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 early outburst helped the visiting 1968 Detroit Tigers defeat the 1927 New York Yankees 11-1 in the opener of the 13-game homestand.
The Tigers scored six times in the first two innings against New York starter Herb Pennock.
Willie Horton‘s three-run homer in the first put the Tigers on top before the Yankee Stadium crowd settled into the seats. Bill Freehan added a RBI groundout as Detroit led 4-0.
Pennock walked a pair in the second with Horton getting a free pass to bring home a run and it was 5-0. The final tally of the frame came on a run-scoring single by Jim Northrup.
The Tigers added another run in the fourth as Myles Thomas took over on the mound for New York with Freehan smacking a RBI single to make it 7-0.
Meanwhile, Detroit starter Earl Wilson was dominant early as he didn’t allow a hit until Joe Dugan doubled with two outs in the fifth. Wilson would go the distance giving up five hits with six strikeouts.
Both teams scored in the sixth. Norm Cash drilled a solo homer to add to Detroit’s advantage. Mark Koenig‘s RBI single in the bottom of the sixth brought home New York’s only run, but the Yankees trailed 8-1.
Detroit put its last two runs on the board in the eighth. Northrup had a run-single and Don Wert‘s RBI double ended the scoring.
Urban Shocker (6-0) looks to remain unbeaten for the Yankees as he gets the start in the second contest of the three-game series, while the Tigers send Mickey Lolich to the mound.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (28-16)
1961 New York Yankees (24-19)
1968 Detroit Tigers (4-1)
1948 Cleveland Indians (6-2)
2005 Chicago White Sox (3-3)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (3-5)
2004 Boston Red Sox (5-9)
1924 Washington Senators (7-15)
1972 Oakland A’s (7-17)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Roger Maris 20
Lou Gehrig 17
Babe Ruth 14
Mickey Mantle 12