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.
An unearned run in the top of the ninth made the difference as the 1997 Florida Marlins posted a 5-4 victory over the 1991 Minnesota Twins in the opening round of the 1990s Diamond Gems Tournament.
The Marlins advance to entertain the 1990 Pittsburgh Pirates in a second round contest.
Trailing by a run, the Marlins were challenged with the task of facing Twins closer Rick Aguilera in the top of the ninth.
After fanning Charles Johnson, Aguilera issued back-to-back walks to Craig Counsell and Devon White before the Twins pitcher retired Edgar Renteria as the runners each moved up a base.
Gary Sheffield took advantage of the situation by hitting a ball to Dan Gladden. The Twins left fielder couldn’t get to the ball and it landed for a single as Counsell scored.
With a runner spinting to third, Gladden misplayed the ball and the Marlins took the lead as White raced home. Aguilera was able to get out of the jam without another run, but the damage was done.
Although Florida closer Robb Nen (1-0) suffered a blown save opportunity in the eighth, he was perfect in the ninth to get the win.
Twins Score Early
A RBI single by Kirby Puckett gave the Twins an early advantage against Marlins starter Kevin Brown.
Minnesota starter Jack Morris blanked the Marlins and neither team could dent the plate until a wild eighth inning when both squads scored three times.
In the top of the eighth, Sheffield’s two-run single ended the day for Morris as the Marlins took a 2-1 lead.
Steve Bedrosian was called from the bullpen and he was greeted by a sacrifice fly from Bobby Bonilla.
The Twins were able to answer in their half of the frame as they loaded the bases against Brown.
Nen took over for the Marlins and Chuck Knoblauch tied the affair at 3-3 with a two-run single.
Puckett followed with his second RBI single of the contest as the Twins grabbed the lead to the delight of their fans.
However, the Metrodome faithful’s celebration didn’t last long as the Marlins spoiled the party in the ninth.
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
1996 New York Yankees at 1993 San Francisco Giants
1995 Cleveland Indians at 1994 Montreal Expos