Tigers Defeat Orioles, 2–0, on Maxwell’s Ninth‑Inning Single
Detroit Ends Baltimore’s Stay in First Place as Lary Outduels Fisher Before 12,984 at Memorial Stadium
BALTIMORE, June 8 — A tense pitchers’ duel at Memorial Stadium ended abruptly in the ninth inning Wednesday night when Charley Maxwell lined a two‑out single to center, scoring two runs and giving the Detroit Tigers a 2–0 victory over the Orioles.
The loss dropped Baltimore out of first place after a 12‑day stay, as Cleveland moved ahead by percentage points with a doubleheader sweep in Boston.
Fisher Brilliant Until the Ninth
Baltimore’s Jack Fisher, only 21, carried a one‑hit shutout into the ninth inning. Rocky Colavito’s third‑inning single had been Detroit’s only hit, and Fisher retired 18 straight Tigers at one stretch.
Detroit finally broke through when Chico Fernandez singled to left to open the ninth. Frank Lary bunted him to second, and Fisher walked Eddie Yost. Pinch‑hitter Sandy Amoros then bounced a sharp ball between first and second; second baseman Marv Breeding made a fine stop to prevent a run, but both runners advanced.
With two out and first base open, Fisher pitched to Maxwell rather than issue an intentional walk. Maxwell lined a low pitch into center, scoring Fernandez and Yost.
Manager Paul Richards later said he hoped Maxwell would chase a bad pitch, calling it a calculated risk that did not pay off.
Lary Matches Fisher Pitch for Pitch
Detroit’s Frank Lary was equally effective, allowing only three hits — singles by Jim Gentile and Brooks Robinson and a double by Ron Hansen. Lary struck out seven and walked three in earning his fifth win and second shutout of the season.
Baltimore’s best chances came early. In the first inning, Breeding drove a long fly to right that Colavito caught with a backhanded, over‑the‑shoulder grab. Gentile later singled Brandt to third, but Fernandez made another running catch to end the inning.
Hansen doubled in the second but was stranded at third.
Defensive Play Highlights
Both clubs turned in strong fielding:
- Robinson made two difficult plays on slow rollers in the fourth and fifth.
- Fernandez robbed Brandt and Woodling of hits with sharp plays to both sides.
- Breeding made a backhanded stop to retire Maxwell in the seventh.
But there was no defense for Maxwell’s ninth‑inning liner.
Standings Impact
The Orioles have now dropped four of their last six. Detroit’s win moved the Tigers within two games of fifth place.
Courtesy of The Baltimore Sun June 9, 1960 via Newspapers.com