World Series Game 6: '77-LA 3, '06-DET 2 (14 INN)

Game 6 would prove to be a very dramatic game. Detroit had Nate Robinson on the mound once again looking to face LA ace Don Sutton again.

Detroit struck first in the top 2nd inning, when Monroe Doubled and scored on a Casey Fielder’s Choice. Meanwhile, Robertson held LA to just 2 hits in 4 innings of shutout ball. But, in the bottom 5th inning, Ron Cey Walked and scored on a Steve Yeager Double – to even the score 1-1. In the next inning, LA scored again on a solo shot from Davey Lopes to take a 2-1 lead after 6 innings of play. Detroit was having difficulty against Sutton, who was on fire giving up that 1 run on just 2 hits thru 7 innings of play. In the 8th inning, with 1 out, Sutton gave up 3 straight Walks to Infante, Guillen, and Ordonez to load the bases. Sutton actually gave up 7 Walks and 2 hits for the game. But, his night was done. LA sent in Mike Garman with a 2-1 lead, but Detroit had the based loaded and 1 out here in the 8th inning. Infante would eventually score on a SAC fly from Inge. LA did get out of that jam, but Garman blew the Save and Detroit evened the score at 2-2. It stayed that way, as we headed into the bottom of the 9th inning. Steve Garvey and Dusty Baker both Walked to lead off the inning against Detroit closer Todd Jones. With 2 men on and no outs, LA was in command with Reggie Smith and Ron Cey coming to the plate. But, Detroit and Jones had other plans. Smith hit a shallow flyout and Cey hit into a DP to end the treat. That was a wasted Championship opportunity there – and the LA crowd was stunned as we headed into Xtra Innings.

Garman and Jones were still pitching for their respective clubs. Garman got LA thru the 10th and 11th innings – and Jones did the same for Detroit, even though LA did strand another runner on Third Base in the 10th inning. The 12th inning would have Charlie Hough coming in for LA and Zack Miner in for Detroit. The LA crowd held their collective breath with each pitch from Hough – because he began the 12 inning with a HBP to Casey and a Walk to Polanco – and was now facing 2 men on with no outs and the top of the order set to come up for Detroit. The crowd clearly wanted Hough out of the game. But, the LA manager was sticking with his veteran, and the old knuckleballer settled down to get 3 quick outs on 3 weak swings from Granderson, Infante, and Guillen. After that scare, Hough would go on retire the side in the 13th inning – and Lewallyn then came in for LA to give up only 1 other hit to Casey in the 14th inning. Meanwhile, Miner pitched perfect ball in the 12th and 13th innings for Detroit. In the bottom 14 inning, Steve Garvey started the inning with a Fly Out to Left Field. Dusty Baker then Singled and Reggie Smith Walked. Miner was now looking at 2 men on and 1 out – with Ron Cey at the plate. Cey hit a Fielder’s Choice that moved Baker to Third Base and Smith was forced out at Second Base – leaving Cey on First Base. With First and Third occupied – and 2 outs – Rick Monday, one of the weaker LA hitters, smacked a Single off Miner into Right Field to score Baker and the winning run – and to seal the KOD3 Championship victory for the 1977 LA Dodgers.

LA wins 3-2 in 14 innings of play. Davey Lopes, who went 1-for-5 and an HR, took the Game MVP. But, I may have given the Game MVP to Rick Monday, who had the game-winning hit – or to Don Sutton who held Detroit to 2 hits. Of course, 7 Walks did not help his cause.

This was a classic series between 2 solid clubs in LA and Detroit – and between 2 respected managers George Bseirani and Tom Davis. LA took the series on solid pitching, solid defense and scrappy hits. Their powerful lineup only produced 3 HR’s – one each from Cey, Hale, and Lopes. Credit must be given to Detroit and their pitching staff, as they held off the mighty LA lineup and kept their team close in most every game.

There will be a KOD3 Championship Bash at Tommy Lasorda’s house…..anyone up for some pasta ??