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.
The 1927 New York Yankees bounced back from a deficit, but it was the 1968 Detroit Tigers that answered the call in a 5-4 victory in Yankee Stadium.
After the Yankees tied the contest at 4-4 with four runs in the bottom of the seventh, the Tigers answered with what turned out to be the winning tally in the eighth.
Dutch Ruether (3-9) had replaced New York starter Herb Pennock to begin the eighth.
Jim Northrup got the rally underway with a single. After Gates Brown was retired on a fly ball, Bill Freeham singled to move Northrup to third. Don Wert singled to give the Tigers the lead for good.
From that point, Pat Dobson took over the pitching duties for the Tigers and ended the game with two perfect innings with a pair of strikeouts to earn a save.
Lead Slips Away
Wert’s RBI single in the second off Pennock gave the Tigers an early advantage.
In the fourth, Detroit extended its margin with three runs. Northrup led off with a solo homer and Mickey Stanley capped the framed with a two-run single.
The Yankees ousted Detroit starter Earl Wilson in the seventh scoring all of their runs.
With the bases loaded, Earle Combs grounded into a double play that allowed Joe Dugan to race home with the first New York run. Mark Koenig singled and it was 4-2.
Babe Ruth ended the day for Wilson as he smashed his 38th homer of the season to tie it as Koenig scored on the blast.
Don McMahon was called from the bullpen and he walked Lou Gehrig, but he got Tony Lazzeri out to finish the seventh. Detroit’s run in the eighth gave McMahon the victory.
Pennock tossed seven innings giving up four runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
For the Tigers, Wilson allowed four runs on nine hits with a pair of walks and five strikeouts.
Urban Shocker (11-3) starts the finale of the four-game series for New York as Detroit manager Mayo Smith sends Mickey Lolich to the mound.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (61-43)
1961 New York Yankees (54-49)
1948 Cleveland Indians (18-12)
1968 Detroit Tigers (16-11)
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 40
Babe Ruth 38
Lou Gehrig 27