Editor’s note: The 1980 Tournament games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will be used for any games involving American League teams. 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.
Scott McGregor seemed to have enough for a complete game, but 1983 Baltimore Orioles manager Joe Altobelli wasn’t going to take any chances.
Altobelli called on Tippy Martinez to get the last three outs as the Orioles were able to beat the 1985 Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 in the opening round of the 1980s Diamond Gems Tournament.
The Orioles are set to entertain the winner of the 1981 New York Yankees at 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round.
Leading 2-0 heading into the ninth, McGregor surrendered a solo homer to Toronto shortstop Tony Fernandez prompting a visit from Altobelli.
Going with Martinez turned out to be a good decision as the Baltimore lefty retired Damaso Garcia and Lloyd Moseby before he fanned Jeff Burroughs to close out the affair to earn a save.
McGregor officially tossed eight innings as he gave up four hits, while not striking out a batter.
Toronto starter Dave Stieb also worked eight innings allowing three hits, with two by Al Bumbry.
Baltimore scored one run in the fifth and another in the sixth.
John Lowenstein had a solo homer leading off the fifth, while Cal Ripkin Jr. knocked in the next tally on a groundout with the bases loaded.
First Round Schedule and Results
(16) 1986 Houston Astros 5, (1) 1986 New York Mets 3
(9) 1985 St. Louis Cardinals 4, (8) 1987 Minnesota Twins 2
(4) 1983 Baltimore Orioles 2, (13) 1985 Toronto Blue Jays 1
(12) 1981 New York Yankees at (5) 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers
(15) 1984 Chicago Cubs at (2) 1984 Detroit Tigers
(10) 1986 Boston Red Sox at (7) 1985 Kansas City Royals
(14) 1983 Chicago White Sox at (3) 1989 Oakland A’s
(11) 1982 Milwaukee Brewers at (6) 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers