Editor’s note: The games in the Negro Leagues Diamond Gems Tournament are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will not be used for any games. Injuries will only be used during the game when they occur.
Lazaro Salazar‘s solo homer in the bottom of the eighth inning proved to be the difference as the 1935 New York Cubans defeated the 1942 Kansas City Monarchs 3-2 in the semifinals of the Negro Leagues Diamond Gems B Tournament.
With the victory, the Cubans are set to entertain the winner of the 1949 Baltimore Elite Giants at 1943 Homestead Grays affair in the championship game.
Salazar stepped to the plate with the score tied at 2-2 and one out against Kansas City starter Jack Matchett. Salazar’s blast was his second hit of the contest.
Frank Blake (1-0) finished his complete game effort for the Cubans with a scoreless ninth for the win. Blake allowed 11 hits with four walks and six strikeouts as he worked out of trouble in several innings.
Matchett (0-1) surrendered 12 hits in his eight frames as he fanned three without a walk.
Alejandro Oms got the scoring underway in the first inning with a RBI single for New York. The Monarchs tied it at 1-1 in the third as Joe Greene smashed a solo shot.
Martin Dihigo had a homer in the fourth for New York as the Cubans led again 2-1. Bonnie Serrell answered for Kansas City as he led off the sixth with a long ball that made it 2-2.
Negro Leagues Diamond Gems B Tournament
Semifinals
1935 New York Cubans 3, 1942 Kansas City Monarchs 2
1949 Baltimore Elite Giants at 1943 Homestead Grays
First Round Results
1935 New York Cubans 3, 1920 Detroit Stars 2
1942 Kansas City Monarchs 4, 1933 Indianapolis American Giants 2
1943 Homestead Grays 5, 1928 St. Louis Stars 1
1949 Baltimore Elite Giants 9, 1934 Philadelphia Stars 2