Editor’s note: The 1970 Tournament games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will be used for any games involving American League teams from 1973-79 when games are played at home. 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 solid performance by Luis Tiant helped the 1975 Boston Red Sox to a 2-1 victory over the 1977 Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening round of the 1970s Diamond Gems Tournament.
With the win, the Red Sox are slated to entertain the 1979 Baltimore Orioles in the second round.
Tiant (1-0) was just one out away from a complete game when he needed help from Dick Drago.
Heading into the bottom of the ninth, Tiant had allowed a pair of singles by Steve Yeager in the third and the fifth as the Red Sox led 2-0.
Ron Cey doubled and Steve Garvey singled off Tiant before Rick Monday ruined the shutout with a sacrifice fly.
Boston manager Darrell Johnson visited Tiant on the mound, but he elected to give him a chance to finish. Dusty Baker singled before Tiant retired Yeager for the second out.
After Tiant walked pinch-hitter Manny Mota to load the bases, it was time for Drago. Drago answered the call as he induced Davey Lopes to pop out the end the affair. Tiant walked five and fanned 11 to earn the victory.
A RBI single by Jim Rice in the first off Los Angeles starter Tommy John produced Boston’s initial tally.
Rico Petrocelli hit a solo homer in the fifth to extend Boston’s advantage.
John (0-1) worked eight innings allowing eight hits with three strikeouts. Mike Garman tossed a scoreless ninth for the Dodgers although he surrendered two hits.
1970s Diamond Gems Tournament
Second Round Schedule
1974 Los Angeles Dodgers at 1979 Montreal Expos
1971 Pittsburgh Pirates at 1975 Cincinnati Reds
1979 Baltimore Orioles at 1975 Boston Red Sox
First Round Results and Schedule
1979 Montreal Expos 5, 1970 Baltimore Orioles 0
1974 Los Angeles Dodgers 5, 1978 Boston Red Sox 1
1975 Cincinnati Reds 3, 1976 Philadelphia Phillies 2
1971 Pittsburgh Pirates 13, 1978 New York Yankees 7
1979 Baltimore Orioles 4, 1972 Cincinnati Reds 3
1975 Boston Red Sox 2, 1977 Los Angeles Dodgers 1
1977 Kansas City Royals at 1972 Oakland A’s
1979 Pittsburgh Pirates at 1970 Minnesota Twins