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.
Two swings in the first inning ultimately determined the outcome as the 1948 Cleveland Indians beat the 1927 New York Yankees 3-2 in the opener of a three-game series.
The Indians got things done quickly in the bottom of the opening frame against New York starter Wilcy Moore.
Dale Mitchell led off with a single and Allie Clark drilled a homer put the Indians on top.
Cleveland player-manager Lou Boudreau took Moore deep and the Indians and it was 3-0.
The Yankees picked up their first tally against Indians starter Satchel Paige on a solo homer by Lou Gehrig in the top of the fourth. It was Gehrig’s 31st homer of the season and his 93rd RBI.
A RBI triple by Mark Koenig in the eight provided New York with its final run. Paige closed out the ninth by fanning Gehrig and retiring Tony Lazerri on a grounder.
Bob Meusel kept the Yankees alive with a single, but Paige induced Joe Dugan to fly out to end the affair.
Paige went the distance for the Indians limiting the Yankees to six hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
Moore (14-6), who lost for the second straight start, worked eight innings as he also surrendered six hits with a pair of walks and five strikeouts.
In the second contest of the series, the Yankees send George Pipgras (10-7) to the mound as Cleveland counters with Sam Zoldak.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (70-47)
1961 New York Yankees (61-55)
1948 Cleveland Indians (19-12)
1968 Detroit Tigers (18-12)
2004 Boston Red Sox (15-17)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (13-17)
1924 Washington Senators (14-24)
2005 Chicago White Sox (11-22)
1972 Oakland A’s (11-27)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Mickey Mantle 46
Babe Ruth 45
Roger Maris 44
Lou Gehrig 31