1938 Post Mortem: Some Splits

The 1938 Tigers season is in the books so over the next days and weeks I will post deeper dives into the numbers, both as a team and individually.

We'll start simple.

Here are the Tigers records against each of the other seven teams in the league, with the actual records vs. those teams in (parentheses).

BOS H: 7-4 (6-5)
BOS A: 4-7 (6-5)
BOS TOT: 11-11 (12-10)

CHI H: 7-4 (9-2)
CHI A: 6-5 (6-5)
CHI TOT: 13-9 (15-7)

CLE H: 8-3 (4-7)
CLE A: 5-6 (6-5)
CLE TOT: 13-9 (10-12)

NY H: 2-9 (5-6)
NY A: 6-5 (3-8)
NY TOT: 8-14 (8-14)

PHI H: 7-5 (8-4)
PHI A: 8-2 (6-4)
PHI TOT: 15-7 (14-8)

STL H: 6-6 (9-3)
STL A: 5-5 (3-7)
STL TOT: 11-11 (12-10)

WAS H: 9-2 (7-4)
WAS A: 5-6 (6-5)
WAS TOT: 14-8 (13-9)

TIGERS TOTAL: (46-33 Home; 39-36 Away)

They played 79 home games and 75 away games. Not sure if that was a scheduling quirk or if some games got relocated. Maybe in 1938 things were more loosey-goosey.

Sunday, October 2, 1938

Greenberg finishes with 59 homers as Tigers split DH

TIGERS 5-8, Cleveland 6-7 (DH)
at Cleveland, OH

Game 1
DET   010 220 000 = 5-8-0
CLE   200 200 20x = 6-11-1
WP- Feller; LP- Eisenstat (11-8)
HR- Laabs, DET (10; 4th inning; 1 on, 0 out)

Game 2
DET   021 120 110 = 8-16-1
CLE   102 001 003 = 7-12-0
WP- Rowe (11-7); LP- Humphries
HR- Greenberg, DET (59; 5th inning; 1 on, 0 out); Trosky, CLE (9th inning; 2 on, 1 out)

Hank Greenberg fell one home run short in his quest to tie Babe Ruth's single season record, but his two-run blast in the fifth inning of the second game of a season-ending doubleheader helped enable the Tigers to gain a split of the twinbill in Cleveland. Greenberg's 59th homer extended the Tigers' lead to 6-3 at the time. Hal Trosky's three-run, pinch-hit homer in the ninth inning drew the Indians to within 8-7 but Slick Coffman managed to get the next two batters out to preserve the victory. In the first game, 19 year-old Bob Feller spun a complete game, eight-hitter to lead the Tribe to victory. Jeff Heath had three hits, including two triples, and three RBI to pace the Cleveland attack. Chet Laabs hit a two-run homer for Detroit.

TIGERS: 85-69; Home: 44-37; Away: 41-32

END OF SEASON

Saturday, October 1, 1938

Greenberg belts no. 58, but Indians steal win in 9th

Cleveland 8, TIGERS 7
at Cleveland, OH

DET   105 001 000 0 = 7-15-0
CLE   120 020 101 1 = 8-13-3
Two out when winning run scored.
WP- Hudlin; LP- Eisenstat (11-7)
HR- Keltner, CLE (2nd inning; 1 on, 0 out); Averill, CLE (5th inning; 1 on, 0 out); Greenberg, DET (58; 6th inning; 0 on, 2 out)

Despite Hank Greenberg's 58th home run and a five-run third inning, the Tigers managed to lose to the Cleveland Indians, 8-7, at League Park. The Indians scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game, then in the tenth, Stormy Weatherly delivered a two-out single that scored Ken Keltner from second base with the winning run. Harry Eisenstat was victimized by both Indians rallies.

TIGERS 84-68; Home: 44-37; Away: 40-31

Greenberg watch: 58 home runs, 2 games to play

Thursday, September 29, 1938

Fox, Bridges lead Tigers to win over Browns

TIGERS 6, St. Louis 2
at Detroit, MI

STL   000 100 010 = 2-7-0
DET  000 003 12x = 6-12-0
WP- Bridges (9-7); LP- Newsom
HR- none

Pete Fox had four hits and three RBI, and Tommy Bridges pitched eight strong innings as the Tigers took three of four from the St. Louis Browns with a 6-2 win on Thursday at Briggs Stadium. The game marked the Tigers' final home game of the season and capped a 20-game home stand, during which the Tigers went 13-7. Fox's two-run double in the sixth inning put the Tigers ahead, 2-1 and his RBI single in the seventh gave Detroit a 4-1 lead. Bridges, meanwhile, scattered seven hits and was able to overcome five walks. Hank Greenberg remained stuck on 57 home runs with three games to play.

TIGERS: 84-67; Home: 44-37; Away: 40-30

Greenberg watch: 57 home runs, three games to play


Fox was the Tigers' hitting hero in the team's final home game of the season

Wednesday, September 28, 1938

Greenberg hits no. 57, but Eisenstat coughs up game, 7-3

St. Louis 7, TIGERS 3
at Detroit, MI

STL   001 010 005 = 7-14-0
DET  111 000 000 = 3-10-0
WP- L. Mills; LP- Eisenstat (11-6)
HR- Greenberg, DET (57; 3rd inning; 0 on, 1 out); Heffner, STL (5th inning; 0 on, 0 out); Kress, STL (9th inning; 2 on, 1 out)

Hank Greenberg edged closer to Babe Ruth's single season home run record, but it was a three-run homer by Red Kress that capped a five-run ninth inning, enabling the St. Louis Browns to steal a 7-3 win over the Tigers. Harry Eisenstat relieved starter George Gill in the ninth with Detroit leading, 3-2. But Eisenstat could only retire one batter before the Browns erupted for five runs, highlighted by Kress' blast. Greenberg's 57th home run, a solo shot, in the third inning gave the Tigers a 3-1 lead.

TIGERS: 83-67; Home: 43-37; Away: 40-30

Greenberg watch: 57 home runs, four games to play

Tuesday, September 27, 1938

Tigers bats lead way in twinbill sweep over Browns

TIGERS 8-7, St. Louis 7-3
at Detroit, MI

Game 1
STL   400 001 011 = 7-10-0
DET  400 000 031 = 8-15-0
WP- Rowe (10-7); LP- Cole
HR- Kress, STL (1st inning; 2 on, 2 out); McQuinn, STL (9th inning; 0 on, 1 out)

Game 2
STL   000 000 201 = 3-8-2
DET   220 000 03x = 7-14-0
WP- Coffman (5-3); LP- Cox
HR- Cullenbine, DET (1; 8th inning; 2 on, 1 out)

The Tigers scored 15 runs and banged out 29 hits in sweeping a doubleheader from the last-place Browns. Hank Greenberg didn't add to his home run total of 56, but Roy Cullenbine hit his first---a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the eighth inning of the nightcap to break the game open. In Game 1, the Browns jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, but the Tigers' potent offense answered with four runs of its own in the bottom half of the inning. The Browns tied the game, 7-7 in the ninth, but Birdie Tebbetts' single in the bottom of the ninth drove home Billy Rogell for the victory. The Tigers are 12-6 on this 20-game home stand.

TIGERS: 83-66; Home: 43-36; Away: 40-30


Cullenbine's first homer of the season broke game 2 open

Sunday, September 25, 1938

Greenberg slugs two homers in Tigers' win

TIGERS 8, Cleveland 3
at Detroit, MI

CLE   030 000 000 = 3-5-1
DET   010 501 10x = 8-11-0
WP- Poffenberger (6-7); LP- Galehouse
HR- Trosky, CLE (2nd inning; 1 on, 0 out); Keltner, CLE (2nd inning; 0 on, 1 out); Greenberg, DET 2 (55; 2nd inning; 0 on, 0 out); (56; 7th inning; 0 on, 0 out); Christman, DET (2; 4th inning; 2 on, 2 out)

Hank Greenberg hit his 55th and 56th home runs of the season, and Boots Poffenberger pitched a complete game as the Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians, 8-3, to take three games of a four-game weekend series at Briggs Stadium. Both of Greenberg's homers led off innings. He has 160 RBI and his slugging percentage is an astounding .684. He needs four home runs in his last seven games to tie Babe Ruth's single season record of 60. Mark Christman added a three-run homer for the fourth-place Tigers, who are 27-14 in their past 41 games.Poffenberger scattered five hits and only had one bad inning---the second, in which he surrendered two home runs. In all three wins over the Tribe, Detroit erased deficits.

Greenberg watch: 56 home runs, seven games to play

TIGERS: 81-66; Home: 41-36; Away: 40-30


Greenberg is closing in on the Bambino

Saturday, September 24, 1938

Tribe ambushes Tigers pitchers, 20-3

Cleveland 20, TIGERS 3
at Detroit, MI

CLE   020 203 346 = 20-16-0
DET   100 020 000 = 3-10-1
WP- Harder; LP- Bridges (8-7)
HR- Keltner, CLE (2nd inning; 1 on, 2 out); Heath, CLE (8th inning; 3 on, 0 out); Averill, CLE (9th inning; 3 on, 0 out)

The Cleveland Indians hit two grand slams and used wildness from Tigers pitchers to steamroll to a 20-3 victory on Saturday. Twelve walks were issued to Indians hitters, and the Tigers gave up at least 20 runs in a game for the second time this season. Roxie Lawson was the Tigers' biggest offender, as he gave up 10 runs and eight walks in three innings of work. The Tigers' pitching staff, thanks to a slew of doubleheaders, was taxed so Lawson was left in to take the majority of the punishment. Jeff Heath and Earl Averill both hit grand slams, in the eighth and ninth inning, respectively.

Greenberg watch: 54 home runs, eight games to play

TIGERS: 80-66; Home: 40-36; Away: 40-30


Lawson was left in to give up 10 runs and eight walks in three innings

Friday, September 23, 1938

Tigers come from behind twice to sweep Tribe

TIGERS 7-6, Cleveland 6-4 (DH)
at Detroit, MI

Game 1
CLE   010 001 031 = 6-9-3
DET   000 000 403 = 7-10-1
One out when winning run scored.
WP- Rowe (9-7); LP- Humphries
HR- Heath, CLE (8th inning; 2 on, 1 out); York, DET (32; 9th inning; 1 on, 1 out)

Game 2
CLE   201 001 000 = 4-8-1
DET   020 040 00x = 6-9-0
WP- Benton (10-2); LP- Whitehill
HR- none

Rudy York's dramatic two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth won Game 1, and the Tigers overcame an early 3-2 deficit in the nightcap to sweep a doubleheader from the Cleveland Indians. York connected off Johnny Humphries, scoring Hank Greenberg in front of him. The Tigers had gone into their half of the ninth trailing, 6-4. In Game 2, a four-run fifth inning put the Tigers ahead 6-3. Detroit took advantage of wildness from Indians pitcher Earl Whitehill, who walked three batters in the inning. All three scored. Al Benton upped his record to 10-2 with the win in the second game. Hank Greenberg failed to hit a home run, so he still has 54 with nine games to play.

TIGERS: 80-65; Home: 40-35; Away: 40-30

Wednesday, September 21, 1938

Tigers, A's split DH

TIGERS 7-2, Philadelphia 6-12 (DH)
at Detroit, MI

Game 1
PHI   041 010 000 = 6-11-2
DET  211 300 00x = 7-7-1
WP- Coffman (4-3); SV- Rowe (9); LP- Dean

Game 2
PHI   007 102 002 = 12-14-2
DET  000 200 000 = 2-7-3
WP- Ross; LP- Poffenberger (5-7)
HR- Johnson, PHI (6th inning; 1 on, 0 out)

In Game 1, the Tigers got four stellar innings of relief from Schoolboy Rowe to hang on for the win. Rowe threw four shutout innings, surrendering just one hit, to preserve a one-run lead. A three-run fourth inning gave Detroit a 7-5 lead. In the nightcap, the Athletics gashed Tigers starter Boots Poffenberger for seven runs in the third inning, though four of those runs were unearned thanks to two errors. Hank Greenberg remained stuck at 54 home runs.

TIGERS: 78-65; Home: 38-35; Away: 40-30

Monday, September 19, 1938

Kennedy silences Senators, 3-0

TIGERS 3, Washington 0
at Detroit, MI

WAS   000 000 000 = 0-6-0
DET    200 100 00x = 3-10-0
WP- Kennedy (12-8); LP- Appleton
HR- Greenberg, DET (54; 1st inning; 1 on, 2 out)

Vern Kennedy spun a six-hit shutout, Hank Greenberg slammed his 54th home run, and the Tigers beat the Washington Senators, 3-0, to sweep a two-game series. Greenberg's pursuit of Babe Ruth's single season home run record of 60 continued, as Hank needs six in the Tigers' final 13 games to tie the Bambino. Kennedy was brilliant, walking two and recording two strikeouts. Only one Senators base runner reached third base and only one other reached second base. Rudy York and Dixie Walker had two hits each for the Tigers, who have won nine of 13.

TIGERS: 77-64; Home: 37-34; Away: 40-30


Kennedy lifted his record to 12-8 with a sterling performance

Sunday, September 18, 1938

Bridges pitches complete game as Tigers stifle Senators

TIGERS 7, Washington 1
at Detroit, MI

WAS   100 000 000 = 1-6-3
DET    060 100 00x = 7-10-0
WP- Bridges (8-6); LP- Chase
HR- Gehringer, DET (26; 2nd inning; 2 on, 2 out)

Tommy Bridges overcame a rough first inning to pitch a complete game, six-hitter, and the Tigers erupted for six runs in the second inning---three of them unearned---in waltzing to a 7-1 win over the Washington Senators at Briggs Stadium. Three of the first four Senators batters reached base and Bridges eventually walked in a run. But Bridges scattered four harmless hits the rest of the way to improve to 8-6. He also overcame issuing eight walks. Roy Cullenbine, in a rare start, had two hits, including a two-run triple. Hank Greenberg was 1-for-4 with an RBI but no home runs, keeping him at 53 for the season.

TIGERS: 76-64; Home: 36-34; Away: 40-30


Roy Cullenbine got a rare start and had two hits and two RBI

Saturday, September 17, 1938

Yankees steamroll past Tigers; Greenberg homer-less

New York 7, TIGERS 1
at Detroit, MI

NY    101 203 000 = 7-10-1
DET  010 000 000 = 1-5-2
WP- Pearson; LP- Benton (9-2)
HR- Rolfe, NY (3rd inning; 0 on, 1 out); Gordon, NY (4th inning; 1 on, 2 out); Gehrig, NY (6th inning; 1 on,0 out)

Monte Pearson pitched a complete game, three Yankees hit home runs and it added up to a 7-1 rout of the Tigers at Briggs Stadium on Saturday. Red Rolfe, Joe Gordon and Lou Gehrig all went deep for the Bronx Bombers. The Tigers briefly tied the game, 1-1, when an error by left fielder George Selkirk led to a run, but other than that, it was all Yankees, who took the series, 2-1. Hank Greenberg remains at 53 home runs in his pursuit of Babe Ruth's single season record.

TIGERS: 75-64; Home: 35-34; Away: 40-30


Monte Pearson

Friday, September 16, 1938

Gomez handcuffs Tigers, 3-0

New York 3, TIGERS 0
at Detroit, MI

NY    000 001 200 = 3-8-0
DET  000 000 000 = 0-3-2
WP- Gomez; LP- Gill (8-11)
HR- none

Lefty Gomez spun a three-hit shutout and the New York Yankees squared their series with the Tigers with a 3-0 win at Briggs Stadium. Gomez walked three and struck out four as the Tigers only managed to get a runner as far as third base, once. Bill Dickey's two-run single in the seventh gave Gomez some breathing room, not that he needed it. Hank Greenberg remains stuck at 53 home runs.

TIGERS: 75-63; Home: 35-33; Away: 40-30


Gomez gave no quarter on Friday

Thursday, September 15, 1938

Tigers blow big lead, are rescued by Greenberg

TIGERS 8, New York 7
at Detroit, MI

NY    000 002 131 = 7-11-1
DET  520 000 001 = 8-12-0
None out when winning run scored.
WP- Rowe (8-7); LP- Andrews
HR- Crosetti, NY (6th inning; 1 on, 0 out); Greenberg, DET (53; 9th inning, 0 on, 0 out)

The Tigers didn't need Hank Greenberg in the early innings as they built a 7-0 lead over the New York Yankees. Good thing, too, as Hank struck out in his first three plate appearances. But the Tigers squandered the lead, just as they blew an 8-0 lead in New York on August 31. But unlike that game, which the Yankees won, Greenberg rode to the rescue and blasted his 53rd home run of the season leading off the ninth inning, lifting the Tigers to an 8-7 win over New York. Greenberg launched the second pitch he saw from Yanks reliever Ivy Andrews into the upper deck in left field. Greenberg needs seven homers in the Tigers' last 17 games to tie Babe Ruth's season record of 60, set in 1927.
The Yankees didn't even manage their first base hit until the sixth inning, but still scored seven runs by the ninth inning. The Tigers won their fourth straight game and the third straight in their last at-bat.

TIGERS: 75-62; Home: 35-32; Away: 40-30


Greenberg kept his pursuit of Ruth going, while also winning the game for the Tigers

Wednesday, September 14, 1938

Tigers stun Red Sox in ninth, 6-5

TIGERS 6, Boston 5
at Detroit, MI

BOS   203 000 000 = 5-10-1
DET   030 100 002 = 6-11-1
None out when winning run scored.
WP- Rowe (7-7); LP- Heving
HR- Foxx, BOS (1st inning; 1 on, 1 out)

Rudy York singled home Dixie Walker to cap a two-run rally in the ninth inning, and the Tigers upended the Boston Red Sox, 6-5 at Briggs Stadium. The Red Sox scored their runs by the third inning and it looked like they were going to hang on for the win. But Chet Morgan led off the ninth with a single, and Walker tripled him home, tying the game, 5-5. Charlie Gehringer walked, and Hank Greenberg was walked intentionally, to a chorus of boos, to load the bases. Greenberg has 52 home runs and is chasing Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60. With the infield drawn in, York punched a hit past shortstop Joe Cronin and into center field to score the winning run.

TIGERS: 74-62; Home: 34-32; Away: 40-30


York's second hit of the game was the most important

Tuesday, September 13, 1938

Greenberg is Tigers hero, but not with a home run

TIGERS 3, Boston 2
at Detroit, MI

BOS    020 000 000 = 2-4-0
DET    000 020 001 = 3-12-2
Two out when winning run scored.
WP- Kennedy (11-8); LP- McKain

Hank Greenberg is pursuing Babe Ruth's single season home run record, but on Tuesday it was a measly single from Greenberg that beat the Boston Red Sox at Briggs Stadium. Greenberg's single with two out in the bottom of the ninth scored Dixie Walker to lead the Tigers to a 3-2 victory. The game-winning rally started with nobody on base. Walker singled, as did Charlie Gehringer. That brought up Greenberg, who has 52 homers. But a home run wasn't needed and the Tigers tied a season high by moving to 11 games above .500. Vern Kennedy pitched a complete game and was rewarded with his 11th win.

TIGERS: 73-62; Home: 33-32; Away: 40-30


Kennedy was the beneficiary of Greenberg's heroics

Monday, September 12, 1938

Greenberg hits no. 52 as Tigers edge White Sox

TIGERS 3, Chicago 2
at Detroit, MI

CHI   101 000 000 = 2-8-1
DET  001 011 00x = 3-6-0
WP- Benton (9-1); SV- Rowe (8); LP- Knott
HR- Greenberg, DET (52; 6th inning; 0 on, 0 out)

Hank Greenberg's 52nd home run of the year broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning, and Schoolboy Rowe pitched two innings of scoreless relief to save Al Benton's win as the Tigers nipped the Chicago White Sox, 3-2, to avoid a three-game sweep. Greenberg needs eight home runs in the Tigers' final 20 games to tie Babe Ruth's single-season record. The White Sox led, 2-0, in the third inning when Chet Morgan's RBI single cut the lead in half. The Tigers tied the game in the fifth inning when Morgan doubled home Mark Christman, who reached base on an error. Benton pitched seven innings, scattering seven hits.

TIGERS 72-62; Home: 32-32; Away: 40-30

Sunday, September 11, 1938

Tigers come up short in extra innings twice, lose DH to Chisox

Chicago 8-8, TIGERS 7-5 (DH; Game 1 11 innings, Game 2 10 innings)

Game 1
CHI    000 000 403 01 = 8-15-0
DET   003 200 200 00 = 7-10-0
WP- Boyles; LP- Rowe (6-7)
HR- Greenberg, DET 2 (50; 3rd inning; 2 on, 2 out); (51; 7th inning; 1 on, 1 out); Walker, CHI 2 (7th inning; 1 on, 1 out); (9th inning; 2 on, 1 out)

Game 2
CHI    002 001 010 4 = 8-10-1
DET   000 001 021 1 = 5-9-2
WP- Gabler; LP- Poffenberger (5-6)
HR- York, DET (31; 6th inning; 0 on, 2 out); Gehringer, DET (25; 8th inning; 1 on, 1 out)

The Tigers lost two extra inning games in a Sunday doubleheader at Briggs Stadium, kicking off a 20-game home stand. In Game 1, Gee Walker's three-run homer in the ninth inning tied the game, capping a comeback from a 5-0 deficit, and Luke Appling's single in the tenth drove home what proved to be the winning run. In the loss, Hank Greenberg slugged his 50th and 51st homers of the season. Walker's blast in the ninth was his second of the game as well.

In the nightcap, the Tigers fell behind, 3-0, battled back to tie the game, 4-4, with a run in the ninth inning, but the White Sox prevailed by erupting for four runs in the tenth inning. Boots Poffenberger was victimized by the outburst, surrendering four runs, three hits and two walks. The big blow in the inning was a bases loaded triple by pinch-hitter Merv Connors.

TIGERS: 71-62; Home: 31-32; Away: 40-30

Friday, September 9, 1938

Greenberg's four hits, four RBI leads Tigers past Indians

TIGERS 5, Cleveland 3
at Cleveland, OH

DET   102 000 200 = 5-10-1
CLE   000 011 001 = 3-10-1
WP- Bridges (7-6); SV- Eisenstat (7); LP- Hudlin

Hank Greenberg went 4-for-5 with four RBI, including his 49th home run, and the Tigers held off the Cleveland Indians, 5-3, at League Park. Greenberg added two singles and a triple to his four-bagger as the Tigers took three straight from the Tribe after losing on Tuesday. Greenberg needs 11 home runs in the Tigers' last 23 games to tie Babe Ruth's single season home run record. Greenberg's two-run shot in the seventh inning turned a 3-2 Tigers lead into a 5-2 cushion. Tommy Bridges scattered nine hits in eight innings of work for the win. Lyn Lary had four hits and two RBI for the Tribe. The Tigers will begin a 20-game home stand with a Sunday doubleheader vs. Chicago.

TIGERS: 71-60; Home: 31-30; Away: 40-30


Greenberg watches his 49th home run fly over the left field wall on Friday

Thursday, September 8, 1938

Tigers storm to 11-0 lead, clobber Tribe

TIGERS 12, Cleveland 5
at Cleveland, OH

DET    300 044 001 = 12-17-0
CLE    000 000 032 = 5-11-0
WP- Benton (8-1); LP- Whitehill
HR- Gehringer, DET (24; 1st inning; 1 on, 1 out); Greenberg, DET (48; 6th inning; 3 on, 0 out)

The Tigers had an 11-0 lead by the sixth inning, the Cleveland Indians only had two hits, and it was a coast the rest of the way to a 12-5 win for Detroit. Charlie Gehringer kicked things off with a two-run homer in the first inning. Hank Greenberg added a grand slam in the sixth inning, his 48th homer of the year. Tigers starter Al Benton pitched eight innings before tiring, and moved his record to 8-1. The Tigers banged out 17 hits off three Indians pitchers. Dixie Walker had four hits and scored four runs.

TIGERS: 70-60; Home: 31-30; Away: 39-30

Wednesday, September 7, 1938

Greenberg, Coffman (!) lead Tigers attack in win over Tribe

TIGERS 8, Cleveland 6
at Detroit, MI

CLE   000 010 410 = 6-9-1
DET   003 102 20x = 8-12-1
WP- Coffman (3-3); SV- Rowe (7); LP- Harder
HR- Kroner, CLE (7th inning, 0 on, 0 out)

Hank Greenberg's bases-clearing, three-run triple in the third inning drew first blood, and pitcher Slick Coffman helped his own cause with a two-run double in the sixth, as the Tigers held off the Cleveland Indians, 8-6, at Briggs Stadium. Greenberg's two-out drive into the left-center field gap plated Chet Morgan, Dixie Walker and Charlie Gehringer, who all singled with two outs. In the sixth, Coffman flared a hit that dropped just inside the right field line, about 15 feet out of the infield. That hit, also with two outs, scored two runs to make the score 6-1. Coffman was then charged with four runs in the seventh inning, but the Tigers responded with a two-run, two-out single from Pete Fox in their half of the inning to make the score 8-5. Schoolboy Rowe ended a pitching slump with three innings of one-run ball to notch his seventh save. Seven of the eight Tigers RBI came with two outs.

TIGERS: 69-60; Home: 31-30; Away: 38-30


Pete Fox's two-out, two-run single in the seventh restored some insurance for the Tigers

Tuesday, September 6, 1938

Tribe uses balanced attack to rout Tigers, 10-4

Cleveland 10, TIGERS 4
at Detroit, MI

CLE   212 002 030 = 10-18-3
DET   000 110 002 = 4-8-2
WP- Feller; LP- Eisenstat (11-5)
HR- Hale, CLE (2nd inning; 0 on, 1 out)

The Tigers' return home after a 15-game road trip wasn't happy, as the Cleveland Indians jumped all over starter Harry Eisenstat on their way to a 10-4 win at Briggs Stadium. Eight different Indians hitters each had at least one RBI in the balanced attack. The Tribe had a 5-0 lead by the third inning and it was all downhill from there for Detroit. Nineteen year-old Bob Feller pitched six strong innings to earn the win.

TIGERS: 68-60; Home: 30-30; Away: 38-30


The high-kicking Feller, just 19, tossed six innings of five-hit ball, and neither of the two runs he allowed were earned

Monday, September 5, 1938

Early runs carry Tigers over Browns, 8-5

TIGERS 8, St. Louis 5
at St. Louis, MO

DET   033 100 010 = 8-9-1
STL    010 001 210 = 5-10-1
WP- Gill (8-10); SV- Eisenstat (7); LP- L. Mills
HR- McQuinn, STL (7th inning; 1 on, 2 out); Gehringer, DET (23; 8th inning; 0 on, 2 out); Bell, STL (8th inning; 0 on, 1 out)

The Tigers tore into Browns starter Lefty Mills for seven runs by the fourth inning on their way to an 8-5 win in a makeup game played on Labor Day in St. Louis. Mills' own error contributed to the destruction in the third inning, the second straight inning in which the Tigers scored three runs. Chet Morgan had three RBI for the Tigers and George Gill pitched eight innings for his eighth win. Charlie Gehringer hit his 23rd home run in the eighth inning after the Browns had closed to within 7-4. The game marked the end of a 15-game road trip, in which the Tigers went 9-6.

TIGERS: 68-59; Home: 30-29; Away: 38-30


Mills walked 10 and gave up seven runs (five earned) in seven innings of work on Monday

Sunday, September 4, 1938

Tigers maul White Sox behind 17-hit attack

TIGERS 12, Chicago 3
at Chicago, IL

DET   000 430 401 = 12-17-1
CHI    000 003 000 = 3-8-1
WP- Benton (7-1); LP- Rigney
HR- Gehringer, DET (22; 7th inning; 2 on, 0 out); York, DET (30; 7th inning; 0 on,1 out); Greenberg, DET (47; 9th inning; 0 on, 1 out)

The Tigers broke open a scoreless game with seven runs in the fourth and fifth innings, on their way to a 12-3 rout of the White Sox at Comiskey Park. Charlie Gehringer had three hits and four RBI, including a three-run homer. Dixie Walker had four hits and Chick Morgan added three singles as Detroit unleashed a 17-hit barrage. Al Benton, despite an ERA over 6.00, improved to 7-1 on the year with 7.1 innings of effective pitching. Hank Greenberg and Rudy York each hit solo homers for the Tigers.

TIGERS: 67-59; Home: 30-29; Away: 37-30


Walker's four hits led a 17-hit Detroit onslaught

Saturday, September 3, 1938

Tigers no-hit into seventh, fall to Knott, Chisox

Chicago 5, TIGERS 3
at Chicago, IL

DET   000 000 102 = 3-4-1
CHI    004 000 10x = 5-10-1
WP- Knott; SV- Rigney; LP- Bridges (6-6)
HR- Greenberg, DET (46; 9th inning, 0 on, 0 out); Fox, DET (6; 9th inning; 0 on, 1 out)

Jack Knott didn't allow a base hit until one out in the seventh inning, and by that time, his Chicago White Sox had a 4-0 lead over the Tigers. Rudy York's double spoiled Knott's no-hit bid. In the third inning, the Chisox scored four times off Tommy Bridges. Five consecutive White Sox hitters reached base during the rally. The Tigers made things interesting in the ninth inning, when Hank Greenberg and Pete Fox each hit solo homers to make the score 5-3. But Johnny Rigney was summoned from the bullpen and he set down Billy Rogell and Mark Christman to end the game.

TIGERS: 66-59; Home: 30-29; Away: 36-30


Chicago's Knott, warming up prior to Saturday's game, handcuffed the Tigers until the seventh inning

Thursday, September 1, 1938

Tigers turn tables on Yanks, rally late to win

TIGERS 4, New York 3
at The Bronx, NY

DET    000 100 021 = 4-9-3
NY      120 000 000 = 3-9-0
WP- Poffenberger (5-5); SV- Wade (1); LP- Pearson
HR- Greenberg, DET (45; 8th inning; 1 on, 2 out)

Maybe the Tigers should have let the Yankees score first after all. After blowing late leads on Tuesday and Wednesday, Detroit staged a late rally of their own on Thursday to nip the Bronx Bombers, 4-3. Hank Greenberg slugged his 45th home run with a man on and two out in the eighth inning to tie the game, 3-3. Then in the Tigers ninth, pinch-hitter Jo-Jo White's single scored Tony Piet from second base to give the Tigers their eventual game-winning run. Boots Poffenberger, despite loading the bases in the seventh and eighth innings with walks, tossed two scoreless innings before giving way to Tommy Bridges and Jake Wade, who combined to set the Yankees down in order in the ninth. Greenberg added a double and he scored two runs.

TIGERS: 66-58; Home: 30-29; Away: 36-29


Slick Coffman made his first start of the season on Thursday, after 37 appearances in relief in 1938

Wednesday, August 31, 1938

Tigers blow 8-0 lead, lose to Yanks

New York 10, TIGERS 8
at The Bronx, NY

DET   303 200 000 = 8-14-0
NY     000 006 022 = 10-12-0
None out when winning run scored.
WP- Murphy; LP- Rowe (6-6)
HR- Greenberg, DET (44; 1st inning; 1 on, 2 out); York, DET 2 (28; 1st inning; 0 on, 2 out); (29; 4th inning; 1 on, 2 out); Crosetti, NY (8th inning; 1 on, 2 out); DiMaggio, NY (9th inning; 1 on, 0 out)

Joe DiMaggio's two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning capped an incredible Yankees comeback in a 10-8 win over the Tigers. Trailing 8-0, the Yankees scored six runs in the sixth inning as seven consecutive batters reached base. In the eighth, after the Tigers went quietly in the seventh and eighth innings, New York tied the game on a two-run homer by Frank Crosetti. The Tigers got a runner to second base in the ninth but couldn't score. In the Yankee ninth, Myril Hoag led off with a double, and DiMaggio followed with a drive over the left field wall off Schoolboy Rowe. The Tigers jumped to their big lead behind the power of Hank Greenberg and Rudy York, who combined for three homers and seven RBI.

TIGERS 65-58; Home: 30-29; Away: 35-29


DiMaggio's homer in the ninth completed an incredible Yankees comeback

Tuesday, August 30, 1938

Yankees bust loose late, topple Tigers

New York 6, TIGERS 2
at The Bronx, NY

DET   200 000 000 = 2-2-0
NY     000 000 33x = 6-8-0
WP- Chandler; LP- Gill (7-10)
HR- Greenberg, DET (43; 1st inning; 1 on, 2 out)

The Yankees lineup is hard to contain for an entire game, so when George Gill had the Yanks shut out through six innings on two hits, you wondered whether Gill could sustain his performance. He couldn't, and the Yankees beat the Tigers, 6-2. Detroit only got two hits, and only advanced two runners as far as second base after the first inning. Meanwhile, Gill was shutting down the Yankees' vaunted lineup through six. In the seventh, a walk, a hit batsman, a triple and a single produced three Yankees runs. New York added three more runs in the eighth off reliever Al Benton. The big blow in the eighth was Joe DiMaggio's two-run triple. Bill Dickey tripled home two runs in the seventh. The Tigers fell to an even 20 games behind the 85-37 Bronx Bombers.

TIGERS: 65-57; Home: 30-29; Away: 35-28


Gill was masterful through six innings, but then the Yankees finally broke through

Monday, August 29, 1938

Gehringer's clutch home run rescues Tigers

TIGERS 6, Boston 3
at Boston, MA

DET   100 010 040 = 6-9-0
BOS   210 000 000 = 3-13-1
WP- Kennedy (10-8); LP- Wilson
HR- Foxx, BOS (1st inning; 1 on, 1 out); Gehringer, DET (21; 8th inning; 2 on, 0 out)

Charlie Gehringer's three-run homer in the eighth inning erased a 3-2 deficit, and the Tigers overcame the Red Sox, 6-3. The Tigers added another run in the eighth to give some breathing room to Vern Kennedy, who was making his first appearance in relief after 25 starts. The Tigers turned a triple play in the third inning, when with runners on first and second, Ray Chapman hit a sinking line drive to center field on which Chet Morgan made a diving catch. Morgan fired the ball to shortstop Mark Christman, who doubled off the runner on second. Christman then threw to first baseman Hank Greenberg to complete the triple killing.

TIGERS 65-56; Home: 30-29; Away: 35-27


Gehringer, shown before Monday's game, saved the Tigers with his eighth inning home run

Sunday, August 28, 1938

Relentless Red Sox embarrass Tigers, 26-7

Boston 26, TIGERS 7
at Boston, MA

DET    020 003 200 = 7-16-1
BOS    352 916 00x = 26-26-2
WP- Dickman; LP- Bridges (6-5)
HR- Foxx, BOS 2 (5th inning; 0 on, 0 out); (6th inning; 2 on, 0 out)

The Red Sox scored in the first six innings as they routed Tigers pitching. Boston rapped out 26 hits and Tigers pitchers chipped in with 11 walks. For the game, Boston hitters went 26-for-49 in official at-bats. Jimmie Foxx cracked two home runs and had seven RBI. The top three hitters in the Red Sox batting order each came to the plate at least once in the first seven innings. Foxx scored five runs.

TIGERS: 64-56; Home: 30-29; Away: 34-27


Jimmie Foxx and Hank Greenberg compare bats prior to Sunday's game; Foxx's was red hot

Saturday, August 27, 1938

Lawson shelled as Senators salvage series finale

Washington 12, TIGERS 5
at Washington, DC

DET    001 000 112 = 5-11-1
WAS  500 500 02x = 12-17-2
WP- Leonard; LP- Lawson (3-8)
HR- none.

The Senators jumped all over Tigers starter Roxie Lawson, blasting him for 10 runs and 14 hits in four innings of work. Washington sent nine men to the plate in the first inning and it was all downhill from there for Lawson and the Tigers. Al Simmons led the Senators attack with four hits (two singles, a double and a triple) and four RBI. It was just the fourth loss in the Tigers ' past 15 games.

TIGERS: 64-55; Home: 30-29; Away: 34-26


Lawson was powerless to stop the Senators on Saturday

Friday, August 26, 1938

Six straight bullpen-less games as Tigers win, 5-2

TIGERS 5, Washington 2
at Washington, DC

DET    201 001 100 = 5-9-1
WAS   001 010 000 = 2-10-2
WP- Benton (6-1); LP- Kelley
HR- Greenberg, DET (42; 1st inning; 1 on, 2 out); Case, WAS (5th inning; 0 on, 0 out)

Al Benton pitched a complete game as the Tigers didn't need to go to their bullpen for the sixth straight game, in a 5-2 win over Washington at Griffith Stadium. Hank Greenberg's two-run homer in the first inning set the tone. George Case's solo homer in the fifth inning made the score 3-2, Detroit, but the Tigers tacked on insurance runs in the sixth and seventh to seal their 11th win in 14 games. Dixie Walker helped the Tigers' cause with three hits and two runs scored. Greenberg added a sacrifice fly in the seventh to make the score 5-2.

TIGERS: 64-54; Home: 30-29; Away: 34-25


Benton has made just three starts in 1938, but he has two complete games

Thursday, August 25, 1938

Eisenstat, big bats easily handle Senators

TIGERS 11, Washington 1
at Washington, DC

DET    000 032 330 = 11-9-1
WAS   000 000 001 = 1-9-0
WP- Eisenstat (11-4); LP- Appleton
HR- Greenberg, DET (41; 7th inning; 1 on, 1 out)

The Tigers used some wildness from Senators pitching and timely hitting to more than back Harry Eisenstat's complete game. Washington hurlers walked 10 Tigers, including five in the eighth inning alone. Eisenstat scattered nine hits as the Tigers didn't need to go to the bullpen for the fifth straight game. The Tigers scored all their runs between the fifth and eighth innings. Hank Greenberg clubbed his 41st home run, and he and Mark Christman each had three RBI. The Tigers are 10-3 in their past 13 games.

TIGERS: 63-54; Home: 30-29; Away: 33-25


Harry Eisenstat is all smiles after allowing just one run (unearned) in the Tigers' 11-1 crushing of the Senators in Washington

Wednesday, August 24, 1938

A's rally in nightcap to split DH with Tigers

TIGERS 5-4, Philadelphia 2-5 (DH)
at Philadelphia, PA

Game 1
DET    200 000 102 = 5-10-0
PHI     000 101 000 = 2-9-0
WP- Auker (7-7); LP- Potter
HR- Johnson, PHI (6th inning; 0 on, 0 out); Greenberg, DET (40; 7th inning; 0 on, 1 out); York, DET (26; 9th inning, 1 on, 2 out)

Hank Greenberg's 40th home run broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning, and Rudy York added a two-run shot in the ninth for insurance as the Tigers took their third straight from the A's in about 24 hours. Elden Auker became the third straight starting pitcher for the Tigers to go the distance in this midweek series. Auker scattered nine A's hits, walked three and had one strikeout. Bob Johnson's solo homer for the A's in the sixth inning temporarily tied the game,

Game 2
DET    100 300 000 = 4-7-1
PHI     101 020 001 = 5-12-0
Two out when winning run scored.
WP- Williams; LP- Lawson (3-7)
HR- York, DET (27; 4th inning; 0 on, 1 out)

Bill Werber's double scored Sam Chapman from second base with two outs in the bottom of the ninth as the A's salvaged one game of the four-game series that was played within consecutive doubleheaders. The A's rally began with two outs and nobody on base. Chapman doubled to deep right and Bob Johnson was intentionally walked. Werber then stroked a drive into the left-center gap to seal the win for Philadelphia. The A's were down, 4-2 in the fifth inning before tying the game on a triple, a single, an error and a ground out. The Tigers didn't use one relief pitcher in the series.

TIGERS 62-54; Home: 30-29; Away: 32-25


Philadelphia's Chapman had two hits and scored two runs, including the game-winner, in the second game of the twinbill

Tuesday, August 23, 1938

Tigers crush A's twice, get two complete games

TIGERS 14-15, Philadelphia 0-2 (DH)
at Philadelphia, PA

Game 1
DET   010 040 027 = 14-15-1
PHI    000 000 000 =  0-5-0
WP- Bridges (6-4); LP- Nelson
HR- Walker, DET (9; 9th inning; 2 on, 2 out)

The Tigers broke things open with nine runs over the final two innings. Every position player had at least one hit, and six of the eight had multiple hits. Tommy Bridges pitched a complete game. A's pitchers issued 11 walks. Charlie Gehringer led the Tigers' attack with three hits.

Game 2
DET   420 300 033 = 15-20-0
PHI    010 000 001 = 2-6-1
WP- Gill (7-9); LP- Thomas
HR- Greenberg, DET (39; 1st inning; 2 on, 2 out); York, DET (25; 4th inning; 2 on, 2 out)

The red-hot Tigers bats were relentless in the nightcap, launching a 20-hit attack. Charlie Gehringer had four hits (two triples, two singles) and scored four runs. Rudy York had six RBI on four hits, including a double and a home run. George Gill also pitched a complete game as the Tigers didn't have to go to the bullpen once during the entire doubleheader. Dixie Walker was the third Tiger to have four hits. The Tigers have scored 87 runs in their past eight games.

TIGERS: 61-53; Home: 30-29; Away: 31-24


Gehringer had seven hits, scored six runs and had three RBI in the twinbill

Sunday, August 21, 1938

Browns turn tables on Tigers, rally to win in 10

St. Louis 9, TIGERS 5
at Detroit, MI

STL   010 100 030 4 = 9-14-1
DET  010 011 200 0 = 5-10-1
WP- Tietje; LP- Rowe (6-5)
HR- York, DET (24; 2nd inning; 0 on, 0 out); Gehringer, DET (20; 7th inning; 0 on, 2 out); Greenberg, DET (38; 7th inning, 0 on, 2 out); Almada, STL (8th inning; 0 on, 0 out)

One day after blowing a big lead, the St. Louis Browns staged their own rally on Sunday, scoring three runs in the eighth inning to tie the game, then plating four runners in the tenth to upend the Tigers, 9-5 at Briggs Stadium. In the ninth, the same situation presented itself as it did on Saturday in the ninth: with the game tied, the Tigers had a runner on third with one out, and the Browns intentionally walked the next two hitters to load the bases. But unlike on Saturday, when Billy Rogell delivered the game-winning hit, Rudy York grounded into a fielders choice at home plate and Pete Fox also grounded out to end the threat. In the tenth, five of the first six Browns hitters reached base as they nickel and dimed the Tigers to the tune of four runs. Eight different Browns hitters had one RBI each. The teams split the four-game weekend series.

TIGERS 59-53; Home: 30-29; Away: 29-24



St. Louis starter Bobo Newsom, shown before Sunday's game, gave up three home runs, but they were all of the solo variety.

Saturday, August 20, 1938

Tigers rally late, upend Browns in 9th, 8-7

TIGERS 8, St. Louis 7
at Detroit, MI

STL   021 100 030 = 7-12-3
DET  001 000 241 = 8-14-3
One out when winning run scored.
WP- Eisenstat (10-4); LP- Bonetti
HR- Clift, STL (8th inning; 1 on, 1 out)

Billy Rogell's single with the bases loaded plated Dixie Walker in the bottom of the ninth as the Tigers completed a late-inning rally to beat the St. Louis Browns. The Tigers were trailing 7-3 heading into the eighth inning but scored four runs in the frame to tie the game. Rogell led that rally, as well, with a two-run double. In the ninth, Walker led off with a single that was misplayed, enabling Walker to reach second base. Don Ross sacrificed Walker to third, and the Browns intentionally walked pinch-hitter Jo-Jo White and Chet Morgan to load the bases. Rogell followed with a drive into the gap in right center. The game was a sloppy affair, as both teams committed three errors. Harry Eisenstat pitched a perfect ninth in relief and was rewarded with the win.

TIGERS: 59-52; Home: 30-28; Away: 29-24


Rogell was huge in two late rallies for the Tigers

Friday, August 19, 1938

Blown lead in nightcap puts damper on DH split for Tigers

TIGERS 14-10, St. Louis 8-12 (Game 2- 10 innings)

at Detroit, MI

Game 1

STL   020 000 213 = 8-18-4

DET  003 010 64x = 14-15-1

WP- Kennedy (9-8); LP- Cox

HR- York, DET (23; 3rd inning; 1 on, 2 out); Gehringer, DET 2 (16-17; 5th inning; 0 on, 2 out; 8th inning; 1 on, 1 out); Greenberg, DET (37; 8th inning; 0 on, 1 out)

Charlie Gehringer slugged two home runs and drove in six runs to lead the Tigers' onslaught. A six-run seventh inning was the key to victory. Gehringer also scored four runs. The Browns committed four errors, leading to five unearned runs.

Game 2 (10 innings)

STL   100 007 011 2 = 12-16-0

DET  301 500 010 0 = 10-15-0

WP- Johnson; SV- Cole; LP- Rowe (6-4)

HR- Gehringer, DET 2 (18-19; 1st inning; 2 on, 0 out; 4th inning; 1 on, 2 out); Ross, DET (5; 4th inning; 2 on, 0 out); Heffner, STL (6th inning; 2 on, 1 out); Almada, STL (6th inning; 0 on, 2 out); McQuinn, STL (10th inning; 1 on, 2 out)

Charlie Gehringer hit his third and fourth home runs of the doubleheader in the nightcap, but the Tigers blew a 9-1 lead and lost in 10 innings. The Browns exploded for seven runs in the sixth inning, and with two outs and nobody on in the ninth and trailing by one run, St. Louis managed to string three base runners together to produce the tying run. In the Browns' tenth, a double, a single and a home run produced two runs. The Browns continue to batter Tigers pitching this season, going 9-6 vs. Detroit with 109 runs scored.

Gehringer hit four home runs in the twinbill

Thursday, August 18, 1938

Down 11-5, Tigers rally to win behind Hank's slam

TIGERS 12, Chicago 11
at Detroit, MI

CHI   010 370 000 = 11-16-2
DET  000 525 00x = 12-11-3
WP- Coffman (2-3); SV- Rowe (6); LP- Whitehead
HR- Kuhel, CHI (4th inning; 2 on, 0 out); Walker, DET (8; 1 on, 1 out); Greenberg, DET (36; 6th inning; 3 on, 2 out)

Hank Greenberg's grand slam in the sixth inning capped a rally from an 11-5 deficit as the Tigers beat Chicago, 12-11, at Briggs Stadium. The White Sox lost despite posting seven runs in the fifth inning. Greenberg was a triple shy of a cycle. Down 11-5, the Tigers scored twice in the fifth inning and five in the sixth. They did all their scoring in the middle innings. Schoolboy Rowe pitched three shutout innings of relief to earn the save for winner Slick Coffman. The game marked the second in a row in which a Greenberg homer provided the game's final runs and a victory for Detroit.


Greenberg was Tigers hero for the second game in a row

Wednesday, August 17, 1938

Greenberg's heroics spurs Tigers DH sweep

TIGERS 4-9, Chicago 3-4 (DH)
at Detroit, MI

Game 1
CHI   100 001 010 = 3-8-2
DET  000 000 013 = 4-5-0
None out when winning run scored.
WP- Eisenstat (9-4); LP- Lyons
HR- Greenberg, DET (35; 9th inning; 2 on, 0 out)

Hank Greenberg slugged a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth as the Tigers stole a game at the end in which they looked sluggish until the eighth inning. Trailing 3-0 in the eighth, the Tigers scored a run on a Don Ross double and a Roy Cullenbine triple, a rally started with two outs and nobody on base. In the ninth, Billy Rogell reached on an error and Charlie Gehringer walked. That set the table for Greenberg, who sent his 35th home run deep into the upper deck in left field. White Sox starter Ted Lyons was victimized.

Game 2
CHI   001 010 011 = 4-11-1
DET  321 001 02x = 9-11-1
WP- Benton (5-1); LP- Knott
HR- Ross, DET (4; 3rd inning; 0 on, 1 out); Walker, CHI (5th inning; 0 on, 0 out); Steinbacher, CHI (8th inning; 0 on, 0 out); Walker, DET (7; 8th inning; 1 on, 2 out)

The Tigers scored early and often in the nightcap, racking up six runs by the third inning. Al Benton, making his first start of the season, pitched a complete game, albeit surrendering 11 hits.

TIGERS: 56-51; Home: 27-27; Away: 29-24


Hank Greenberg wins Game 1 with a three-run homer

Sunday, August 14, 1938

Tigers, Browns split Sunday DH

TIGERS 3-5, St. Louis 4-4 (DH)
at St. Louis, MO

Game 1
DET   001 000 200 = 3-7-1
STL    300 000 10x = 4-10-0
WP- Newsom; LP- Kennedy (8-8)
HR- Almada, STL (1st inning; 0 on, 0 out)

The Browns jumped on Tigers starter Vern Kennedy in the very first inning and held on for the win. Mel Almada led off the first with a home run, then Jo-Jo White committed an error in center field that enabled the next hitter, George McQuinn, to circle the bases. Beau Mills then tripled and came home on a fielder's choice. Both Kennedy and St. Louis starter Bobo Newsom went the distance. The last-place Browns moved to 8-4 vs. Detroit this year.

Game 2
DET   010 101 002 = 5-10-3
STL    000 010 102 = 4-6-0
WP- Auker (6-7); SV- Rowe (5); LP- L. Mills
HR- Greenberg, DET (34; 4th inning; 0 on, 0 out)

The Tigers held the Browns at bay from start to finish, though the ninth inning got hairy. After scoring twice in the ninth to take a 5-2 lead, the Tigers had to survive a scary Browns rally. The final out wasn't made until two runs, two errors and three hits had occurred. Schoolboy Rowe got Beau Mills to ground out with runners on first and second to finally nail down the twinbill split.

TIGERS: 54-51; Home: 25-27; Away: 29-24


In Game 2, Hank Greenberg slammed his 34th home run and went over 100 RBI for the season (101)

Saturday, August 13, 1938

Lowly Browns continue to vex Tigers, 13-10

St. Louis 13, TIGERS 10
at St. Louis, MO

DET   303 012 010 = 10-16-1
STL    015 100 42x = 13-17-2
WP- Van Atta; LP- Eisenstat (8-4)
HR- York, DET (22; 1st inning; 2 on, 2 out); Clift, STL (2nd inning; 0 on, 0 out); Greenberg, DET (33; 6th inning; 1 on, 2 out); Bell, STL (8th inning; 1 on, 1 out)

The Tigers raced out to a 6-1 lead but as has been the norm this season, the last place St. Louis Browns won the game anyway, 13-10. The Browns are 7-4 against Detroit this season, scoring 85 runs in those 11 games. A five-run third inning tied the score, 6-6, and the teams traded punches the rest of the game like two prizefighters. But as usual, the Browns came out on top in the end. Hank Greenberg and Rudy York each had a home run and three RBI for the Tigers. Beau Bell was a double away from hitting for the cycle for the Browns. Mark Christman added four singles for Detroit.

TIGERS: 53-50; Home: 25-27; Away: 28-23


Bell had a single, triple and home run (in that order) for St. Louis on Saturday

Thursday, August 11, 1938

York, Rogell's late hits enable Tigers to outlast Chisox in 12

TIGERS 9, Chicago 8 (12 innings)
at Chicago, IL

DET   310 110 000 102 = 9-15-1
CHI    020 130 000 101 = 8-18-1
WP- Eisenstat (8-3); LP- Gabler
HR- Greenberg, DET (32; 10th inning; 0 on, 0 out)

Rudy York's RBI double in the 12th inning broke a 7-7 tie and Billy Rogell added an RBI single that turned out to be the winning run as the Tigers beat Chicago, 9-8. Hank Greenberg hit a solo homer in the 10th inning to give the Tigers a 7-6 lead, but the White Sox scratched out a run in their half of the 10th. Even after taking a 9-7 lead in the 12th, the Tigers had to sweat out another White Sox rally. Harry Eisenstat got Luke Appling to fly out to end the game, with runners on first and third. Greenberg and Jo-Jo White had three hits apiece for the Tigers, who took the midweek series, 2-1. Appling had three hits (two doubles and a single) and scored three runs for the Pale Hose.

TIGERS: 53-49; Home: 25-27; Away: 28-22


Rogell's single in the 12th drove home the ninth and eventual game-winning run for the Tigers

Wednesday, August 10, 1938

Chisox blow 11-3 lead, still beat Tigers, 12-11

Chicago 12, TIGERS 11
at Chicago, IL

DET   000 000 371 = 11-11-1
CHI    010 060 401 = 12-20-2
WP- Rigney; LP- Benton (4-1)
HR- Kuhel, CHI (5th inning; 2 on, 1 out); Greenberg, DET (31; 7th inning; 0 on, 0 out); Rensa, CHI (7th inning; 3 on, 0 out); York, DET 2 (20-21; 8th inning; 2 on, 0 out; 9th inning; 0 on, 0 out)

The Tigers were trailing 7-0 after six innings and had mustered just two hits, yet their offense woke up in the final three innings as they gave the White Sox a scare before losing, 12-11 at Comiskey Park. A seven-run eighth inning brought the Tigers to within 11-10. Then in the ninth, Rudy York led off the inning with his second home run of the game to tie the game. In the bottom of the frame, Luke Appling's single with two outs drove home Gee Walker from second base with the winning run. Chicago's Tony Rensa hit a grand slam in the fifth inning to give the Pale Hose an 11-3 lead. Tigers starter Eldon Auker was strafed for seven runs and 12 hits in 4.2 innings. The White Sox assailed Tigers pitching with 20 hits.


Appling, shown before Wednesday's game, delivered the winning hit to cap a wild affair

Tuesday, August 9, 1938

Errors play key role in Tigers' late win over Chisox

TIGERS 6, Chicago 4
at Chicago, IL

DET   003 000 102 = 6-9-3
CHI    010 011 100 = 4-10-2
WP- Rowe (6-3); LP- Rigney
HR- York, DET (19; 3rd inning; 2 on, 0 out)

The game had been sloppy all afternoon, so it was fitting that an error led to the winning run. The Tigers scored twice in the ninth inning, thanks in part to a booted ball by Chicago third baseman Marv Owen, and beat the White Sox, 6-4. Chet Morgan's two-out single in the ninth plated Charlie Gehringer (who reached on the error) and Hank Greenberg came home on Mark Christman's single. Both hits came after the side should have been retired if it wasn't for Owen's error. The Tigers committed three miscues which led to three unearned White Sox runs. The White Sox' two errors also led to three unearned runs. Rudy York's 19th homer in the third inning vaulted Detroit into a 3-1 lead. The Tigers have won three of four since ending their five-game losing streak.

TIGERS: 52-48; Home: 25-27; Away: 27-21


Schoolboy Rowe pitched two scoreless innings in relief to earn his sixth win

Sunday, August 7, 1938

Bosox bats stay hot as they avoid sweep

Boston 10, TIGERS 4
at Detroit, MI

BOS   031 002 040 = 10-13-0
DET   010 100 002 = 4-12-1
WP- Wilson; LP- Gill (6-9)
HR- Foxx, BOS (3rd inning; 0 on, 1 out)

The Boston Red Sox continued their offensive onslaught, but this time it ended in a victory as they beat the Tigers, 10-4, to avoid a three-game weekend sweep. The Red Sox had scored 20 runs in the first two games of the series, but lost them both. Joe Cronin, Ben Chapman and Jim Tabor each had two RBI. Jack Wilson pitched a complete game, despite giving up 12 hits. Chet Morgan had three hits and an RBI for the Tigers, who now embark on a six-game, western road trip to Chicago and St. Louis.


Wilson pitched a complete game, albeit 12-hitter

Saturday, August 6, 1938

Fox drives in seven as Tigers win wild one, 15-14

TIGERS 15, Boston 14
at Detroit, MI

BOS   301 007 120 = 14-21-1
DET   432 020 40x = 15-22-1
WP- Benton (4-0); LP- McKain
HR- Greenberg, DET (30; 2nd inning; 2 on, 1 out); Foxx, BOS (6th inning; 0 on, 0 out); Vosmik, BOS (6th inning; 2 on, 2 out)

Pete Fox had seven RBI and the Tigers won a crazy game, despite enduring a seven-run inning by Boston in blowing an 11-4 lead. The Tigers had nine runs and 14 hits after three innings, but the Red Sox matched Detroit's offense. The teams were separated by one run and one hit after 29 runs and 43 hits had stained the scorecard. Fox had four hits in gathering his seven RBI. In the 17 half innings played, at least one run was scored in all but seven of them. Al Benton earned the win in relief, and he has the unusual statistic of being 4-0 despite an ERA of 9.30 on the season. The Tigers trailed, 12-11 in the seventh inning until Fox delivered a bases loaded double that scored all three runners, capping a four-run uprising.

TIGERS: 51-47; Home: 25-26; Away: 26-21

Fox delivered four hits and seven RBI in the wild Tigers win

Friday, August 5, 1938

Greenberg's hit in 11th completes Tigers comeback

TIGERS 7, Boston 6 (11 innings)
at Detroit, MI

BOS   201 210 000 00 = 6-9-3
DET   010 040 001 01 = 7-8-1
WP- Coffman (1-3); LP- Dickman
HR- Cronin, BOS 2 (1st inning; 1 on, 2 out; 5th inning; 0 on, 2 out); York, DET (18; 5th inning; 3 on, 2 out)

Hank Greenberg's double to deep left center scored Billy Rogell with the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning as the Tigers completed a comeback from a 6-1 deficit. Rudy York's grand slam in the fifth inning drew the Tigers to within one run, and Jo-Jo White's double with two out in the ninth inning tied the game, 6-6. In the 11th, Rogell reached first base on an error by Joe Cronin, stole second, and after an intentional walk, Greenberg drove an Emerson Dickman pitch up the alley to plate the winning run. Cronin hit two homers and had four RBI for Boston. Schoolboy Rowe pitched four innings of hitless, shutout baseball in relief as the Tigers snapped a five-game losing streak.


Boston's Jimmie Foxx and Detroit's Rudy York discuss hitting prior to Friday's game. It must have worked for York, who hit a grand slam.

Thursday, August 4, 1938

Pearson one-hits Tigers as Yankees sweep

New York 2, TIGERS 0
at Detroit, MI

NY    200 000 000 = 2-9-1
DET  000 000 000 = 0-1-0
WP- Pearson; LP- Kennedy (8-7)

Monte Pearson gave up a leadoff single in the first inning and that was the only hit he allowed as the Yankees completed a three-game sweep, 2-0. Tigers starter Vern Kennedy also pitched a complete game, but unfortunately a two-run first inning was the only offense New York needed. Pearson retired 17 of the last 18 hitters he faced as Yankees pitchers threw a complete game in each game of the series. Pearson walked two and the only man who reached base for Detroit after the fourth inning did so via error. Joe DiMaggio's triple drove in both Yankees runs. The Tigers have lost five in a row.


Pearson didn't allow a hit after the first batter of the game

Wednesday, August 3, 1938

Yanks start fast again, cruise to win

New York 8, TIGERS 2
at Detroit, MI

NY   421 000 010 = 8-13-2
DET 000 100 001 = 2-4-1
WP- Ruffing; LP- Auker (5-7)
HR- Henrich, NY (2nd inning; 1 on, 0 out); Gordon, NY (3rd inning; 0 on, 1 out); Selkirk, NY (8th inning; 0 on, 1 out)

For the second straight day, the Yankees jumped all over a Tigers starter. This time, a four-run first inning set the tone. After retiring the first batter, Eldon Auker allowed the next seven hitters to reach base. Tommy Henrich added a two-run homer in the second inning to give New York a 6-0 lead. The Tigers lost their fourth straight game, mustering just four hits off Red Ruffing, who pitched a complete game.

TIGERS: 49-46; Home: 23-25; Away: 26-21


Ruffing dominated the Tigers on Wednesday

Tuesday, August 2, 1938

Gehrig sets pace in Yankees' win

New York 7, TIGERS 2
at Detroit, MI

NY    310 002 001 = 7-11-0
DET  000 001 010 = 2-7-2
WP- Gomez; LP- Gill (6-8)
HR- Gehrig, NY (1st inning; 2 on, 2 out); Greenberg, DET (29; 8th inning; 0 on, 1 out)

Lou Gehrig slammed a three-run homer in the first inning and the Yankees never looked back in earning a 7-2 win over Detroit. Tigers starter George Gill got into trouble in the first inning by walking two hitters, and Gehrig made Gill pay with a drive deep into the upper deck in right field. Lefty Gomez spun a complete game, seven-hitter for New York.


Gehrig watches his first inning home run sail into the right field stands

Monday, August 1, 1938

A's big bats pound way to series split, 9-3

Philadelphia 9, TIGERS 3
at Detroit, MI

PHI   002 200 140 = 9-12-0
DET  010 100 001 = 3-8-2
WP- Ross; LP- Lawson (3-6)

The Philadelphia A's, who scored 24 runs in a doubleheader split on Saturday, didn't let Sunday's off day cool off their bats as they trounced the Tigers, 9-3 on Monday. The win gave the A's a split in their four-game series in Detroit. Wally Moses had three RBI on three hits and Buck Ross pitched a complete game. For the Tigers, Birdie Tebbetts went 2-for-3, raising his average to .453. The A's 1-3 hitters Lou Finney, Moses and Bill Werber were a combined 9-for-15 with four RBI.


Moses' two-run double in the 8th inning helped salt the game for Philadelphia

Saturday, July 30, 1938

Eight-run explosion in 9th salvages DH split for A's

TIGERS 11-7, Philadelphia 9-15 (DH)

Game 1
PHI   200 220 210 = 9-15-2
DET  004 040 21x = 11-16-0
WP- Lawson (3-5); SV- Eisenstat (6); LP- Potter
HR- Greenberg, DET (28; 5th inning; 0 on, 0 out); Fox, DET (4; 5th inning; 0 on, 0 out)

In what would be a wild twinbill, the Tigers won Game 1, taking a see-saw affair, 11-9. The game was delayed for some 90 minutes by rain in the top of the third inning. Twice the Tigers scored four runs in an inning, and barely held on to stave off the pesky A's. Hank Greenberg and Pete Fox hit back-to-back homers in the fifth inning as Detroit won its seventh in eight games.

Game 2
PHI  110 101 308 = 15-16-1
DET 201 000 040 = 7-15-0
WP- Dean; LP- Coffman (3-4)
HR- Johnson, PHI (6th inning; 0 on, 0 out)

The fireworks continued in the nightcap. The Tigers scored four times in the eighth inning to tie the game, 7-7, but the A's erupted for eight runs in the top of the ninth---five runs unearned---off Slick Coffman. Torrid-hitting Birdie Tebbetts had six hits in the doubleheader, lifting his average to .447.


Tigers skipper Mickey Cochrane looks on during Saturday's doubleheader at Briggs Stadium

Friday, July 29, 1938

Six-run seventh propels Tigers past A's

TIGERS 9, Philadelphia 6
at Detroit, MI

PHI   000 102 021 = 6-12-2
DET  100 200 60x = 9-14-3
WP- Rowe (5-3); LP- Williams
HR- Johnson, PHI (6th inning; 1 on, 0 out); Lodigiani, PHI (9th inning; 0 on, 2 out)

Schoolboy Rowe worked out of a jam in the seventh inning in relief, then smacked a two-run double in the bottom of the inning, helping the Tigers break open a tie game with a six-run frame on their way to defeating the Philadelphia A's, 9-6. Philly's "Indian Bob" Johnson tied the game, 3-3, with a two-run homer in the sixth inning off starter Elden Auker. In the seventh, the A's had runners on first and second with nobody out when Tigers manager Mickey Cochrane summoned Rowe from the bullpen. Schoolboy retired the next three hitters to keep the score tied. The Tigers then exploded for six runs in their half of the seventh. Chick Morgan's two-run single started the onslaught. The Tigers have won six of their past seven games.

TIGERS: 48-42; Home: 22-21; Away: 26-21


Morgan's two-run single triggered the Tigers' six-run seventh

Thursday, July 28, 1938

Gill's complete game paces Tigers

TIGERS 7, Washington 1
at Detroit, MI

WAS   000 100 000 = 1-5-1
DET    103 200 10x = 7-13-0
WP- Gill (6-7); LP- DeShong
HR- none

George Gill threw a complete game, five-hitter, and Birdie Tebbetts continued his torrid hitting as the Tigers beat the Washington Senators, 7-1, at Briggs Stadium. The win was the Tigers' fifth in six games and seventh in their last 10. Tebbetts had three singles and four RBI, lifting his average to .436 as he fills in for injured catcher Rudy York.  Gill walked two and struck out four, and he added a single to help his cause. Taffy Wright came a home run away from hitting for the cycle for Washington.

TIGERS: 47-42; Home: 21-21; Away: 26-21

Gill's record sits at 6-7 after twirling his fourth complete game of the season

Wednesday, July 27, 1938

Tebbets, White hold off Senators, 6-5

TIGERS 6, Washington 5
at Detroit, MI

WAS    200 001 101 = 5-16-2
DET     000 041 10x = 6-12-1
WP- Lawson (2-5); SV- Coffman (4); LP- Weaver

Catcher Birdie Tebbetts had three hits, plus he threw out Buddy Myer trying to steal second for the game's final out, and the Tigers came from behind to beat the Washington Senators, 6-5 at Briggs Stadium on Wednesday. Jo-Jo White's bases-loaded triple in the fifth inning put the Tigers ahead to stay. Al Simmons' two-run homer in the first inning got the Senators off to a fast start, but they couldn't sustain it, despite rapping out 16 hits.

TIGERS: 46-42; Home: 20-21; Away: 26-21


Tebbetts beat the Senators with his bat AND his arm.

Tuesday, July 26, 1938

Senators demolish Tigers behind 18-hit attack

Washington 14, TIGERS 8
at Detroit, MI

WAS   001 261 013 = 14-18-1
DET    010 004 003 = 8-14-2
WP- W. Ferrell; LP- Kennedy (8-6)
HR- none

A brutal six-run, two-error inning suffered by Tigers pitching sealed the team's fate in a 14-8 loss to the Washington Senators on Tuesday. The Senators pounded out 18 hits, including five in the fifth inning during the six-run eruption. Washington's George Case had four hits, scored two runs and had an RBI. The Tigers managed 14 hits themselves but couldn't keep pace. Chick Morgan drove in three runs for Detroit, which saw its modest three-game winning streak snapped.


Case led the Senators' romp with four hits (two doubles), two runs and one RBI

Sunday, July 24, 1938

Tigers use 17 runs, 30 hits to sweep DH from A's

TIGERS 7-10, Philadelphia 3-3 (DH)
at Philadelphia, PA

Game 1
DET   200 200 120 = 7-15-1
PHI    020 000 010 = 3-6-0
WP- Auker (5-6); LP- Ross
HR- Greenberg, DET (27; 1st inning; 1 on, 2 out)

The Tigers banged out 15 hits in overwhelming the A's in Game 1. Hank Greenberg's two-run homer in the first inning set the tone. Elden Auker went seven-plus innings to earn the victory. Jo-Jo White had four hits and two RBI, while Mark Christman had three hits and one RBI.

Game 2
DET   020 200 330 = 10-15-0
PHI    000 020 001 = 3-9-4
WP- Bridges (5-4); LP- Caster
HR- none

The Tigers continued their assault on A's pitching in the nightcap. Four players collected three hits each, while Pete Fox (one of those players) had three RBI. Tommy Bridges tossed his second complete game of the season, scattering nine hits while walking three and striking out five.


White had four hits and two RBI in Game 1

Thursday, July 21, 1938

Greenberg, York lift Tigers to series win over Senators

TIGERS 8, Washington 1
at Washington, DC

DET   201 203 000 = 8-14-3
WAS  000 001 000 = 1-9-3
WP- Eisenstat (7-3); LP- Weaver
HR- York, DET (17; 6th inning; 1 on, 0 out); Simmons, WAS (6th inning; 0 on, 1 out)

Despite making three errors, the Tigers overwhelmed the Washington Senators, 8-1 on Thursday afternoon at Griffith Stadium. Rudy York had a homer and three RBI and Hank Greenberg chipped in with four hits. Harry Eisenstat pitched his first complete game of 1938, scattering nine hits. The Tigers led, 5-0 after four innings and cruised to the series win. Detroit's 3-4-5-6 hitters went a combined 8-for-19 with five RBI.


Eisenstat, pictured before Thursday's game

Wednesday, July 20, 1938

Tigers blow two leads, fall in 11, 5-4

Washington 5, TIGERS 4 (11 innings)
at Washington, DC

DET   003 001 000 00 = 4-9-1
WAS  000 031 000 01 = 5-8-2
WP- Krakauskas; LP- Rowe (4-3)
HR- Gehringer, DET (15; 3rd inning; 2 on, 0 out); W. Ferrell, WAS (6th inning; 0 on, 2 out)

The Ferrell brothers did the Tigers in, as pitcher Wes threw nine innings and hit a solo home run, while catcher Rick drove in the game-winning run with a slow ground ball to shortstop, and the Washington Senators beat Detroit 5-4 in 11 innings. Wes Ferrell's home run tied the game, 4-4 in the sixth inning. Charlie Gehringer smacked a three-run homer for Detroit, losers of five of their last seven games. In the 11th, Jimmy Wasdell led off with a single, but the hit was misplayed by center fielder Chick Morgan and Wasdell advanced to second. Ossie Bluege sacrificed Wasdell to third, and Rick Ferrell's slow ground ball enabled Wasdell to scamper home with the winning run ahead of Billy Rogell's throw. The Tigers held leads of 3-0 and 4-3.


Wes Ferrell, one of baseball's best hitting pitchers, showed it against the Tigers on Wednesday

Tuesday, July 19, 1938

Errors galore but Tigers survive, 8-6

TIGERS 8, Washington 6
at Washington, DC

DET   004 022 000 = 8-12-4
WAS  100 104 000 = 6-11-4
WP- Kennedy (8-5); SV- Coffman (3); LP- Chase
HR- Greenberg, DET (26; 5th inning; 0 on, 0 out)

It won't go down as the prettiest of wins, but the Tigers overcame four errors and outlasted the Washington Senators, 8-6, on Tuesday afternoon. Part of the reason for the win was that the Senators committed four errors as well. Each team had a four-run inning but the Tigers had just enough extra offense to win. Hank Greenberg smashed his 26th home run, a solo shot in the fifth inning. Tigers starter Vern Kennedy got the win, despite giving up six runs (only two earned) and nine hits in 5.2 innings. Birdie Tebbetts, starting at catcher to give Rudy York a rest, had three hits and a walk.


Kennedy wasn't great, but he was good enough to earn his eighth win