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.
An RBI single by Bob Meusel in the bottom of the eighth made the difference the 1927 New York Yankees defeated the 2005 Chicago White Sox 3-2 in the opener of a five-game series.
With the score tied at 2-2, Babe Ruth singled and Lou Gehrig doubled to begin the eighth for the Yankees.
After the two hits off White Sox starter Jon Garland, Tony Lazzeri to load the bases.
Meusel’s hit only allowed the runners to advance one base, but it proved to be enough as Cotts got out of the inning without further damage.
Urban Shocker went back out for the ninth with a complete game in his sights.
Shocker (18-4) walked Paul Konerko before retiring Carl Everett, Joe Crede and A.J. Pierzynski on fly balls to get the win. Shocker gave up seven hits, walked two and fanned six.
In seven innings, Garland surrendered seven hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Pat Collins got the scoring underway in the third inning as he led off with a homer. Gehrig knocked in the second run with a single.
A two-run homer in the top of the eighth by Pierzynski tied the affair at 2-2 to set up Meusel’s moment in the bottom of the inning.
Dutch Ruether (4-9) starts the second contest for the Yankees in the five-game set, while the White Sox send Jose Contreas to the mound.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (88-54)
1961 New York Yankees (76-65)
1968 Detroit Tigers (22-14)
1948 Cleveland Indians (23-21)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (19-25)
2004 Boston Red Sox (17-27)
1924 Washington Senators (14-24)
2005 Chicago White Sox (12-23)
1972 Oakland A’s (12-30)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Mickey Mantle 61
Babe Ruth 55
Roger Maris 54
Lou Gehrig 35