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 lack of clutch hitting and stranded base runners has led to the 1961 New York Yankees four-game losing streak.
Over the stretch, the Yankees have 36 hits that has led to just 11 runs with 33 runners left on base.
A 6-3 loss to the 1948 Cleveland Indians has continued the stress for New York manager Ralph Houk as the Yankees fell to 14-16 on the season.
New York’s pitching has also had its difficult moments as the Yankees have a team ERA of 6.75 over the last four contests.
Indians Take Lead
The Indians scored a run when player-manager Lou Boudreau hit into a double play in the first inning.
Cleveland’s lead grew to 6-0 over the next two frames against New York starter Bud Daley.
Indians starting pitcher Don Black hit a two-run homer in the second.
In the third, Larry Doby had a RBI single and Jim Hegan drove in two runs with a double.
Elston Howard got the Yankees on the scoreboard in the fifth with a solo homer.
The Yankees left the bases loaded in the seventh as they attempted to rally.
Black went the distance for Cleveland to get the win, but he did allow a pair of runs in the ninth despite the Indians turning their fourth double play of the contest. He gave up nine hits and walked five with three strikeouts.
Bill Skowron blasted a solo shot and Bobby Richardson added a run-scoring single.
Daley (1-3) worked six innings surrendering 11 hits with six strikeouts. Tex Clevenger tossed two scoreless innings as the Yankees attempted to comeback.
The Yankees will look to Whitey Ford (3-2) to stop the losing skid in the third contest of the four-game set as Cleveland has Bob Lemon scheduled to start.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (21-9)
1961 New York Yankees (14-16)
1948 Cleveland Indians (3-1)
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)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Roger Maris 14
Babe Ruth 12
Lou Gehrig 10
Mickey Mantle 9