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 climb to the top of the mountain was just too high for the 1927 New York Yankees as they dropped a 5-3 decision to the 1968 Detroit Tigers.
As New York’s Tony Lazzeri hit into a double play to end the contest, it epitomized the day for the Yankees.
The summit that the Yankees couldn’t reach was due to Detroit’s first inning.
Dick McAuliffe singled to begin the rally against New York starter Wilcy Moore.
Moore then walked Mickey Stanley and Al Kaline to load the bases.
Willie Horton smashed a grand slam and the tone for the affair was established.
Over the next six innings, Moore (14-7) would blank the Tigers on four hits with five strikeouts as he hoped his teammates could rally.
Lazzeri’s day began must better than it ended as he drilled a solo homer off Detroit starter Joe Sparma in the second inning to give the Yankees some life.
In the fourth, Moore and Earle Combs smacked back-to-back doubles to cut New York’s deficit to 4-2.
Stranding 11 runners, the Yankees missed a big opportunity in the seventh with the bases loaded.
With one out, Mark Koenig tripled and then Babe Ruth walked. Sparma fanned Lou Gehrig before he walked Lazzeri.
Sparma found a little extra desire as he struck out Bob Meusel to end the inning.
Pinch-hitter Ben Paschal got the Yankees to within a run with a solo homer in the eighth, but the Tigers added a their final tally in the bottom of the inning when Jim Northrup drilled a long ball off Dutch Ruether.
New York’s last chance in the top of the ninth didn’t go well for the Yankees as Don McMahon worked a perfect frame to earn a save.
Next up for the Yankees is a three-game series at the 1970 Baltimore Orioles.
George Pipgras (11-7) is slated to start for New York, while the Orioles will send Tom Phoebus to the mound.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (73-49)
1961 New York Yankees (63-58)
1968 Detroit Tigers (21-14)
1948 Cleveland Indians (21-15)
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 48
Mickey Mantle 46
Babe Ruth 45
Lou Gehrig 32