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 big swing in the 10th inning by Mickey Mantle gave the 1961 New York Yankees a 4-1 victory over the 1970 Baltimore Orioles.
With the score tied a 1-1 after nine, Baltimore reliever Pete Richert retired the first two hitters he faced in the 10th. Tony Kubek doubled and Roger Maris walked to set the stage for Mantle.
Mantle’s three-run blast was his 48th of the season, which ties him with Maris for the team lead. Mantle tops the Yankees with 110 RBI.
The Yankees scored their initial run in the first inning with two outs against Baltimore starter Jim Palmer. Maris walked and Mantle followed with a triple.
Frank Robinson provided Baltimore with its only run in the fourth as he drilled a solo homer off New York starter Whitey Ford.
Ford (14-8) worked nine innings allowing five hits with eight strikeouts to earn the victory.
Luis Arroyo earned his 13th save of the season dispite struggling in the bottom of the 10th.
Andy Etchebarren led off the 10th with a single, but he was erased as Mark Belanger grounded into a double play.
Arroyo gave up back-to-back singles to pinch-hitter Terry Crowley and Don Buford, but Paul Blair grounded out to end the game.
Palmer tossed six innings for Baltimore giving up six hits with four strikeouts. Richert went three frames fanning four and didn’t allow a New York base runner until the 10th.
In the finale of the three-game series, Bill Stafford (15-5) gets the starter for the Yankees, while the Orioles counter with Mike Cuellar.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (75-49)
1961 New York Yankees (64-60)
1968 Detroit Tigers (22-14)
1948 Cleveland Indians (21-15)
2004 Boston Red Sox (15-17)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (14-20)
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 48
Babe Ruth 46
Lou Gehrig 32