10-10-2023, 09:21 AM
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#19
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 4,217
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Series #15
Series #15
Preliminary Round

1903 Brooklyn Superbas
Record: 70-66
Finish: 5th in NL
Manager: Ned Hanlon
Ball Park: Washington Park
WAR Leader: Jimmy Sheckard (7.1)
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BRO/1903.shtml
1996 Houston Astros
Record: 82-80
Finish: 2nd in NL Central
Manager: Terry Collins
Ball Park: Astrodome
WAR Leader: Jeff Bagwell (7.5)
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1996.shtml
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Modern Era Proves Proficient
In a matchup for the ages, the 1996 Houston Astros faced off against the 1903 Brooklyn Superbas in a best-of-seven playoff series. The Astros, known for their powerful lineup and formidable pitching staff, ultimately emerged victorious, clinching the series in just five games. This historic clash between eras provided baseball fans with a thrilling spectacle of the sport's evolution over the years.
The series kicked off at Washington Park, Brooklyn, with the 1903 Superbas managing to edge out the 1996 Astros in a tight 3-2 victory. The Superbas' Ned Garvin delivered a masterful performance on the mound, stifling the Astros' potent offense and earning Player of the Game honors.
The Astros, unfazed by their initial loss, retaliated with vigor in Game 2. Astros' pitcher Chris Holt stepped up with an outstanding 9-inning display, allowing only 2 earned runs and securing a crucial 4-2 victory. Derek Bell played a pivotal role, driving in two runs, and Holt's performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Game accolade.
As the series shifted to the Astrodome, the 1996 Astros demonstrated their dominance on their home turf. Darryl Kile took center stage, pitching an extraordinary 10 innings and allowing only 2 earned runs. Jeff Bagwell's clutch performance, including a two-run double, sealed the deal for the Astros in a 3-2 thriller.
The intensity of the series reached its peak in Game 4, with both teams displaying remarkable resilience. Shane Reynolds of the Astros delivered an outstanding 9-inning, 1-run performance. John Cangelosi's memorable inside-the-park home run provided the Superbas with a moment of glory. However, it was the Astros' tenacity that ultimately prevailed, with Kile driving in the walk-off single in the 10th inning.
The final showdown took place at the Astrodome, and it was a fitting stage for the Astros to seal their victory. Chris Holt once again rose to the occasion, pitching a masterclass, allowing just 1 earned run over 9 innings. James Mouton's spectacular 3-for-5 performance with 2 RBIs and 2 stolen bases proved instrumental in the Astros' 8-2 triumph. With this victory, the 1996 Houston Astros made history, winning the series 4 games to 1.
The MVP of the series undoubtedly belonged to Chris Holt, who played a pivotal role in the Astros' success. Holt's impressive 2-0 record with a 1.50 ERA and incredible control, issuing only 2 walks in 18 innings, highlighted his exceptional contribution to the Astros' historic triumph.
1996 Houston Astros Win Series 4 Games To 1
Series MVP:
(2-0, 18 IP, 1.50 ERA, 2 BB, 4 K, 0.89 WHIP, 0 HR)
Last edited by Nick Soulis; 10-11-2023 at 06:36 AM.
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