Whitey Ford continued to struggle in the Tournament, while Jim Palmer continued to shine, as the 1969 Baltimore Orioles downed the 1961 New York Yankees 7-3 to even the series and force a Game 5 in the American League Winner’s Bracket. Ford had allowed 5 runs in each of his 1st two starts entering this game, and still couldn’t find his rhythm on the mound. Boog Powell drove in the 1st run with a double in the 1st inning, and Frank Robinson added an RBI single in the 3rd. Palmer allowed just one hit through 5 innings. In the 6th, the Yankees finally mounted an offense, but baserunning blunders limited their effect. Tony Kubek walked to lead off the inning, and then Roger Maris drilled a base hit to leftfield. Kubek tested Merv Rettenmund’s arm and got thrown out at 3rd. The Orioles then caught Maris trying to advance on the throw to 2nd. Palmer surrendered 4 more straight base hits, as the Yankees still managed to tie the game. Brooks Robinson doubled in Powell in the bottom of the inning to put the O’s back on top. Davey Johnson drove one to the wall in center. Mickey Mantle nearly made a dramatic catch, but collided with the wall. When the inning was over, Baltimore had scored 4 runs, and Mantle hobbled off the field and was expected to miss the rest of the series. Palmer finished the game, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits while striking out 10. Ford allowed 7 runs on 15 hits in the loss, leaving Yankees fans to wonder when or if he’ll turn things around. The series heads back to New York for the deciding game.