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 1916 Chicago American Giants posted a 7-5 comeback win over the 1936 Pittsburgh Crawfords in the opener of the Negro Leagues Diamond Gems Tournament.
With the victory, the Giants move on to the semifinals to face the winner of the 1944 Birmingham Black Barons at 1924 Hilldale Athletic Club.
Jesse Barber, who had two hits for the Giants, broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh inning with a run-scoring triple to put his team in front for good.
Barber later scored on a single by Pete Hill as the Giants led 6-4. A RBI single by Bruce Petway increased the Giants margin to 7-4.
Pittsburgh’s final run came in the ninth when Cool Papa Bell tripled and scored on a single by Jimmie Crutchfield.
Crawfords Lead Early
A pair of runs in both the second and third innings gave the Crawford a 4-0 advantage against Giants pitcher School Boy Johnson.
Judy Johnson had a RBI ground out in the second that was followed by a run-scoring double by Giants pitcher Leroy Matlock.
In the third, Oscar Charleston hit a two-run homer.
The Giants responded in the fourth as they were able to with four runs.
Pop Lloyd, Leroy Grant and Petway each knocked in a run with a hit, while Bill Francis capped the rally with a sacrifice fly.
Johnson got the win as he went the distance giving up nine hits with five strikeouts. Matlock took the loss surrendering eight hits with just one strikeout.
Negro Leagues Diamond Gems Tournament
First Round
1916 Chicago American Giants 7, 1936 Pittsburgh Crawfords 5
1944 Birmingham Black Barons at 1924 Hilldale Athletic Club
1938 Kansas City Monarchs at 1922 Indianapolis ABCs
1945 Cleveland Buckeyes at 1931 Homestead Grays