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.
A pair of homers proved to be the difference for the 1961 New York Yankees in a 2-0 victory over the 2005 Chicago White Sox.
Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra broke open a scoreless affair in the seventh with solo shots off White Sox starter Jose Contreras.
With one out, Mantle drilled his 44th homer of the season to give him 102 RBI. Berra’s blast came with two outs and was his 18th of the year.
Bill Skowron followed Berra with a single that ended the day for Contreras, who had only allowed four hits at that point with five strikeouts.
Mantle had the other hit for the Yankees with an infield single in the second.
For the Yankees, Rollie Sheldon (6-8) left after surrendering a single in the top of the ninth to Jermaine Dye.
Luis Arroyo earned his 11th save of the season as he retired Paul Konerko. Joe Crede and A.J. Pierzynski on rountine grounders.
In his eight frames, Sheldon gave up five hits with a walk and four strikeouts.
In the finale of the two-game series, Jim Coates (5-4) is slated to start for the Yankees with Orlando Hernandez getting the ball for the White Sox.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (62-44)
1961 New York Yankees (56-50)
1948 Cleveland Indians (18-12)
1968 Detroit Tigers (18-12)
2004 Boston Red Sox (15-17)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (13-17)
1924 Washington Senators (11-19)
2005 Chicago White Sox (8-16)
1972 Oakland A’s (11-25)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Mickey Mantle 44
Roger Maris 40
Babe Ruth 38
Lou Gehrig 27