[Nick Soulis]

Series #61



1996 Los Angeles Dodgers
Record: 90-72
Finish: 2nd in NL West
Manager: Tommy LaSorda
Ball Park: Dodger Stadium
WAR Leader: Mike Piazza (5.4)
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAD/1996.shtml

1913 Cincinnati Reds
Record: 64-89
Finish: 7th in NL
Manager: Joe Tinker
Ball Park: Redland Field
WAR Leader: Joe Tinker (3.8)
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/1913.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadball Reds Stop Dodgers In Tracks
Five Game Series Win Bolsters Smallball



Game 1
At Dodger Stadium
1913 Cincinnati Reds 6
1996 Los Angeles Dodgers 1
WP: R. Works (1-0) LP: H. Nomo (0-1)
HR: B. Becker (1), J. Bates (1), M. Piazza (1)
POG: Ralph Works (6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 K, W)
1913 Reds Lead Series 1-0

In a historic clash at Dodger Stadium, the 1913 Cincinnati Reds outplayed the 1996 Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the best-of-seven playoff series, securing a decisive 6-1 victory. The Reds seized control early, posting an impressive five-run first inning against Dodgers' ace Hideo Nomo. Cincinnati's starting pitcher, Ralph Works, delivered a masterful performance, pitching 6.1 shutout innings, allowing only two hits, and striking out nine batters. Works set the tone for the Reds, who now lead the series 1-0. Dodgers' pitching struggled to contain the offensive onslaught, with Nomo lasting only one inning. Cincinnati's hitting was highlighted by home runs from Beals Becker and Jake Bates, along with a pair of doubles by Dick Hoblitzel. The Reds look to extend their lead in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium tomorrow.

Game 2
At Dodger Stadium
1913 Cincinnati Reds 3
1996 Los Angeles Dodgers 0
WP> G. Suggs (1-0) LP: I. Valdez (0-1)
HR: D. Egan (1)
POG: George Suggs (9 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1K, 102 P)
1913 Reds Lead Series 2-0

In another commanding performance at the iconic Field of Dreams, the 1913 Cincinnati Reds secured a 3-0 victory over the 1996 Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2, extending their series lead to 2-0. George Suggs, the Reds' starter, delivered a standout performance, pitching a complete game shutout. The right-hander baffled the Dodgers' lineup, allowing no earned runs on six hits, walking only one batter, and striking out one. Cincinnati's offense, while not as explosive as in the previous game, capitalized on timely hitting, including a third-inning two-run homer by Dick Egan and an RBI double by Tommy Clarke in the fourth inning. The Dodgers, despite a solid outing from starter Ismael Valdez, struggled to generate offense and are now faced with a challenging 0-2 series deficit. Game 3 is set to take place at Redland Field in Cincinnati, where the Reds will aim to further assert their dominance in this historic showdown.

Game 3
At Redland Field
1996 Los Angeles Dodgers 3
1913 Cincinnati Reds 4
WP: R. Benton (1-0) LP: C. Park (0-1) S: J. Rowan (1)
HR: None
POG: Rube Benton (5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, W)
1913 Reds Lead Series 3-0

In a historic clash between the 1913 Cincinnati Reds and the 1996 Los Angeles Dodgers at Redland Field, the Reds emerged victorious in Game 3, securing a 4-3 win and a commanding 3-0 series lead. Left-hander Rube Benton showcased his pitching prowess, lasting 5.2 innings and allowing three runs. Cincinnati's Tommy Clarke played a pivotal role, delivering a crucial run-scoring double in the third inning. Despite a late-game push by the 1996 Dodgers, who managed three runs on seven hits, the Reds' pitching held firm. With this win, the 1913 Reds find themselves on the brink of a historic sweep, leaving the 1996 Dodgers with the daunting task of facing flawless baseball to mount a comeback in the Field of Dreams series. The next clash is set to take place at Redland Field, as the Reds aim to seal their championship in front of the home crowd.

Game 4
At Redland Field
1996 Los Angeles Dodgers 6
1913 Cincinnati Reds 2
WP: P. Astacio (1-0) LP: C. Johnson (0-1)
HR: R. Mondesi (1)
POG: Raul Mondesi (3-5, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, R)
1913 Reds Lead Series 3-1

In a pivotal Game 4 at Redland Field, the 1996 Los Angeles Dodgers managed to stave off elimination with a resounding 6-2 victory over the 1913 Cincinnati Reds. Facing a 3-0 series deficit, the Dodgers needed a standout performance, and right fielder Raul Mondesi delivered. Mondesi went 3 for 5 with a home run and a crucial double, driving in three runs and scoring once. The Dodgers' offensive surge came primarily in the sixth and seventh innings, with Mondesi's two-run homer being the highlight. Dodgers starter Pedro Astacio earned the win, going six innings and allowing two runs. With this victory, the 1996 Dodgers now trail 3-1 in the best-of-seven series, showing signs of life as they head into the next game at Redland Field with hopes of a comeback.

Game 5
At Redland Field
1996 Los Angeles Dodgers 2
1913 Cincinnati Reds 4
WP: A> Fromme (1-0) LP: M. Guthrie (0-1) S: J. Rowan (2)
HR: B. Becker (2)
POG: Ralph Works (5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 100 P)


In a decisive Game 5 at Redland Field, the Cincinnati 1913 Reds clinched their first-ever championship by defeating the 1996 Los Angeles Dodgers with a final score of 4-2. The Reds showcased their superior team effort, emphasizing hitting, pitching, and fielding. The Reds' victory was characterized by the balanced contributions of various players, echoing their teamwork throughout the season. Manager Joe Tinker commended the collective goal and unity that defined their success. Celebrations erupted in the Reds' clubhouse, with plans for a city-wide parade and a grand celebration underway. Cincinnati 1913 concluded their historic effort with a remarkable 4-1 series win over the 1996 Dodgers, securing their place as Field of Dreams next round.

1913 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.350, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R, 1 SB, .381 OBP, 1.031 OPS)