Series #3
Preliminary Round
1987 Detroit Tigers
Finish: 98-64
Finish: Lost in ALCS
Manager: Sparky Anderson
Ball Park: Tiger Stadium
WAR Leader: Allan Trammell (8.2)
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1987.shtml
1989 Chicago Cubs
Record: 93-69
Finish: Lost in NLCS
Manager: Don Zimmer
Ball Park: Wrigley Field
WAR Leader: Ryne Sandberg (6.1)
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/1989.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 Chicago Cubs Sweep 1987 Detroit Tigers in Classic Playoff Series
In a highly anticipated best-of-seven playoff series, the 1989 Chicago Cubs clashed with the 1987 Detroit Tigers in a thrilling showdown that pitted two formidable 90-win teams against each other. However, the series proved to be a one-sided affair as the 1989 Cubs, known for their stellar pitching and clutch hitting, emerged victorious with a stunning sweep in four games.
Game 1: Cubs 4 - Tigers 2
The series began at Tiger Stadium, where Greg Maddux, the Cubs' ace, set the tone with a dominant performance. Maddux pitched eight solid innings, allowing only two hits and two earned runs while striking out five Tigers. The Cubs' offense came alive with home runs from Ryne Sandberg, Lloyd McClendon, and Dwight Evans. Maddux's seven no-hit innings sent a clear message that the Cubs were ready for a deep playoff run.
Game 2: Cubs 5 - Tigers 4
The second game at Tiger Stadium continued the Cubs' momentum. Rick Sutcliffe took the mound for Chicago, delivering eight innings of gritty pitching. Dwight Smith's late-game heroics with three RBIs, including a crucial home run, proved to be the difference-maker. Les Lancaster secured his second save of the series, sealing the Cubs' 5-4 victory.
Game 3: Cubs 3 - Tigers 1
The series then shifted to the iconic Wrigley Field for Game 3, where Mike Harkey showcased his pitching prowess for the Cubs. Harkey tossed a complete game, allowing only one earned run over nine innings while striking out five Tigers. The Cubs' offense found its rhythm with homers from Dwight Evans and Mark Grace, leading them to a 3-1 victory.
Game 4: Cubs 4 - Tigers 2
In the final game of the series, the Cubs' pitching once again proved to be the difference-maker. Mike Bielecki took the mound for Chicago, delivering seven strong innings, allowing no earned runs and striking out four Tigers. The Cubs' offense was led by Andre Dawson's home run, which contributed to their 4-2 win. Les Lancaster closed the game with his third save of the series.
Throughout the series, the Cubs demonstrated exceptional pitching depth and timely hitting, while the Tigers struggled to find their footing against the Cubs' formidable rotation and bullpen. The Cubs' pitching staff, led by Greg Maddux, Rick Sutcliffe, Mike Harkey, and Mike Bielecki, limited the Tigers' potent offense to just nine runs over four games.
Dwight Smith and Mark Grace emerged as offensive standouts for the Cubs, each hitting .333 in the series. Smith's clutch hitting and Grace's memorable two-run homer in Game 3 were crucial in securing victory for Chicago.
Despite their 93-69 regular season record, the 1989 Chicago Cubs proved that they were a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. The combination of dominant pitching and timely hitting propelled them to a historic sweep of the 1987 Detroit Tigers, a team that had won 98 games during the regular season.
This unforgettable playoff series will be remembered as a testament to the Cubs' resilience, pitching excellence, and their ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. The 1989 Chicago Cubs' stunning sweep of the 1987 Detroit Tigers will undoubtedly hold a special place in the hearts of Cubs fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.
1989 Chicago Cubs Win Series 4 Games To 0
Series MVP:
(.333, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, 1 2B, 1 3B, .733 SLG)