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.
Perhaps even the cardboard fans were smiling in Fenway Park as Trot Nixon was running around the bases after his walk-off homer gave the 2004 Boston Red Sox a 3-2 victory over the 1961 New York Yankees.
Nixon tagged New York ace Whitey Ford (6-4) with two outs in the bottom of the ninth with his solo shot, which was needed thanks to Mickey Mantle.
Boston led 2-1 heading in the top of the ninth as Red Sox starter Curt Schilling was set to toss a complete game. However, Mantle spoiled the moment with a two-out homer to tie it. It was his 22nd of the season, which puts him one behind Roger Maris for the team lead.
After Elston Howard doubled, Schilling was finished and Keith Foulke was called from the bullpen. Foulke, who would pick up the win, fanned Yogi Berra to end the threat and set the stage for Nixon.
Ford allowed six hits overall and fanned eight, while Schilling also gave up six hits and struck out seven.
Mark Bellhorn smacked a two-run homer in the second inning to put Boston on top 2-0.
Schilling didn’t surrender a hit until the fourth when Maris singled.
The Yankees scored their initial run in the sixth. Tony Kubek led off with a single and then went to third on a single by Bobby Richardson.
Kubek came home when Maris grounded into a double play that cut Boston’s lead to 2-1.
New York will send Bill Stafford (8-2) to the mound for the third contest of the five-game series in Fenway, while the Red Sox are scheduled to start Pedro Martinez.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (37-21)
1961 New York Yankees (34-24)
1968 Detroit Tigers (7-3)
1948 Cleveland Indians (8-6)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (5-9)
2004 Boston Red Sox (7-11)
1924 Washington Senators (7-15)
1972 Oakland A’s (7-17)
2005 Chicago White Sox (4-10)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Babe Ruth 24
Roger Maris 23
Mickey Mantle 22
Lou Gehrig 19