1990s Diamond Gems: 96 Yankees at 93 Giants

Editor’s note: The 1990 Tournament games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will be used for any contests involving American League teams 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.

Bill Swift tossed a two-hitter to lead the 1993 San Francisco Giants to a 2-1 victory over the 1996 New York Yankees in the opening round of the 1990s Diamond Gems Tournament.

With the win, the Giants advance to the second round and they will entertain the winner of the 1995 Cleveland Indians at the 1994 Montreal Expos.

Swift (1-0) fanned four and walked two as he retired a dozen straight batters from the first to fifth innings.

A single by Paul O’Neill in the first and a solo homer by Darryl Strawberry in the eighth were the only hits the Yankees could get off Swift.

The Giants scored both of their runs off New York starter Andy Pettitte in the bottom of the sixth.

Darren Lewis led off with a single. The Giants centerfielder later swiped second and then scored on a single by Robby Thompson.

A single by Will Clark moved Thompson to third. After Matt Williams struck out, Barry Bonds singled to give the Giants a 2-0 advantage.

In his eight innings, Pettitte (0-1) allowed seven hits with a walk and seven strikeouts.

1990s Diamond Gems Tournament

First Round Schedule and Results

1990 Cincinnati Reds 4, 1998 Houston Astros 2
1990 Oakland A’s 4, 1998 New York Yankees 3
1992 Toronto Blue Jays 5, 1997 Baltimore Orioles 1
1993 Philadelphia Phillies 8, 1996 Atlanta Braves 2
1990 Pittsburgh Pirates 8, 1998 San Diego Padres 2
1997 Florida Marlins 5, 1991 Minnesota Twins 4
1993 San Francisco Giants 2, 1996 New York Yankees 1
1995 Cleveland Indians at 1994 Montreal Expos