Can’t win them all

Steve Carlton in 1972 with the Phillies

Steve Carlton’s 15-game winning streak for the Philadelphia Phillies during his magical 1972 season comes to an end 53 years ago today in a 2-1 loss to Atlanta in 11 innings at Veterans Stadium.

Carlton retires 19 straight batters before Dusty Baker doubles with two outs in the 11th inning.

Carlton then intentionally walks Earl Williams before Mike Lum singles to center, scoring Baker from second and breaking the 1-1 tie.

With a Monday night crowd of 41,212 looking on, Carlton walks only three while striking out 10 over his 11 innings, while Atlanta starter Phil Niekro produces the exact same numbers.

Only Niekro wins the game – his 12th victory in 22 decisions, while Carlton’s record falls to 20-7.

The light-hitting Phillies manage to get the would-be tying run to second base with one out in the bottom of the 11th inning before the knuckleball-happy Niekro retires pinch-hitter Terry Harmon and then Denny Doyle on a pair of groundouts to end the game.

Carlton eventually wins 27 game – and the Cy Young Award – for an otherwise hapless Philadelphia team that wins only 59 games in 1972.

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