[Nick Soulis]

Series #32
Preliminary Round



1973 Kansas City Royals
Record: 88-74
Finish: 2nd in AL West
Manager: Jack McKeon
Ball Park: Royals Stadium
WAR Leader: John Mayberry (5.2)
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCR/1973.shtml

1929 New York Giants
Record: 84-67
Finish: 3rd In NL
Manager: John McGraw
Ball Park: Polo Grounds
WAR Leader: Mel Ott (7.2)
Hall of Famers: (6)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYG/1929.shtml
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Game 1
At Royals Stadium
1929 New York Giants 2
1973 Kansas City Royals 4
WP: S. Busby (1-0) LP: C. Hubbell (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Steve Busby (9 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 137 P)
Cookie Rojas 2 run double off Hubbell

Game 2
At Royals Stadium
1929 New York Giants 2
1973 Kansas City Royals 3
WP: D. Bird (1-0) LP: J. Scott (0-1)
HR: P. Schaal (1), E. Kirkpatrick (1), M. Ott (1)
POG: Bill Walker (8.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2BB, 6 K, 133 P)
Ed Kirkpatrick walk off home run 9th inning

Game 3
At Polo Grounds
1973 Kansas City Royals 0
1929 New York Giants 1 (12 inn)
WP: J. Scott (1-1) LP: D. Bird (1-1)
HR: None
POG: Larry Benton (10 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 132 P)
Freddie Lindstrom walk off RBI single in 12th

Game 4
At Polo Grounds
1973 Kansas City Royals 5
1929 New York Giants 4
WP: W. Simpson (1-0) LP: F. Fitzsimmons (0-1) S: D. Bird (1)
HR: F. Lindstrom (1), B. Terry (1)
POG: Freddie Lindstrom (3-5, HR, RBI, R)
Royals 5 run 8th inning

Game 5
At Polo Grounds
1973 Kansas City Royals 9
1929 New York Giants 6
WP: D. Drago (1-0) LP: R. Judd (0-1) S: G. Garber (1)
HR: B. Terry (2), F. Leach (1), L. Piniella (1),C. Rojas (1)
POG: Cookie Rojas (1-4, HR, 5 RBI, 1 R)
Rojas grand slam in 8th inning

1973 Royals Win Series 4 Games To 1
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McGraw And Giants Fall Again
Solid Royals Effort Takes Series In 5



In a clash of baseball eras, the 1973 Kansas City Royals emerged victorious over the 1929 New York Giants in a best-of-seven playoff series that captivated fans with its intensity and historic significance. The Royals secured the series in five games, marking a decisive triumph over the Giants' formidable roster.

The series kicked off at Royals Stadium with a pitching duel between Steve Busby and the legendary Carl Hubbell. In a 4-2 victory, the Royals' Busby claimed the win, showcasing his prowess on the mound. Cookie Rojas proved instrumental with a clutch 2-run double off Hubbell, setting the tone for the Royals' offensive strategy.

The drama continued in Game 2 as the Royals secured a 3-2 win with Ed Kirkpatrick delivering a walk-off home run in the 9th inning. Pitcher Bill Walker's stellar performance earned him Player of the Game honors, stifling the Giants' offense and contributing to the Royals' early series lead.

The series shifted to the historic Polo Grounds for Game 3, a grueling 12-inning contest that ended with a 1-0 victory for the Giants. Larry Benton's exceptional 10-inning pitching effort and Freddie Lindstrom's walk-off RBI single secured the Giants' only win of the series.

In a pivotal Game 4, the Royals clinched the series lead with a 5-4 triumph. Freddie Lindstrom's standout performance, including a home run, played a crucial role in the Royals' 5-run 8th inning that ultimately proved insurmountable for the Giants.

The series concluded at the Polo Grounds with the Royals sealing their triumph in a 9-6 victory. Cookie Rojas was the star of the game, delivering a grand slam in the 8th inning and amassing a total of 5 RBIs, earning him the Player of the Game title. This decisive win cemented the 1973 Royals as the victors of the series, capturing the hearts of baseball enthusiasts.

Hal McRae's impressive .412 batting average and stellar defensive play at third base were instrumental for the Royals, while Bill Terry's .400 average and 2 home runs were notable highlights for the Giants. However, the MVP of the series was undoubtedly Cookie Rojas, whose stellar performance, including 8 RBIs, including 5 in the clinching game, earned him the series MVP honors.

For Giants manager John McGraw, a legendary figure in baseball history, this marked his second playoff series defeat. Despite his team's valiant efforts, the Royals' cohesive play and standout individual performances proved insurmountable.

Series MVP:

(.312, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 2 R, 1 2B, .951 OPS, 5 RBI in game 5)