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 fast start and just enough pitching gave the 1970 Baltimore Orioles a 6-0 victory over the 1961 New York Yankees in Memorial Stadium.
New York starter Rollie Sheldon walked Don Buford and Mark Belanger in the bottom of the first.
Frank Robinson made Sheldon pay the price for the lack of control with a three-run homer to put the Orioles on top.
After the Yankees stranded a pair of runners in the top of the second against Baltimore’s Jim Hardin, Davey Johnson drilled a solo homer and the Orioles led 4-0.
Brooks Robinson ended Sheldon’s day as he drove in a run in the sixth with a single that brought home Paul Blair, who led off the frame with a double.
In the eighth, Baltimore’s Boog Powell reached on a two-base error by Yankees shortstop Tony Kubek. Powell scored the final tally of the affair on a double by Brooks Robinson off New York’s Jim Coates.
Hardin made the right pitches when he needed them as he wiggled out of several rough spots to toss a compete game.
The Baltimore hurler scattered nine hits, struck out nine and was helped out of tight spots with a couple of double plays. Mickey Mantle hit into one in the sixth and Elston Howard grounded into the other in the eighth.
With the four-game set now even at one apiece, New York’s Bud Daley gets the start for the Yankees, while Baltimore will Tom Phoebus on the mound.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (18-6)
1961 New York Yankees (13-11)
2005 Chicago White Sox (3-3)
1972 Oakland A’s (6-8)
2004 Boston Red Sox (4-8)
1924 Washington Senators (3-9)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (1-3)
1948 Cleveland Indians (0-0)
1968 Detroit Tigers (0-0)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Roger Maris 11
Babe Ruth 10
Lou Gehrig 10
Mickey Mantle 7