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.
Rollie Sheldon tossed a four-hitter for the 1961 New York Yankees as they defeated the 1970 Baltimore Orioles 4-1.
It was the second complete game of the season for Sheldon (5-7), who fanned eight and walked one. His other complete game was a two-hitter in a 8-0 win over the 1972 Oakland A’s.
Baltimore got on the scoreboard in the third when Dave Johnson doubled and then came home on a single by Andy Etchebarren.
The Yankees responded quickly in the bottom of the third to take a 2-1 lead against Baltimore starter Jim Hardin.
Sheldon slapped an infield single that brought home the first tally to tie the affair. Bill Skowron had doubled and moved to third on a ground out by Bobby Richardson before he scored New York’s first run.
Clete Boyer gave New York the lead with a triple that allowed Sheldon to score all the way from first.
New York added to its advantage in the eighth against Orioles reliever Eddie Watt.
Roger Maris had a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1. A two-base error by Orioles shortstop Mark Belanger on a grounder hit by Mickey Mantle allowed the final run to score.
Hardin perhaps deserved a better fate for Baltimore as he surrendered two runs on four hits with five strikeouts in seven innings before leaving for a pinch-hitter.
Bud Daley (6-9) will start for the Yankees in the finale of the four-game series as Baltimore manager Earl Weaver will have Tom Phoebus take the mound.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (57-39)
1961 New York Yankees (52-44)
1968 Detroit Tigers (14-8)
1948 Cleveland Indians (13-9)
2004 Boston Red Sox (15-17)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (11-17)
1924 Washington Senators (11-19)
2005 Chicago White Sox (8-14)
1972 Oakland A’s (11-25)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Mickey Mantle 38
Roger Maris 37
Babe Ruth 35
Lou Gehrig 27