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.
Gates Brown always waits for an opportunity.
Brown made the most of his one chance as he blasted a homer that helped the 1968 Detroit Tigers defeat the 1927 New York Yankees.
Forced into a starting role in the series finale for New York as the Yankees and Tigers were playing four games in six days, Myles Thomas was tossing a shutout after six innings with a 2-0 advantage.
In the seventh, Norm Cash led off with a single that was followed by an infield single by Jim Northrup.
After a walk to Bill Freehan loaded the bases, Don Wert hit a grounder right back to Thomas who threw to Benny Bengough at the plate for the first out.
Detroit manager Mayo Smith called on Brown to pinch-hit for his starting pitcher Pat Dobson. Brown’s grand slam gave the Tigers a 4-2 lead and sent a dejected Thomas to the showers.
Urban Shocker finished the frame on the mound for the Yankees, but the damage was done. Wilcy Moore worked the eighth and surrendered a solo homer to Cash for the final run of the affair.
Daryl Patterson wrapped things up for the Tigers with two scoreless innings to earn a save, while giving Dobson the victory.
The Yankees scored their first run in the third when Detroit shortstop Mickey Stanley couldn’t field a grounder by Lou Gehrig with the bases loaded.
New York added a run in the seventh on doubles by Babe Ruth and Bob Meusel before Brown took advantage of his situation.
Thomas (7-5) allowed four runs on seven hits with a walk and a pair of strikeouts. In seven innings, Dobson gave up eight hits, walked three and fanned five.
Next up for the Yankees is a four-game series on the road against the 1948 Cleveland Indians.
Dutch Ruether (3-8) is slated to start the opener for the Yankees, while Satchel Paige gets the ball for the Indians.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (50-31)
1961 New York Yankees (44-36)
1968 Detroit Tigers (13-8)
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 34
Roger Maris 31
Babe Ruth 31
Lou Gehrig 23