DETROIT FREE PRESS | Monday, September 30, 1991 —THE TIGERS WERE ELIMINATED in the American League East race Sunday — but because of Cal Ripkin, Jr., it happened gracefully.
The Orioles shortstop hit two homers, good for four runs, to beat Scott Aldred, 7-4, in front of 17,925.
Ripkin has made these last three days at Tiger Stadium the most productive series of his brilliant career. He has driven 11 runs — his most RBIs ever in one series. This virtuoso completes his current Detroit engagement in the Tigers’ home finally tonight.
The Tigers, who trailed from the time Ripkin hit a three-run homer in the third inning, fell 7 and a half games behind the Toronto Blue Jays with one week left. Even if the Tigers win their remaining seven games and the Jays lose their remaining six, the Tigers can’t tie them — something they did for three days that marked the peak of their season.
On August 24-26, the Tigers were completing the seven-game winning streak and the 18-7 burst that allowed them to catch, but not pass, the Jays. Then the Tigers immediately slumped and never got hot again. (See article below for more; click on, tap or stretch article for larger detailed read).
Detroit Free Press, 09/30/1991 | Copyright 2022. Newspapers.com
BASEBALL REFERENCE: For the complete Baltimore Orioles vs. Detroit Tigers September 29, 1991 game-day box score and stats — click HERE