Bombers take 2 of 3 from Detroit in a slugfest

8/22 - Yankee Stadium
Yankees 6, Tigers 2
Mickey Lolich vs Mel Stottlemyre
Al Kaline's 2 runs shot in the top of the first was all the scoring the Tigers could muster up vs Mel Stottlemyre.  Known by all to be the most unfortunate Yankee, Mel joined the team in 1964 just in time for their final pennant run, then got injured in 1975 and missed their next dynasty.  Here in KOD Mel is now 3-0 with a 2.37 ERA, because he's finally pitching for a team that can score runs.  Mickey Mantle's 3 run shot in the bottom of the 1st gave the Bombers a 3-2 lead.  Roger Maris' solo shot tow batters later made it 4-2 as the Bombers never looked back and Mel blanked Detroit for the final 8 innings.

8/23 - Tigers 11, Yankees 9
Jack Morris vs White Ford
Shockingly both offenses bombarded each team's respective ace.   Ford and Morris had identical linescores (6 IP / 7 ER) and neither factored into the decision.  Detroit seemingly busted the game open with a four spot in the top of the 9th off of Ralph Terry, who's quite used to giving up big hits in that inning.  Charlie Maxwell's 3 run shot might pale in comparison to Mazeroski's shot off of Terry, but trust me it was just as important to the fans back in Motown.  New York wasn't going to go easy in this contest.  The Bombers would score 2 runs in the bottom of the frame to make it a nail biter.  John Hiller would get the win for Detroit, but not survive the 9th. Charlie Fox and Willie Hernandez had to come in from the pen to lock it down.  Hernandez would record his 3rd save in the process.

9/24 - Yankees 10, Tigers 5
Frank Lary vs Vic Raschi
Both teams scored 3 runs in the 1st innings, but New York would explode with 4 big runs the following inning and never look back.  The middle of New York's lineup:  Mickey Mantle (2-4), Don Mattingly (4-5) & Joe DiMaggio (4-4) went a combined 10-13 with 7 RBI.  Joe D was a star amongst stars with his 4 for 4 day that included a homer and 5 RBI.  The Yankee Clipper helped pace an offense that banged out 16 hits.  Vic Raschi was not at his best, but with this kind of offensive support he did not need to be.  Raschi increased his record to 4-0 with a 2.73 ERA.  Gossage and Righetti combined to get the final 6 outs as the Yanks took the rubber match.