Editor’s note: The 1980 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. 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.
Dan Ford smashed a pair of homers to lead the 1983 Baltimore Orioles to a 5-2 victory over the 1981 New York Yankees in the second round of the 1980s Diamond Gems Tournament.
The Orioles will entertain the 1986 Houston Astros the first of two semifinal affairs.
Ford’s first shot was a solo blast in the first inning off New York starter Tommy John. John Lowenstein followed with a RBI single and the Orioles led 2-0.
In the third, Ford led off with a homer to put the Orioles on top 3-0.
Baltimore added two more runs in the fifth on a RBI double by Rich Dauer. Rick Dempsey drove in the last tally with a single.
Orioles starter Mike Boddicker held New York scoreless through six frames on a pair of hits before the Yankees were able to come through with a run.
Dave Winfield doubled and then scored on a single by Reggie Jackson.
Jackson ended the day for Boddicker as he led off the ninth with a single.
Tippy Martinez was called to the mound and he was greeted by a triple from Craig Nettles, before the Baltimore lefty settled down.
Martinez retired Lou Piniella, Bob Watson and Rick Cerone to finshed off the Yankees.
Boddicker officially went eight innings allowoing five hits with five strikeouts.
John tossed six frames and had five strikeouts. Ron Davis worked the last two innings for New York and allowed only a walk.
Second Round Schedule and Results
(16) 1986 Houston Astros 7, (9) 1985 St. Louis Cardinals 4
(4) 1983 Baltimore Orioles 5, (12) 1981 New York Yankees 2
(15) 1984 Chicago Cubs at (10) 1986 Boston Red Sox
(14) 1983 Chicago White Sox at (6) 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers
First Round Results
(16) 1986 Houston Astros 5, (1) 1986 New York Mets 3
(9) 1985 St. Louis Cardinals 4, (8) 1987 Minnesota Twins 2
(4) 1983 Baltimore Orioles 2, (13) 1985 Toronto Blue Jays 1
(12) 1981 New York Yankees 5, (5) 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers 3 (11)
(15) 1984 Chicago Cubs 7, (2) 1984 Detroit Tigers 2
(10) 1986 Boston Red Sox 5, (7) 1985 Kansas City Royals 1
(14) 1983 Chicago White Sox 4, (3) 1989 Oakland A’s 2
(6) 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers 12, (11) 1982 Milwaukee Brewers 6