Orioles Edge Yankees, 3–2, as Fourth‑Inning Miscues Prove Costly
Wilhelm Goes the Distance; Baltimore Capitalizes on New York Errors to Take Series Opener
NEW YORK, May 27 — The Baltimore Orioles needed only one productive inning Friday afternoon, but it was enough. Three fourth‑inning runs — two of them unearned — carried the Birds to a 3–2 victory over the Yankees at the Stadium, with knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm working a complete game and allowing just six hits.
The game’s most unusual feature was the oversized catcher’s mitt used by Clint Courtney, designed to handle Wilhelm’s unpredictable flutterball. The glove drew as much attention as the pitching, and more than a little irritation from the New York bench.
Yankee Errors Open the Door
The decisive inning began when Brooks Robinson walked and Ron Hansen followed with a grounder into the hole at short. Tony Kubek made a fine stop but dropped the ball as he tried to make the transfer, leaving two aboard.
Wilhelm then pushed a bunt up the first‑base line. Bill Skowron charged but overran the ball and slipped, forcing pitcher Art Ditmar to make a hurried play at first. Both runners advanced, and Marv Breeding capitalized by lining a drive over Bob Cerv’s head for a ground‑rule double, scoring two.
One out later, Gene Woodling singled through the left side, bringing home the third run.
Two of the three tallies were unearned.
Yankees Cut the Margin
New York broke through in the sixth when Mickey Mantle walked, advanced on a balk, and scored on Roger Maris’ single to right.
In the ninth, Maris doubled to the corner, and Yogi Berra followed with a low liner that struck the wall just fair. Albie Pearson made a sharp one‑handed play on the carom, holding Berra to a single and preventing extra bases.
Maris scored to make it 3–2, but the Yankees could not push Berra around.
Last‑Inning Rally Falls Short
With Berra on first, Cerv was asked to bunt but popped up. Skowron followed with another pop, bringing up Gil McDougald with two out.
On the first pitch, McDougald stepped out of the box claiming catcher’s interference, insisting Courtney’s oversized mitt had clipped his bat. Plate umpire Al Smith ruled otherwise and called the pitch a strike. McDougald grounded into a force to end the game.
Manager Casey Stengel voiced his displeasure afterward, saying the glove “leans out to get that knuckleball,” but added that fielding mistakes, not equipment, cost his club the game.
Wilhelm Steady Throughout
Wilhelm walked only one and struck out three, keeping the Yankees off balance with his trademark knuckler. Courtney handled the entire game without a passed ball — a rarity when Wilhelm pitches.
Ditmar allowed seven hits in eight innings and was charged with his first loss of the season.
Notes
- Maris had two hits, including his ninth‑inning double.
- Pearson’s play on Berra’s drive prevented the tying run from reaching scoring position.
- Attendance was not announced, but the holiday weekend crowd was lively throughout.
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Courtesy of The New York Daily News May 28, 1960 via Newspapers.com