Editor’s note: The 27 * 61 Yankees Replay games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will not be used for any games. Injuries will only be used during the game when they occur.
George Pipgras was just good enough to lead the 1927 New York Yankees to a 4-2 victory over the 1968 Detriot Tigers.
Pipgras (8-7) went the distance to earn the win scattering eight hits, walking six and fanning four.
Tony Lazzeri had a two-run single in the first against Detriot starter John Hiller.
Don Wert had a RBI single for the Tigers in the second before both pitchers settled down for a few innings.
In the sixth, the Yankees got to Hiller as he day would come to an end. Lou Gehrig walked before getting forced out at second on a grounder by Lazzeri that the Tigers couldn’t turn into a double play.
Bob Meusel stepped into the batter’s box and drilled a two-run homer that excited the socially distanced fans.
Detroit’s final tally came in the ninth as walked Dick McAuliffe and gave up a single to Mickey Stanley.
Al Kaline had a sacrifice fly to cut Detriot’s deficit to two runs. However, Pipgras retired Willie Horton on a ground out to end the game.
Aces will be the theme of the second contest of the four-game series in Yankee Stadium.
Waite Hoyt (12-5) takes the mound for the Yankees, while Denny McLain gets the call for the Tigers.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (60-42)
1961 New York Yankees (53-48)
1968 Detroit Tigers (14-9)
1948 Cleveland Indians (18-12)
2004 Boston Red Sox (15-17)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (13-17)
1924 Washington Senators (11-19)
2005 Chicago White Sox (8-14)
1972 Oakland A’s (11-25)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Mickey Mantle 41
Roger Maris 38
Babe Ruth 35
Lou Gehrig 27