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.
Cleveland starting pitcher Bob Lemon was in command of the 1961 New York Yankees lineup, until the gas tank was empty as the 1948 Indians held on for a 3-2 victory.
Lemon didn’t allow a hit through the first seven innings, but did walk Mickey Mantle twice and his New York mound opponent Whitey Ford once.
Yogi Berra spoiled Lemon’s no-hitter with a single in the bottom of the eighth.
Tiring in the ninth, Lemon would need some help to preserve his victory.
Billy Gardner led off the ninth with a single as he pinch-hit for Ford. After Tony Kubek popped out to Cleveland first baseman Eddie Robinson, Clete Boyer smashed a triple to cut New York’s deficit to 3-1.
Indians player/manager Lou Boudreau called Russ Christopher from the bullpen to help the cause, but he faced a difficult task.
Christopher was able to get the save as he retired Roger Maris on a sacrifice fly and then got Mantle to hit a harmless fly ball to end the contest.
Joe Gordon hit a pair of solo homers in the fourth and sixth to boost Cleveland’s offense. Lemon helped himself with a sacrifice fly in the ninth.
Ford (6-3) surrendered nine hits with seven strikeouts in his complete game effort.
Bill Stafford (8-2) is slated to start next for New York as the Yankees entertain the 1970 Baltimore Orioles in a three-game series. Mike Cuellar was selected by Orioles manager Earl Weaver to start the opener.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (34-19)
1961 New York Yankees (31-22)
1968 Detroit Tigers (7-3)
1948 Cleveland Indians (8-6)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (3-5)
2004 Boston Red Sox (5-9)
1924 Washington Senators (7-15)
1972 Oakland A’s (7-17)
2005 Chicago White Sox (4-10)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Babe Ruth 22
Roger Maris 21
Mickey Mantle 19
Lou Gehrig 18