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.
One big swing and a dominating performance by Whitey Ford led to the 1961 New York Yankees 2-1 win over the 1968 Detroit Tigers.
With the score tied in the top of the seventh, Bill Skowron hit a cardboard fan over the left field fence in Tiger Stadium to produce what turned out to be the game-winning run. It was his 12th homer of the season.
Ford (7-6) went the distance giving up five hit with 10 strikeouts.
Detroit’s only run came in the second Jim Northrup led off with a double and Bill Freehan followed with a walk. Two outs later, Dick McAuliffe singled to give the Tigers the lead.
In the fourth, Roger Maris blasted his 31st long ball of the year as he took Detroit starter Denny McLain deep to tie the afffair at 1-1. Maris also tied Mickey Mantle to lead New York in homers.
McLain also pitched a complete game allowing seven hits with three strikeouts.
Bill Stafford (11-2) is scheduled to start for New York in the second contest of the six-game series, while Earl Wilson will be on the mound for the Tigers.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (48-28)
1961 New York Yankees (43-33)
1968 Detroit Tigers (7-5)
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
Roger Maris 31
Babe Ruth 30
Lou Gehrig 21