOSSES- 13 (6), ERA- 2.35 (1.96).