Editor’s note: The Reds Decade Tournament games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. Injuries will only be used during the game when they occur. For this tournament, the rules include a three-man pitching rotation that starts over with each best-of-three game series. If a real life starter is not in the rotation, he can be used in relief. Cincinnati squads that did not made the post-season are featured in this event as one team from each decade from the 1910s to the 1980s were selected.
George Suggs survived trouble in several innings to lead the 1911 Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 victory over the 1977 Cincinnati Reds.
With the win, the second round best of three series in the Reds Decade Tournament is now even at a game apiece.
Suggs (2-0) allowed eight hits with a walk and five strikeouts. However, three errors by the 1911 defense led to base runners in every inning.
The 1977 squad couldn’t take advantage of their opportunities as the team left nine on base, while going 1-of-15 with runners in scoring position.
A solo homer by George Foster in the second inning provided the only run for the 1977 team.
Fred Norman (0-1) blanked the 1911 team on a third-inning single by Suggs through seven frames until having problems in the top of the eighth.
With two outs, Suggs slapped an infield single before Bob Bescher walked. Johnny Bates followed with a single that loaded the bases and Norman was done having given up three walks with six strikeouts.
Manny Sarmiento was called from the bullpen by 1977 manager Sparky Anderson and the reliever was greeted by a two-run single from Dick Hoblitzell, who gave his squad the lead.
In the bottom of the ninth, the 1977 team had a chance to tie the contest as Cesar Geronimo doubled with one out.
The only hit with a runner in scoring position was by pinch-hitter Bob Bailey, who singled to break the streak. Unfortunately, Geronimo was thrown out at the plate by Mike Mitchell from right field.
Suggs retired Pete Rose for the final out on a grounder to first and the series was tied.
Harry Gaspar (0-0) goes to the mound for the 1911 team in the finale, while Anderson has selected Jack Billingham (0-0) to start for the 1977 squad.
Second Round Schedule and Results
(Best two out of three)
1911 Reds vs. 1977 Reds (2-6, 2-1, Series Tied 1-1)
1924 Reds vs. 1948 Reds (4-5, 1948 Leads 1-0)
First Round Results
(Best two out of three)
1911 Reds vs. 1955 Reds (5-4, 6-4, 1911 Wins 2-0)
1934 Reds vs. 1977 Reds (3-7, 6-5, 1977 Wins 2-0)
1948 Reds vs. 1986 Reds (5-1, 8-3, 1948 Wins 2-0)
1924 Reds vs. 1964 Reds (3-2 (10), 3-0, 1924 Wins 2-0)