Editor’s note: The 1990 Tournament games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will be used for any contests involving American League teams when games are played at home. 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.
Jim Eisenreich had five hits and knocked in four runs to lead the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-2 victory over the 1996 Atlanta Braves in the opening round of the 1990s Diamond Gems Tournament.
The Phillies advance to entertain the 1992 Toronto Blue Jays in the second round.
Eisenreich got things underway in the top of the first against Braves starter John Smoltz with a two-run single that gave the Phillies an early lead.
In the third, Darren Daulton led off with a double and then scored on a single by Eisenreich before the Phillies added another run on a defensive miscue by Atlanta shortstop Jeff Blauser.
Smoltz had his day end after five innings as Eisenreich tripled and then came home on a single by Kevin Stocker as Philadelphia led 5-0. Smoltz (0-1) allowed eight hits with four walks and seven strikeouts.
The Braves got on the scoreboard in sixth against Philadelphia starter Curt Schilling as Ryan Klesko had a sacrifice fly before a RBI single by Javy Lopez.
After two scoreless innings tossed by Steve Avery, the Phillies added their final three runs in the eighth against Pedro Borbon before Denny Neagle finished up on the mound for the Braves.
Mariano Duncan, Eisenreich and Milt Thompson each knocked in a run with a single.
Schilling (1-0) went the distance for the Phillies as he fanned six and walked two.
1990s Diamond Gems Tournament
First Round Schedule and Results
1990 Cincinnati Reds 4, 1998 Houston Astros 2
1990 Oakland A’s 4, 1998 New York Yankees 3
1992 Toronto Blue Jays 5, 1997 Baltimore Orioles 1
1993 Philadelphia Phillies 8, 1996 Atlanta Braves 2
1990 Pittsburgh Pirates at 1998 San Diego Padres
1997 Florida Marlins at 1991 Minnesota Twins
1996 New York Yankees at 1993 San Francisco Giants
1995 Cleveland Indians at 1994 Montreal Expos