Editor’s note: The 100-Loss Tournament games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. Injuries will only be used during the game when they occur. For this tournament, the rules include a three-man pitching rotation using the best lineups available.
A solo homer by Jed Lowrie proved to be the difference as the 2012 Houston Astros defeated the 1980 Seattle Mariners 2-1 in the opening round of the 100-Loss Tournament.
With the score tied at 1-1, Lowrie drilled a pitch from Seattle lefty Floyd Bannister for what became a game-winning solo homer in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The Mariners picked up an unearned run in the second off Houston starter Lucas Harrell. Bruce Bochte reached on a miscue by Houston second baseman Jose Altuve and later scored on a single by Leon Roberts.
Houston tied the affair in the bottom of the third as Jason Castro singled to begin the frame. A single by Jordan Schafer moved Castro to third, which allowed Altuve to drive in the run with a sacrifice fly.
Harrell picked up the win for the Astros. He left the mound after giving up a double in the ninth to Seattle’s Juan Beniquez. Harrell allowed five hits with a walk and six strikeouts.
Wesley Wright was called from the Houston bullpen and he retired three straight to earn a save.
Bannister went the distance for the Mariners giving up four hits with seven strikeouts.
100-Loss Tournament
First Round Schedule and Results
1948 White Sox 5, 1988 Orioles 2
2006 Devil Rays 4, 1975 Tigers 2 (10)
1955 Senators 4, 1988 Braves 3
1977 Blue Jays 5, 2012 Cubs 4
1962 Mets 5 at 2002 Brewers 3
2012 Astros 2, 1980 Mariners 1
1969 Expos (52-110) at 2006 Royals (62-100)
1981 Padres (41-69) at 2022 Reds (62-100)