Dennis Eckersley throws the 13th no-hitter in Indians history as he shuts down the California Angels, 1-0, at Cleveland Stadium.
Eckersley is the first Indians hurler to lob a no-no since Dick Bosman narrowly missed a perfect game on July 19, 1974. Eckersley was just as masterful on the mound, striking out a dozen Angels, including at least one in every inning, while walking just one. He outdueled California’s Frank Tanana, who had started the season 8-1 and limited the Indians to just one run on five hits, walking one and striking out six in his second loss of the year.
“Eck” allowed just two base runners in the game –Tony Solaita, who walked and was stranded at first base in the first, and Bobby Bonds, who struck out in the eighth and advanced to first base on the wild pitch. Bonds was immediately doubled up on a groundout by Don Baylor.
The Indians scored the game’s only run in the bottom of the first inning when Duane Kuiper tripled to center with one out and right fielder Jim Norris sacrificed Kuip home. Cleveland had other chances, but three separate 5-4-3 double plays erased scoring opportunities.
Eckersley struck out the final batter of the game, Gil Flores, to end it. He threw a 12-inning complete game in his previous outing, a 2-1 win over Seattle.