Game Six of the 1968 World Series was held at Busch Stadium on October 9. The Cardinals had a chance for their second straight title and third World Series since 1964 if they won this game. Denny McLain would try to keep the Tiger season going. The Cardinals hoped to clinch with Ray Washburn.
That day did not go well for Washburn or the Cardinals.
Detroit scored twice in the second inning Willie Horton singled in a run and scored on a double by Bill Freehan for a 2-0 lead. That was only the beginning.
In the top of the third, Washburn gave up a walk, a single, and an RBI single to Al Kaline to get chased from the game. Larry Jaster relieved and that went about as well as Joe Hoerner's relief stint in Game Five. Jast would give up an RBI single to Norm Cash, a walk to Horton, and a grand slam to Jim Northrup. End of Jaster's appearance and still nobody out in the inning.
Ron Willis came into the game and tried to hold the Tigers to a 8-0 lead. No luck. He walked the first batter he faced and hit the second. McLain was the first out of the inning as he dropped a sacrifice bunt. An intentional walk loaded the bases and that was followed by a force out at home. Kaline stepped up and singled home two more runs. Hello 10-0. Good-bye, Ron Willis.
Into the breach walked Dick Hughes. He gave up RBI singles to Cash and Horton before getting the final out. When the inning was over, the Tigers had a 12-0 lead and a 31 game winner to protect it.
No worries.
Detroit added an insurance run in the fifth on a home run by Kaline for a 13-0 lead.
McLain kept the Cardinals off the board until the bottom of the ninth. Julian Javier spoiled the shutout with a two-out RBI single. McLain ended the game by striking out Dal Maxvill.
McLain allowed nine hits -- three in the ninth -- struck out seven and did not walk a batter as he won his first World Series game after losing twice to Bob Gibson.
Kaline led the hit parade for the Tigers. Three hits, three runs, four RBI.
Complete Game Six boxscore is HERE. Game Six play-by-play is HERE.
Game Seven is Bob Gibson against Mickey Lolich at Busch Stadium. Tune in tomorrow to see how it turns out.
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