Phillips creates Tribe magic
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Just when it seemed the Detroit Tigers had run out of ways to lose, baseball's worst team discovered a new one -- the walkoff homer.
Brandon Phillips hit a three-run homer with one out in the ninth Tuesday night, rallying the Cleveland Indians to a 6-4 win over the Tigers, who blew their first ninth-inning lead in what has already been a nightmarish season.
"This gets old, talking about a tough loss," said Detroit manager Alan Trammell, who was visibly frustrated by his team's collapse. "I'm not happy right now.
"Whatever we try, it seems like it's not the right answer. This was really tough, because we had a shot at winning."
Had their chances
The Tigers, who have lost six straight, blew a lead for the second straight game. On Monday night, Detroit squandered leads of 6-0 and 9-7.
"We hate this," said starter Adam Bernero, who remained 0-6 and winless since Sept. 25. "We hate losing. I don't accept it. I cannot stand losing."
After connecting for his game-winning homer, Phillips was swarmed by his teammates at home plate. He took one punch to the stomach, another in the ribs and a few blows to the head.
"It was terrible," the Indians' smiling rookie second baseman said. "But it really felt good. It's the second-biggest hit of my career. I've never hit a walkoff home run before."
Phillips' line shot off Matt Roney (0-1) gave the Indians their most dramatic win this season.
Detroit took a 4-3 lead into the ninth before Casey Blake blooped a one-out single and Ben Broussard sent him to third with a base hit to right.
Bill Selby came in to pinch-run for Broussard, but the Indians didn't need his speed when Phillips ripped a 1-1 pitch over the wall in left for his third homer.
Trammell had just visited with Roney, who was pitching his third inning and looking for his first career save at any level. Trammell refused to address questions about his decision to leave in Roney.
"It's over and done with," Trammell said.
Motherly love
As he circled the bases, Phillips said he hoped his mother was watching him on TV back in Stone Mountain, Ga.
"I'm a momma's boy," said Phillips, who added that he has some loftier goals. "I want to be a legend in this city."
Phillips jumped high and landed with two feet on the plate before being banged around by his teammates, who celebrated the Indians' first walkoff homer at Jacobs Field since Aug. 24.
"I spiked the plate," he said. "Milton [Bradley] hit me one good time, and Ellis got me in the ribs. I know who to pay back."
Rookie Josh Bard homered for the Indians, and David Riske (1-0) pitched an inning for the win.
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