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 fast start and Waite Hoyt proved to be the difference as the 1927 New York Yankees defeated the 1968 Detroit Tigers 5-1.
The Yankees led 5-0 after two innings, while Hoyt limited the Tigers five hits as he fanned five.
New York scored three times in the first against Detroit starter Denny McLain.
Earle Combs got things underway with single and Mark Koenig followed with a triple to make it 1-0.
After Babe Ruth walked Lou Gehrig singled and it was 2-0. Tigers centerfielder Jim Northrup misplayed Gehrig’s hit putting Ruth at third and the New York first baseman at second. Tony Lazzeri capped the rally with a sacrifice fly to bring Ruth home.
There was a repeat performance in the second as Combs singled and Koenig tripled to produce another run. Ruth followed with a double and the Yankees were up by five.
On the mound, Hoyt was in command as he held the Tigers through six frames to a hit by Willie Horton in the second and a walk to Bill Freehan in the sixth. Both base runners were eliminated by a double play.
For the Tigers, McLain was just as effective as Hoyt after the third as he gave up three singles and blanked the Yankees the rest of the way.
The Tigers picked up their run in the seventh. With one out, Mickey Stanley doubled and Al Kaline singled to drive home the run.
Game two in the series at Tiger Stadium features Herb Pennock (5-5) starting for the Yankees, while the Tigers counter with Earl Wilson.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (48-28)
1961 New York Yankees (42-33)
1968 Detroit Tigers (7-4)
1948 Cleveland Indians (8-6)
2004 Boston Red Sox (15-17)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (5-9)
1924 Washington Senators (11-19)
1972 Oakland A’s (11-25)
2005 Chicago White Sox (4-10)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Mickey Mantle 31
Babe Ruth 30
Roger Maris 30
Lou Gehrig 21