White Sox Edge Athletics in 11 Innings, 6–5
Kluszewski’s Ground Single Scores Fox With Winning Run at Comiskey Park
CHICAGO, April 21 — The Chicago White Sox, after falling behind by four runs in the opening inning, battled back and finally defeated the Kansas City Athletics, 6–5, in 11 innings Thursday afternoon at Comiskey Park. Ted Kluszewski’s bouncing single past first base brought home Nellie Fox with the deciding run and ended a long, seesaw contest marked by early scoring and strong relief pitching on both sides.
Fox, who had a perfect day at the plate with four hits and a sacrifice fly, scored twice and drove in two runs. His steady play in the field, along with sharp defensive work by Luis Aparicio and Gene Freese, helped keep Chicago in the game after Kansas City’s fast start.
Athletics Strike Early
Kansas City jumped on Chicago starter Bob Shaw for four runs in the first inning. After a walk to Bill Tuttle, Jerry Lumpe beat out a slow roller, and Hank Bauer walked. With two out, Marv Throneberry drew another pass, and Dick Williams doubled past third to score two. Harry Chiti followed with a double off the left‑field wall, driving in two more and giving the Athletics a 4–0 lead.
Shaw, who had dominated Kansas City last season, was lifted after the rough inning.
White Sox Answer Quickly
Chicago responded in the second. Sherm Lollar walked, Jim Landis singled, and after Al Smith struck out, pinch‑hitter Earl Torgeson delivered a two‑run single to right‑center. Aparicio sacrificed, and Fox singled over second to bring home Torgeson, cutting the deficit to 4–3.
The White Sox tied the game in the fourth when Fox doubled down the right‑field line and scored on Minnie Minoso’s single to left.
Moore Escapes Bases‑Loaded Jam
Reliever Ray Moore, who had earned a win earlier in the week with a single pitch, entered in the third after Kansas City loaded the bases with none out. Moore worked out of the jam and allowed only one run over four innings, keeping Chicago close.
Athletics Regain the Lead
Kansas City moved ahead again in the sixth. Ken Hamlin walked, Ken Johnson sacrificed, and Lumpe singled to center, scoring Hamlin and giving the Athletics a 5–4 advantage.
Chicago Pulls Even Again
The White Sox tied the game in the bottom half. Joe Hicks singled for Moore, was forced on Aparicio’s bunt, and Aparicio stole second. When Chiti’s throw sailed into center field, Aparicio advanced to third. Fox’s sacrifice fly to left scored him, making it 5–5.
Staley Holds the Line
Veteran reliever Gerry Staley took over in the seventh and was nearly flawless, facing the minimum over five innings. Tuttle reached base once but was erased on a double play. Staley allowed no runs and kept the Athletics from mounting any late threats.
Deciding Rally in the 11th
With one out in the 11th, Fox singled to center. Minoso followed with a walk after fouling off several pitches. In the ninth, Kansas City had intentionally walked Kluszewski with first base open, but this time Johnson had to pitch to him. Kluszewski swung at the first offering and sent a high‑bouncing grounder toward first. Throneberry appeared to have a play, but the ball took a hop over him and rolled into right field, allowing Fox to score easily.
A Well‑Earned Win
Both clubs played strong defense after the early innings, and the bullpens kept the game tight. Kansas City’s Johnson, who relieved Ned Garver, took the loss. Chicago’s Staley earned the win with his steady five‑inning performance.
Courtesy of The Chicago Tribune April 22, 1960 via Newspapers.com