Editor’s note: The 1940s Diamond Gems 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 three-run fifth inning proved to be the difference s the 1941 Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the 1940 Cincinnati Reds 3-2 in the semifinals of the 1940s Diamond Gems Tournament.
The Dodgers broke open a scoreless affair against Reds starter Paul Derringer as Pete Reiser knocked in a run on a fielder’s choice as Cincinnati attempted a double play.
Unfortunately for the Reds and their fans at Crosley Field, Dolph Camilli smacked a two-run homer and it was 3-0.
Cincinnati was able to answer the Brooklyn rally in the bottom of the fifth with a run as the Dodgers were able to execute a double player on the grounder by Billy Werber.
Brooklyn hurler Kirby Higbe surrendered a solo homer to Ernie Lombardi in the last of ninth, but he was able to retire the final two batters to finish off the contest.
Higbe gave up six hits and two walks, while fanning five Reds. Derringer also tossed a complete game allowing eight hits with five walks and five strikeouts.
1940s Diamond Gems Tournament
Semifinals
1941 Brooklyn Dodgers 3, 1940 Cincinnati Reds 2
1948 Cleveland Indians at 1941 New York Yankees
First Round Results
1940 Cincinnati Reds 5, 1948 Boston Braves 2
1941 Brooklyn Dodgers 2, 1946 St. Louis Cardinals 0
1948 Cleveland Indians 4, 1940 Detroit Tigers 3 (12)
1941 New York Yankees 6, 1946 Boston Red Sox 5