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.
The big guns for the 1961 New York Yankees came through in a 4-1 victory over the 1968 Detroit Tigers.
It was the sixth straight win for New York as the Yankees have now taken 10 of their last 11 contests.
Roger Maris hit a solo homer in the first, which was his 21st of the season for the Yankees.
The Tigers scored an unearned run in the third against New York starter Bill Stafford (7-2), who would give up six hits as he tossed a complete game with six strikeouts.
Detroit threatened in the fourth as Norm Cash and Don Wert singled, but starting pitcher Earl Wilson was fanned by Stafford to end the frame.
In the bottom of the fourth, Elston Howard‘s run-scoring single brought home Mickey Mantle to give the Yankees a 2-1 advantage.
Maris singled to begin the sixth before Mantle smacked a two-run bomb that put the Yankees on top 4-1 in what would be Wilson’s final inning on the mound. It was the 13th homer of the season for Mantle.
Don McMahon held New York scoreless over the last two innings, but the Tigers couldn’t muster any offense against Stafford.
Ralph Terry (3-3) will start in the second contest of the three-game series for the Yankees as the Tigers counter with Mickey Lolich.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (28-16)
1961 New York Yankees (25-19)
1948 Cleveland Indians (6-2)
1968 Detroit Tigers (4-2)
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 21
Lou Gehrig 17
Babe Ruth 14
Mickey Mantle 13