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 1961 New York Yankees grabbed the lead in the first inning and the squad was able to hang on for a 4-3 victory over the 1924 Washington Senators.
After Washington scored an unearned run in the top of the first on a RBI single by Goose Goslin, the Yankees quickly answered in three batters.
Tony Kubek reached on a error before Clete Boyer singled. Roger Maris drilled a three-run homer, which was his 56th long ball of the season.
The score remained the same until Kubek’s RBI ground out in the fifth gave the Yankees a 4-1 advantage.
New York starter Bill Stafford got into some trouble in the seventh as the Senators picked up a pair of runs.
Washington player-manager Bucky Harris singled and later scored the first tally on a wild pitch. The second run came home on a double by Joe Judge.
In the eighth, the Senators were looking for more as the sent Stafford to the showers as they loaded the bases with one out.
Yankees manager Ralph Houk called Jim Coates out of the bullpen and he retired the next two batters to end the threat.
Coates earned a save as he tossed a scoreless ninth despite allowing a hit and and walk.
Stafford (18-7) got the win as he surrendered 13 hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Senators starter George Mogridge was tagged with the loss as he gave up just four hits and a walk, while fanning four. Allen Russell worked the eighth.
Ralph Terry (11-11) will start for New York in the second affair of the three-game series as Tom Zachary gets the ball for Washington.
27 * 61 Replay Standings
1927 New York Yankees (95-57)
1961 New York Yankees (81-71)
1968 Detroit Tigers (26-18)
1948 Cleveland Indians (23-21)
1970 Baltimore Orioles (19-25)
2004 Boston Red Sox (17-27)
2005 Chicago White Sox (17-27)
1924 Washington Senators (14-26)
1972 Oakland A’s (12-32)
27 * 61 Home Run Totals
Mickey Mantle 63
Babe Ruth 60
Roger Maris 56
Lou Gehrig 38