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.
Whitey Ford was on cruise control and then everything went wrong very quickly as the 1961 New York Yankees fell to the 1948 Cleveland Indians 3-1.
Ford had limited the Indians two five hits through seven innings as the Yankees led 1-0.
The New York lefty fanned Hank Edwards and Cleveland player-manager Lou Boudreau to begin the eighth.
A mistake pitch to Joe Gordon became a solo homer that tied the game and Ford was in trouble.
Larry Doby singled and Ken Keltner smashed a two-run homer that delighted the Cleveland cardboard fans and stunned the Yankees.
Bob Lemon answered the call in the ninth to close out the complete game.
Bill Skowron began the frame with a single before Clete Boyer hit a fly ball to Combs in center. The game ended as pinch-hitter Johnny Blanchard bounced into a double play started by Boudreau.
Lemon gave up seven hits, walked five and struckout six.
The Yankees scored their run in the seventh as Ford doubled past Edwards in right field. One out later Ford scored on a single by Tony Kubek that put the Yankees in front 1-0.
Ford (13-8) worked eight frames surrendering eight hits with three walks and seven strikeouts.
Bill Stafford (14-5) will start for New York in the opener of a three-game series against Earl Wilson as the Yankees visit the 1968 Detroit Tigers.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (72-47)
1961 New York Yankees (62-57)
1948 Cleveland Indians (21-15)
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
Roger Maris 47
Mickey Mantle 46
Babe Ruth 45
Lou Gehrig 32