Cleveland Indians ace Bob Feller hurls the third no-hitter of his career

July 1, 1951, 32-year old Bob Feller tossed his third career no-hitter as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Detroit Tigers 2-1 in the first game of a doubleheader at Municipal Stadium. This was Feller’s first no-hitter since 1946, and in doing so he became at the time the third pitcher with three no-hitters, the others being Larry Corcoran (all came in the 1880’s) and Cy Young. Since that time Sandy Koufax (4), Nolan Ryan (7) and Justin Verlander have joined the club.

Feller entered the game with a record of 10-2. The Tigers tied the score at 1-1 with a run in the fourth inning. Leading off, Johnny Lipon reached on an error by shortstop Ray Boone. He stole second and advanced to third on an errant pickoff throw by Feller, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Hoot Evers. The score remained until the bottom of the eighth, when Sam Champion hit a one-out triple and scored on a Luke Easter single.

Feller retired three good Cleveland batters in the ninth inning to close out the game as Charlie Keller and George Kell each flew out and Vic Wertz was caught looking to end the game. Feller finished with five strikeouts and three walks allowed. Bob Cain pitched a complete game in taking the loss, allowing six hits.

Feller would lead the American League with 22 wins in 1951, as the Indians finished in second place, five games behind the pennant winning New York Yankees.

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