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.
There are times when a big inning may not be enough.
The 1927 New York Yankees erased a five-run deficit in the eighth inning on the way to a 9-7 victory over the 2004 Boston Red Sox.
Boston starter Pedro Martinez was in control when Bob Meusel got things underway with a double. Pinch-hitter Ray Morehart singled and the Yankees trailed by four.
After Martinez walked Earle Combs and gave up an infield single to Mark Koenig, he was done when he issued a free pass to Babe Ruth with the bases loaded.
Keith Foulke came out of the Boston bullpen to face Lou Gehrig. With one swing, Gehrig’s grand slam changed everything as the Yankees led 8-7. It was his 34 homer of the season.
Foulke would get out the inning, but he would get tagged with the loss. Ramiro Mendoza took over in the ninth and he surrendered a solo shot to Meusel for his 13th of the year.
New York grabbed an early lead in the second when Meusel singled and then scored on a double Pat Collins.
The Red Sox exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the fourth against New York starter Herb Pennock.
With 11 batters coming to the plate, the Red Sox began the onslaught with three straight singles by David Ortiz, Jason Varitek and Bill Mueller, who tied it at 1-1.
Another single by Trot Nixon gave the Red Sox a 2-1 advantage. Mark Bellhorn followed with a two-run double to make it 4-1.
Wilcy Moore, who was between starts, was sent to the mound by New York manager Miller Huggins.
Moore would get two outs, but would eventually surrender a three-run homer by Manny Ramirez.
Collins added New York’s second run of the contest with a single in the sixth.
Pennock worked three innings giving up five runs on eight hits with a strikeout. Moore went two frames allowing a pair of runs on four hits as he fanned three.
Myles Thomas (8-6) tossed two perfect innings in the sixth and seventh to earn the victory.
Dutch Ruether also faced just six batters in the eighth and ninth to earn his eighth save of the season.
Urban Shocker (15-4) starts for New York in the third affair in the five-game series, while Boston counters with Tim Wakefield.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (80-50)
1961 New York Yankees (68-61)
1968 Detroit Tigers (22-14)
1948 Cleveland Indians (21-15)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (15-21)
2004 Boston Red Sox (15-22)
1924 Washington Senators (14-24)
2005 Chicago White Sox (11-22)
1972 Oakland A’s (12-30)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Mickey Mantle 53
Roger Maris 52
Babe Ruth 48
Lou Gehrig 34