27 * 61 Replay 61: 61 Yankees at 04 Red Sox

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.

Johnny Damon was celebrating the moment as his single gave the 2004 Boston Red Sox a 4-3 walk-off win in the 11th inning over the 1961 New York Yankees in Fenway Park.

New York pitcher Bud Daley entered the contest in the bottom of the 11th and he was greeted by singles from Trot Nixon and Pokey Reese.

Daley was able to get some help as the trouble was brewing when pinch-hitter Kevin Millar grounded into a double play start by third baseman Clete Boyer.

Needing just one out to send the game to a 12th frame, Daley (5-4) couldn’t finish the job as Damon took care of his business with the game-winning single.

The Yankees got on the scoreboard in the second inning when Mickey Mantle raced home as Yogi Berra grounded into a double play.

Damon scored Boston’s first run in the third inning after he reached on an error by Yankees second baseman Billy Gardner. Manny Ramirez also got on base when Bill Skowron made an error at first base.

David Ortiz took advantage of the situation against New York starter Rollie Sheldon with a RBI single that put the Red Sox in the lead. Jason Varitek added to the Boston advantage with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-1.

In the seventh, Ramirez hit a solo homer with two out and the Red Sox margin expanded to 3-1.

Boston starter Derek Lowe was able to hold off the Yankees offense until the eighth. Roger Maris doubled and the scored on a single by Mantle.

New York tied the game in the top of the ninth as Lowe, who would give up 13 hits on the day, was finally ousted from the mound.

Skowron, who had a game-high four hits, and pinch-hitter Johnny Blanchard both singled before Boyer’s RBI double tied the game. Alan Embree ended the rally when he retired Maris on a line out to Boston shortstop Orlando Cabrera.

Luis Arroyo tossed two scoreless innings for the Yankees in relief of Sheldon, who gave up five hits and one earned run in eight frames.

Ramiro Mendoza picked up the win for the Red Sox as he pitched the final two innings for the Red Sox.

As New York entertains the 1972 Oakland A’s in a six-game series over four days, the Yankees are scheduled to start Jim Coates (4-1) in the opener. A’s manager Dick Williams selected Rollie Fingers for a rare start in the affair.

27 * 61 Replay Standings

1927 New York Yankees (39-22)
1961 New York Yankees (35-26)

1968 Detroit Tigers (7-3)
1948 Cleveland Indians (8-6)
2004 Boston Red Sox (10-14)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (5-9)
1924 Washington Senators (7-15)
1972 Oakland A’s (7-17)
2005 Chicago White Sox (4-10)

27 * 61 Home Run Totals

Mickey Mantle 26
Babe Ruth 24
Roger Maris 23
Lou Gehrig 20