1968 10-07 Cardinals at Tigers World Series Game 5
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The Thomas Paine Podcast delivers a gripping, play-by-play account of Game 5 of the 1968 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers, capturing one of baseball’s most dramatic showdowns. The Cardinals struck first with a three-run outburst in the top of the first inning, fueled by Lou Brock’s leadoff double, Kurt Flood’s single, and Orlando Cepeda’s towering home run. Despite a shaky start, Cardinals pitcher Mickey Lolich settled in, retiring five straight batters after the first inning. The Tigers responded with a two-run rally in the fourth, sparked by Mickey Stanley’s triple and Willie Horton’s double, and surged ahead in the seventh with a pivotal rally that gave them a 5-3 lead. The tension peaked in the ninth inning as the Cardinals loaded the bases with two outs, thanks to Ed Spezio’s clutch base hit, and brought in Roger Maris as a pinch hitter. Maris was struck out by Lolich, and Lou Brock followed with a line drive caught by the pitcher, sealing the Tigers’ 5-3 victory and forcing a Game 6. The game marked a turning point in the series, with Detroit overcoming a 3-1 deficit to take control and ultimately win the World Series, cementing Lolich’s legendary status with a complete-game performance, seven strikeouts, and crucial defensive plays under pressure.
Mickey Lolich delivered a complete-game, dominant performance, striking out seven and allowing only eight hits, securing the Tigers' 5-3 win in Game 5.
The Cardinals' late rally in the ninth inning, led by Ed Spezio’s base hit and Roger Maris’ pinch-hit at-bat, fell short despite strong efforts, highlighting the importance of clutch pitching.
Lou Brock’s exceptional series performance, with a .579 batting average, two home runs, and seven stolen bases, underscored his elite status as a hitter and base stealer.
The Tigers’ offensive surge in the seventh inning shifted momentum, and their bullpen and defensive strategy held firm under pressure, preserving the lead in a high-stakes game.
Game 5 became a pivotal moment in baseball history, evened the series at 3-2, and set the stage for a dramatic Game 6 in St. Louis.
Cardinals Strike First: 3-0 Lead in the First Inning
“Cepeda! He's the score of 3-0 as he hit a towering fly ball into left that barely made it beyond the 3-65 mark.”
Tigers Rally in the Bottom of the Fourth: 2-3 Deficit
“Stanley on at third. The relay is held up by Harriere. Half the fourth inning hits the chalk line down that right field line. He's on third with the triple and the fans have come to life here now.”
Defensive Drama and Close Plays in the Middle Inning
The game remains tightly contested as both teams trade momentum. The Cardinals’ defense shines with a key double play by Mike Shannon and a great throw by Willie Horton to retire Lou Brock at the plate. The Tigers’ offense continues to threaten, but the Cardinals’ pitching and defense keep them from extending the lead.
Tigers Take the Lead: 5-3 in the Bottom of the Seventh
“The Tigers have come to the mound. You talk to Joe Harden and with Willie Hart, the big strong man, right-handed hitter up there, the power for the Tigers.”
Cardinals' Ninth-Inning Rally Begins
“The pitch to Spezio. Low inside. Barely missed and Lolic knew where he was going with that pitch. I would say he had a pretty good idea.”
“Rocks, swings, and hits it back to the pitcher. The Tigers win! Tiger's feet on the final wave!”
“The pitch to Spezio. Low inside. Barely missed and Lolic knew where he was going with that pitch. I would say he had a pretty good idea.”
“Cepeda! He's the score of 3-0 as he hit a towering fly ball into left that barely made it beyond the 3-65 mark.”
Hosts
Mickey Lolich
person
Lou Brock
person
Detroit Tigers
other
St. Louis Cardinals
other
Roger Maris
person
Ed Spezio
person
Orlando Cepeda
person
Kurt Flood
person
Tiger Stadium
place
Tim McCarver
person
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