The Red Sox had problems with Jim Bunning. The Tigers hurler enjoyed good success against Boston. His 20 wins against the Sox were the most against any opponent. He finished his career with a 3.26 ERA against Beantown. On one occasion, he struck out the side on nine pitches. He's also the only man to strike out Ted Williams three times in a game. Despite this, his greatest success occurred on July 20, 1958. On that date, Bunning threw his first career no-hitter.
Frank Sullivan started for the Red Sox against Bunning in the first game of a doubleheader. Sullivan entered the game 8-2 while the Tiger ace was a pedestrian 7-6. The Sox lineup included four .300 hitters, including Ted Williams and Jackie Jensen. Future Tiger coach Billy Consolo started at short for Boston. Meanwhile, the Tiger lineup fielded three hitters over .300 and two others at .290 or above. Harvey Kuenn paced the lineup at .321. Al Kaline’s average stood at .296.
After four innings, the game remained scoreless. In the fifth, Detroit touched up Sullivan for three. Gail Harris led off with a triple. Gus Zernial doubled in Harris and then scored on catcher Red Wilson’s two out single. Bunning singled Wilson to third. Harvey Kuenn singled in the final run for a 3-0 lead. Billy Martin made the final out of the inning.
Neither team scored again after Detroit’s three run explosion. Sullivan left after six and the Red Sox bullpen pitched the final three innings. Meanwhile, Bunning remained in control. He retired the Sox in order six times and got stronger as the game wore on. He struck out the first two batters of the ninth and then faced Williams. The Splendid Splinter ended the no-hitter with a fly ball to Kaline in right. Williams finished the game 0-for-4, but did not strikeout. Bunning did strikeout 12 of his teammates including Lou Berberet and Ted Lepcio three times each. The righty also walked two and hit a batter.
Six years later, Bunning bested his Boston performance. He threw a perfect game against the New York Mets on Father’s Day 1964. The Tigers had traded Bunning to Philadelphia and the perfect game reinforced the moronic nature of Detroit’s management of the time. Bunning is one of seven men with a perfect game and a no-hitter and one of five to throw no-hitters in both leagues. He also won 100 games in both leagues.
Jim Bunning became an ace in 1957 when the Tigers gave him the opportunity. Although not as successful in 1958, he threw his first no-hitter against Boston. Bunning performed well in his career against the Sox. As the game wore on, Bunning grew stronger and the Red Sox at-bats weaker. In the end, not even Ted Williams could touch the Tiger right-hander on July 20, 1958.
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