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.
One swing.
Trot Nixon hooked a grand slam to right that found it’s way around Pesky’s Pole giving the 2004 Boston Red Sox a 4-2 victory over the 1961 New York Yankees at Fenway Park.
With the Yankees leading 1-0, New York starter Rollie Sheldon had limited Boston to four hits with eight strikeouts as he blanked the Red Sox through seven innings.
The Red Sox began the bottom of the eighth with back-to-back singles by Orlando Cabrera and Manny Ramirez. Yankees manager Ralph Houk then pulled Sheldon in favor of Tex Clevenger, which appeared to be a good decision.
After walking David Ortiz to load the bases, which led to Houk moving the Yankees infield in to cut off the potential tying run at the plate.
Clevenger retired Jason Varitek on a smash to Bobby Richardson, who fired home to Elston Howard to nail Cabrera. Bill Mueller struck out and Clevenger was an out away from preserving his team’s advantage.
As the Fenway Park faithful seemed deflated, Nixon woke up the capacity crowd with his homer that put the Red Sox on top 4-1.
Boston manager Terry Francona decided to give starter Derek Lowe a chance at a complete game to begin the ninth.
A solo homer to get the ninth underway by New York’s Bill Skowron ended the day for Lowe.
Francona’s call to the Red Sox bullpen was answered by Keith Foulke. The Boston closer allowed a single by Howard, but he got a line drive out to Ortiz at first that was nearly a twin killing.
With pinch-hitter Johnny Blanchard at the plate, Foulke got his double play that ended the affair.
The Yankees grabbed their early 1-0 lead in the first inning against Lowe, who gave up six hits, walked three and fanned five in eight frames.
Mickey Mantle beat out a double play attempt by the Red Sox that allowed Tony Kubek to score from third with the first run of the contest.
New York entertains the 1972 Oakland A’s in Yankee Stadium before traveling to the 1924 Washington Senators for a four-game series at Griffith Stadium.
The Yankees will have Bud Daley on the mound, while the A’s counter with Dave Hamilton.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (9-5)
1961 New York Yankees (8-6)
1924 Washington Senators (2-2)
1972 Oakland A’s (5-7)
2004 Boston Red Sox (4-8)
1948 Cleveland Indians (0-0)
1968 Detroit Tigers (0-0)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (0-0)
2005 Chicago White Sox (0-0)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Lou Gehrig 7
Roger Maris 6
Mickey Mantle 4
Babe Ruth 4