DETROIT -- James McCann's throwing error not only cost the Tigers a run in Monday night's 5-1 loss to the Angels, it cost the catcher his historic run without an error.
McCann went 139 Major League games without an error since first being called up in 2013. That's where the streak ended, but it stands as the longest by a catcher to begin his big league career.
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McCann had long since eclipsed the previous record. Former Cleveland Indians backstop Frankie Pytlak held the old mark at 93 games, compiled from 1932-34.
"I knew when I made the error," McCann said. "I hope I have a long enough career to make at least one more."
McCann's streak involved 974 total chances, during which he had 69 assists and six double plays.
The error was a case of trying to make a big play as the eighth inning got away from them. While McCann dug out shortstop Andrew Romine's throw home in the dirt, he had no chance to get a play at the plate on Rafael Ortega. He hoped to have a chance at throwing out Gregorio Petit at first base, which he might have with an accurate throw.
Instead, the throw went wide of first baseman of Miguel Cabrera and into foul territory, rolling into right field as Cliff Pennington rounded third base and scored an insurance run.
"If I make a good throw and put it in Miggy's chest, that guy's out," McCann said. "In that situation, we're looking for outs. Obviously, hindsight's 20/20, and I didn't make a good throw. But if I do make a good throw, that's an out, and we get out of the inning."