Tigers Outlast Indians in 15‑Inning Opener, 4–2
Kaline Delivers Decisive Hit; Burnside Shines in Relief Before 52,756 in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, April 20 — The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians opened the 1960 American League season with a marathon that matched last year’s length but not its outcome. After 4 hours and 54 minutes of tense, chilly baseball at Municipal Stadium, the Tigers finally broke through in the 15th inning to defeat the Indians, 4–2, before a crowd of 52,756, the largest Cleveland home‑opening turnout in seven years.
The decisive blow came from Al Kaline, who singled with the bases loaded to drive in two runs off reliever Bob Tiefenauer. It was Kaline’s only hit of the afternoon, but it arrived at the moment Detroit needed it most.
Burnside Finishes Strong
Left‑hander Pete Burnside, who entered in the 12th, earned the victory with four innings of steady relief. He allowed four hits, walked none, and struck out the side in the bottom of the 15th to seal the win.
Burnside’s performance capped a long day for both pitching staffs. Detroit starter Frank Lary and Cleveland’s Gary Bell matched each other for 10 scoreless innings before the game finally opened up in the 11th.
Both Clubs Break Through in the 11th
Detroit struck first. Walks to Lou Berberet and Johnny Groth, followed by a single from Lary, loaded the bases. Neil Chrisley then singled to score two runs. Bell had been lifted for Bob Grim, who surrendered the hit.
Cleveland answered immediately. After Lary allowed a single to Tito Francona and a double to Russ Nixon, reliever Jim Bunning entered. A walk and a fielder’s choice set the stage for Jim Piersall, who singled home two runs to tie the game at 2–2.
From there, the bullpens took over, and the game settled into a long stalemate.
Colavito Held Hitless in Cleveland Return
Much of the pregame attention centered on Rocky Colavito, traded by Cleveland to Detroit for batting champion Harvey Kuenn on the eve of Opening Day. Colavito struggled in his return, going 0‑for‑6 with four strikeouts and grounding into a double play. He also misplayed a ball in the field.
Kuenn, now in center field for the Indians, collected a double and a single in seven trips.
Kaline Breaks the Deadlock
The Tigers finally broke through in the 15th. Burnside drew a walk, Red Wilson doubled, and Charlie Maxwell walked to load the bases. With one out, Kaline lined a single to left, scoring two.
Cleveland threatened in the bottom half when Vic Power doubled with one out, but Burnside struck out Carl Thomas and former Tiger Steve Demeter to end the game.
Pitching Dominates Early
Lary and Bell were in command through the first 10 innings. Lary struck out five; Bell fanned 12 Tigers. Neither club managed a run until the 11th.
Detroit, which opened last season with six straight losses and did not win its second game until after a second six‑game skid, was relieved to begin 1960 on a far different note.
Next Game
The teams conclude the brief series today. Detroit will send Don Mossi, a left‑hander, against Cleveland’s Jim Perry.
Courtesy of The Lansing State Journal April 20, 1960 via Newspapers.com