Lemon’s Late Homer Lifts Senators Over Indians, 7–6
Washington Rallies From 6–3 Deficit; Woodeshick Steadies Club in Relief
WASHINGTON, May 4 — The Washington Senators continued their early‑season habit of playing close, unpredictable ballgames, coming from behind Wednesday night to edge the Cleveland Indians, 7–6, at Griffith Stadium. Jim Lemon’s two‑run homer with two out in the seventh provided the winning margin in a contest that saw both clubs trade momentum and big innings.
The victory moved Washington to 7–7, good for a share of fourth place, and marked the Senators’ 12th one‑run decision in 14 games.
Indians Build Early Lead
Cleveland struck first when rookie Walter Bond hit a solo home run in the opening inning off starter Don Lee. Washington answered in the second with three runs, highlighted by Harmon Killebrew’s double, a walk to Don Mincher, and singles by Billy Consolo and Billy Gardner.
The Indians tied the game in the third on singles by Johnny Temple, Harvey Kuenn, and Bond. They then surged ahead with a four‑run fifth inning. Bond delivered his second home run of the night — a two‑run shot into the bullpen — and after a single by Tito Francona, reliever Hal Woodeshick entered. Vic Power doubled off the right‑field fence, and John Romano singled home two more, giving Cleveland a 6–3 advantage.
Senators Begin Climb Back
Washington cut the deficit in the bottom of the fifth. Dan Dobbek singled, Bob Allison walked, and both advanced on a wild pitch. Lemon singled to left, scoring two and bringing the Senators within 6–5.
Woodeshick, after being greeted with two hard‑hit balls, settled down and allowed only three singles over the final four innings, keeping the Indians from extending their lead.
Lemon Delivers Decisive Blow
The Senators completed their comeback in the seventh. Allison walked, stole second, and stood there with two out when Cleveland reliever John Briggs threw a fastball high and tight to Lemon. The next pitch was driven into the left‑field seats for Lemon’s fourth home run of the season, putting Washington ahead 7–6.
It was the third time this year that a late‑inning hit by Lemon had produced a Senators victory.
Woodeshick Secures Win
Cleveland threatened only mildly in the late innings, as Woodeshick worked efficiently and kept the ball down. The left‑hander earned his first win of the season.
Indians’ Offense Led by Bond
Bond finished with two home runs and four runs batted in, while Temple and Kuenn each reached base twice. Power and Romano contributed key hits during Cleveland’s fifth‑inning rally.
Looking Ahead
Washington opens a three‑game series tonight against the Chicago White Sox, who dominated the Senators last season. Russ Kemmerer is scheduled to face Bob Shaw, with Camilo Pascual and Pedro Ramos set to pitch later in the series.
Courtesy of The Washington Evening Star May 5, 1960 via Newspapers.com