Bob Lemon throws the ninth no-hitter in franchise history as the Cleveland Indians defeat the Detroit Tigers, 2-0, at Briggs Stadium.

Lemon, in his first season exclusively as a pitcher after spending time at both third base and in the outfield with the Indians, notched his league-leading eleventh win of the season in limiting the Tigers to just three walks on the day. It was the eleventh complete game for the Tribe hurler on the year and his fourth shutout. With four strikeouts, he moved past teammate Bob Feller for the American League lead.

The Indians provided all of the runs that Lemon would need in the first inning, when Lou Boudreau doubled home Dale Mitchell, who had reached on an error to lead off the inning. A sacrifice fly from Hank Edwards made it a 2-0 game. Art Houtteman, the Detroit starter, matched Lemon with a complete game effort, but despite allowing just two unearned runs, was dealt the tough luck loss, his tenth of the year.

Cleveland had just five hits off of Houtteman, including a pair of singles and a stolen base from Mitchell, who was on base three times in four plate appearances and made an amazing catch in the fourth crashing into the bleachers. First baseman Johnny Berardino singled and received the final out of the game, an underhand toss from Lemon, who had fielded a comebacker from George Kell to wrap up his gem.

“Gee, what a thrill it was when that last out was made,” Lemon shared after the game. “The fellows on the bench didn’t talk to me from the sixth inning on. I thought at the time it was funny but wasn’t quite sure what was happening.

“I had as good stuff as I’ve ever had and I got wonderful support. You don’t see many catches like that one Mitchell made in the fourth.”