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.
Ralph Terry shut down the 1968 Detroit Tigers early, but the 1961 New York Yankees couldn’t keep pace as they dropped an 8-2 decision.
Terry didn’t allow a hit until the fourth when Detroit’s Dick McAuliffe singled, but the Yankees turned a double play to end the frame.
In the fifth, the Tigers were able to erase a 1-0 deficit with one big swing from Bill Freehan.
Willie Horton began the rally with a single and Norm Cash followed with a double.
After Jim Northrup grounded out and with first base open, New York manager Ralph Houk made the decision for Terry to pitch to Freehan. The result was a three-run homer for the Detroit catcher and the Tigers were on top 3-1.
The Tigers finished off the Yankees in the seventh as Jim Coates took over on the mound for Terry.
Coates walked Horton, Cash and Northrup before Freehan reached on an error by New York catcher Elston Howard and it was 4-1.
With the bases loaded, Coates was able to retired Don Wert and starting pitcher Mickey Lolich.
McAuliffe had an infield single to drive in a run, but it was Mickey Stanley that did the most damage as he cleared the bases with a triple and it was 8-1.
Lolich was looking for a complete game as he began the ninth, but Mickey Mantle‘s eighth homer of the season ended that possibility.
Detroit manager Mayo Smith called Don McMahon from the bullpen and he fanned Yogi Berra, Bill Skowron and Howard to end the contest.
In his eight innings, Lolich gave up six hits and a pair of runs with six strikeouts. In addition to Mantle’s long ball, Roger Maris had a RBI single in the first that gave the Yankees their early lead.
Rollie Sheldon (1-3) gets the start in the opener for New York as the Yankees visit Cleveland for a four-game series, while Indians manger Lou Boudreau counters with Sam Zoldak.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (20-8)
1961 New York Yankees (14-14)
1968 Detroit Tigers (3-1)
2005 Chicago White Sox (3-3)
1972 Oakland A’s (6-8)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (3-5)
2004 Boston Red Sox (4-8)
1924 Washington Senators (3-9)
1948 Cleveland Indians (0-0)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Roger Maris 14
Babe Ruth 12
Lou Gehrig 10
Mickey Mantle 8