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.
The semifinal round of the Negro Leagues Diamond Gems Tournament is set after the 1945 Cleveland Buckeyes defeated the 1931 Homestead Grays 6-1 in the final opening round affair.
Cleveland will visit the 1938 Kansas City Monarchs, while the 1924 Hilldale Athletic Club is at 1916 Chicago American Giants in the other match up.
After Oscar Charleston drove in a run in the bottom of the first to give the Grays a 1-0 lead, the momentum switched in the top of the second to the Cleveland dugout.
The Buckeyes rallied for three runs to take the lead for good. Johnnie Cowan tied the contest as he hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed Ducky Davenport to score.
A two-run single by Avelino Canizares gave the Buckeyes a 3-1 advantage.
The Buckeyes added to their margin in the fourth with three more runs. Cowan and Canizares both had RBI singles, while the last tally scored on an error by the Grays.
Both starting pitchers went the distance. Jeff Jefferson got the win for the Buckeyes as he allowed just three hits, while walking five with three strikeouts. Smokey Joe Williams gave up eight hits and a walk as he fanned six.
Negro Leagues Diamond Gems Tournament
Semifinals
1924 Hilldale Athletic Club at 1916 Chicago American Giants
1945 Cleveland Buckeyes at 1938 Kansas City Monarchs
First Round
1916 Chicago American Giants 7, 1936 Pittsburgh Crawfords 5
1924 Hilldale Athletic Club 4, 1944 Birmingham Black Barons 3
1938 Kansas City Monarchs 7, 1922 Indianapolis ABCs 6
1945 Cleveland Buckeyes 6, 1931 Homestead Grays 1