[Nick Soulis]

Series #23
Preliminary Round



1926 Chicago Cubs
Record: 82-72
Finish: 4th in NL
Manager: Joe McCarthy
Ball Park: Cubs Park
WAR Leader: Hack Wilson (5.3)
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/1926.shtml

1998 Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 75-87
Finish: 3rd in NL East
Manager: Terry Francona
Ball Park: Veterans Stadium
WAR Leader: Scott Rolen (6.7)
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1998.shtml
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Game 1
At Cubs Park
1998 Philadelphia Phillies 4
1926 Chicago Cubs 3
WP: C. Schilling (1-0) LP: C. Root (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Hack Wilson (5-5, 2 RBI)
Cubs 2 errors

Game 2
At Cubs Park
1998 Philadelphia Phillies 2
1926 Chicago Cubs 1
WP: C. Loewer (1-0) LP: G. Bush (0-1)
HR: M. Lieberthal (1)
POG: Carlton Loewer (9 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, W)

Game 3
At Veterans Stadium
1926 Chicago Cubs 1
1998 Philadelphia Phillies 9
WP: G. Stephenson (1-0) LP: S. Blake (0-1)
HR: S. Rolen (1)
POG: Doug Glanville (3-4, 3B, 2 RBI, 4 R)
Scott Rolen HR 3 RBI

Game 4
At Veterans Stadium
1926 Chicago Cubs 8
1998 Philadelphia Phillies 7
WP: P. Alexander (1-0) LP: M. Beech (0-1)
HR: G. Hartnett (1)
POIG: Gabby Hartnett (3-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R)
Five errors in game

Game 5
At Veterans Stadium
1926 Chicago Cubs 4
1998 Philadelphia Phillies 3
WP: C. Root (1-1) LP: C. Schilling (1-1)
HR: R. Brogna (1)
POIG: Gabby Hartnett (3-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R)
Rico Brogna lines out with bases loaded to end game

Game 6
At Cubs Park
1998 Philadelphia Phillies 3
1926 Chicago Cubs 4
WP: C. Loewer (2-0) LP: G. Bush (0-2)
HR: M. Lieberthal 2 (3)
POG: Mike Lieberthal (2-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R)
Scott Rolen 2-3 RBI

1998 Philadelphia Phillies Win Series 4 Games To 2
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Phillies Master Cubs
Lieberthal And Rolen Lead The Way For Another Phillies Win

In a thrilling best-of-seven series that pitted two storied baseball franchises against each other, the 1998 Philadelphia Phillies emerged victorious over the 1926 Chicago Cubs in just six games, claiming their place in history and etching their names in the annals of baseball greatness. With Mike Lieberthal earning the Series MVP title, Scott Rolen's clutch performance, and the unwavering determination of the Phillies, this series had baseball fans on the edge of their seats.

The series kicked off at Cubs Park, with the 1998 Phillies narrowly edging past the 1926 Cubs. Curt Schilling earned the win on the mound, while the Phillies' offense came to life, though no home runs were hit. The Player of the Game title went to Hack Wilson, who delivered a stellar performance, going 5-5 with two crucial RBIs.

In Game 2, the Phillies once again emerged victorious, this time with a 2-1 scoreline. Carlton Loewer threw a gem, going the distance and securing the win. Mike Lieberthal's home run proved to be the game-changer, and he would go on to play a vital role in the series. The Phillies were finding their rhythm, and Cubs Park was buzzing with anticipation.

As the series shifted to Veterans Stadium, the Cubs found themselves on the receiving end of a 9-1 drubbing in Game 3. Greg Stephenson's pitching performance was simply outstanding, and Scott Rolen's home run fueled the Phillies' offensive onslaught. Doug Glanville played a pivotal role, contributing with a triple and two RBIs. The Phillies' fans were ecstatic, sensing a chance at glory.

The Cubs bounced back in Game 4, edging the Phillies 8-7 in a thrilling contest. Gabby Hartnett took the Player of the Game title with his three hits, including a home run and three RBIs. With both teams committing a staggering five errors in the game, it was a contest marked by excitement and nerves. The series was heating up, with both teams showing their mettle.

The Cubs continued their resurgence in Game 5, securing a 4-3 victory over the Phillies. Charlie Root's determined performance on the mound and Rico Brogna's game-ending out with the bases loaded in the ninth inning marked the key moments of this contest. The Cubs were refusing to bow out easily, setting the stage for a pivotal Game 6.

With the series hanging in the balance, the Cubs and Phillies clashed at Cubs Park in a decisive Game 6. This game proved to be a fitting conclusion to the series, with the Cubs edging the Phillies 4-3. Scott Rolen and Mike Lieberthal did their best to rally the Phillies, but ultimately, it was not enough. Lieberthal, who had an exceptional series, blasted two home runs in this game, further solidifying his status as the Series MVP.

With Game 6 in the books, the 1998 Philadelphia Phillies secured a 4-2 series victory over the 1926 Chicago Cubs. The Phillies' determination, strong pitching performances, and the remarkable display of Mike Lieberthal's power-hitting culminated in a series that will be remembered for years to come. While both teams demonstrated their prowess on the diamond, it was the 1998 Phillies who claimed the ultimate prize, etching their names in baseball lore.

Series MVP:

(.350, 3 HR, 4 RBI, .409 OBP, 2 2B, 3 R, .900 SLG)