The Cleveland Indians season opens with a 6-1 loss to New York in the Yankees’ first game at Shea Stadium while Yankee Stadium is rebuilt.

Mel Stottlemyre earned the win with a complete game effort. He allowed a run on seven hits and struck out four. Outfielder Charlie Spikes led the way with a pair of hits, including a triple, and Chris Chambliss drove in the lone Tribe run.

Gaylord Perry lasted six and one-third on the mound, allowing five runs on six hits with four walks and four strikeouts. Graig Nettles and Gene Michael had two RBI each and Nettles left the yard with a homer in the fourth. The loss and shorter outing would be the last in a long stretch of success for the future Hall of Fame pitcher, who will win his next 15 decisions and will pitch into the ninth inning of each of his next 18 starts, lasting until a six-inning outing on July 13.