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.
Chris Sabo sent the 1990 Cincinnati Reds to the second round of the 1990s Diamond Gems Tournament with a walk-homer in a 4-2 victory over the 1998 Houston Astros.
With the score tied at 2-2, Houston closer Billy Wagner went to the mound in the bottom of the ninth as retired Eric Davis before things went downhill very fast for the Astros.
Hal Morris looped a single to left, which set the stage for Sabo as he became to the hero with his two-run blast.
The Reds will entertain the winner of the 1998 New York Yankees at 1990 Oakland A’s affair in the second round.
Rob Dibble (1-0) got the win for the Reds as he fanned three Astros in the top of the ninth, while walking Craig Biggio after he posted a game-high three hits.
Dibble took over on the mound for Reds starter Jose Rijo who worked eight innings allowing seven hits with four walks and six strikeouts.
Randy Johnson started for the Astros as he limited the Reds to four hits with 10 strikeouts and a walk in eight frames.
Houston grabbed an early lead Derek Bell grounded out to score Biggio, who led off the game with a single and moved to third on another single by Ricky Gutierrez..
Cincinnati tied the contest in the fourth as Sabo reached on a error by Bill Spiers at third that allowed Paul O’Neill to race home.
A solo homer by Eric Davis in the sixth put the Reds in front, but Moises Alou countered with a blast of his own in the eighth that tied it at 2-2.
1990s Diamond Gems Tournament
First Round Schedule and Results
1990 Cincinnati Reds 4, 1998 Houston Astros 2
1998 New York Yankees at 1990 Oakland A’s
1997 Baltimore Orioles at 1992 Toronto Blue Jays
1993 Philadelphia Phillies at 1996 Atlanta Braves
1990 Pittsburgh Pirates at 1998 San Diego Padres
1997 Florida Marlins at 1991 Minnesota Twins
1996 New York Yankees at 1993 San Francisco Giants
1995 Cleveland Indians at 1994 Montreal Expos