[Nick Soulis]

Series #30
Preliminary Round



1987 Seattle Mariners
Record: 78-84
Finish: 4th in AL West
Manager: Dick Williams
Ball Park: Kingdome
WAR Leader: Mark Langston (5.9)
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SEA/1987.shtml

2015 San Diego Padres
Record: 74-88
Finish: 4th in NL West
Manager: Bud Black
Ball Park: Petco Park
WAR Leader: Justin Upton (4.2)
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SDP/2015.shtml
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Game 1
At Kingdome
2015 San Diego Padres 11
1987 Seattle Mariners 13
WP: B. Wilkinson (1-0) LP: C. Kimbrel (0-1)
HR: M. Brantley 2 (2), M. Kemp (1)
POG: Mickey Brantley (4-6, 2 HR, 2 R, 9 RBI)
Walk off grand slam by Mickey Brantley

Game 2
At Kingdome
2015 San Diego Padres 5
1987 Seattle Mariners 3
WP: R. Erlin (1-0) LP: M. Moore (0-1) S: C. Kimbrell (1)
HR: A. Dickerson 2 (2)
POG: Alex Dickerson (2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, BB)

Game 3
At Petco Park
1987 Seattle Mariners 4
2015 San Diego Padres 5
WP: C. Kimbrel (1-1) LP: B. Wilkinson (1-1)
HR: J. Upton (1), J. Gyorko (1)
POG: Jedd Gyorko (2-3, HR, RBI, 2 R
Abraham Almonte walk off double in 9th

Game 4
At Petco Park
1987 Seattle Mariners 2
2015 San Diego Padres 4
WP: S. Kelley (1-0) LP: S. Campbell (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Colin Rea (5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K)
Matt Kemp 2-4, 2 RBI

Game 5
At Petco Park
1987 Seattle Mariners 5
2015 San Diego Padres 3
WP: B. Wilkinson (2-1) LP: S. Kelley (1-1)
HR: M. Kingery (1)
POG: Mark Langston (7 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 10 BB, 5 K, 139 P)
Mike Kingery 3 run home run

Game 6
At Kingdome
2015 San Diego Padres 10
1987 Seattle Mariners 7
WP: N. Vincent (1-0) LP: M. Moore (0-2)
HR: J. Upton 2 (3), Y. Alonso (1), M. Brantley (3), J. Presley (1)
POG: Justin Upton (2-3, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R
Yonder Alonso 3-5, HR, 2 RBI

2015 San Diego Padres Win Series 4 Games To 2
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Padres Keep Poise And Take Mariners In Six
San Diego Overcomes Game 1 Heroics From Brantley



In a battle that pitted the 2015 San Diego Padres against the 1987 Seattle Mariners, fans were treated to a historic best-of-seven playoff series. The Padres emerged victorious, securing their place in baseball history with a hard-fought 4-2 series win. This unforgettable matchup showcased memorable performances and incredible moments that will be talked about for years to come.

The series opened with an absolute slugfest at the Kingdome. Both teams combined for a whopping 24 runs, and it was a high-scoring spectacle. The 1987 Mariners, led by the incredible Mickey Brantley, managed to clinch the first game 13-11 in a thrilling walk-off grand slam by Brantley. In this historic game, Brantley was the star, hitting two home runs and driving in a staggering nine runs. Despite the Padres' Matt Kemp's heroic efforts with a home run, it was the Mariners who took the series lead.

The 2015 Padres came back with a vengeance in Game 2 at the Kingdome. They secured a 5-3 victory over the 1987 Mariners with key performances by players like Alex Dickerson, who delivered two home runs and three RBIs. The Padres' resolute pitching held off the Mariners, ensuring that the series was now tied at 1-1.

Game 3, held at Petco Park, saw the 1987 Mariners and the 2015 Padres locked in a fierce battle. In the end, the Padres emerged victorious with a 5-4 win, thanks to a walk-off double by Abraham Almonte. Jedd Gyorko and Justin Upton provided the offensive firepower, with Upton hitting a home run. This game demonstrated the Padres' resilience and determination to take the series lead.

The 2015 Padres continued to build momentum in Game 4 at Petco Park, defeating the 1987 Mariners 4-2. Pitcher Colin Rea turned in a stellar performance, and Matt Kemp's two RBIs proved crucial. The Padres had now taken a 3-1 series lead and were just one win away from securing their place in the next round.

The 1987 Mariners were not ready to throw in the towel just yet. In Game 5, they managed to edge the Padres 5-3 at Petco Park. Mike Kingery's three-run home run was the highlight of the game, and Mark Langston pitched a masterful seven innings. With this win, the Mariners stayed alive in the series, trailing 3-2.

The sixth and final game of the series was a thrilling back-and-forth contest at the Kingdome. Ultimately, the 2015 San Diego Padres secured their series victory with a 10-7 win over the 1987 Seattle Mariners. Justin Upton's two home runs and Yonder Alonso's strong performance proved decisive. The Padres had won the series 4-2, earning their place in the next round of the playoffs.

In a rather unusual turn of events, the Most Valuable Player of the series was on the losing side. Mickey Brantley of the 1987 Mariners was an offensive force to be reckoned with, recording 14 RBIs during the series. His historic Game 1 performance, where he knocked in an incredible nine runs, will be remembered for generations to come.

The 2015 San Diego Padres triumphed over the 1987 Seattle Mariners in a thrilling playoff series that will go down in baseball history. This clash of two eras demonstrated the enduring appeal of the sport and the remarkable talent that has graced the diamond over the years. While the Padres earned their spot in the next round, the 1987 Mariners showcased their resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.

Series MVP:

(.464, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 4 R, 2 2B, .857 SLG, Walk off grandslam)