[Nick Soulis]

Series #71



1940 Cincinnati Reds
Record: 100-53
Finish: World Champions
Manager: Bill McKechnie
Ball Park: Crosley Field
WAR Leader: Bucky Walters (6.9)
Hall of Famers: (1)
Franchise Record: 5-4
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/1940.shtml

2004 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 72-89
Finish: 5th in NL Central
Manager: Lloyd McCLendon
Ball Park: PNC Park
WAR Leader: Oliver Perez (5.9)
Hall of Famers: (0)
Franchise Record: 3-2
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/2004.shtml
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Perfect Upset In Perfect Sweep
1940 Reds Score 4 Total Runs In Stunning Loss



Game 1
At Crosley Field
2004 Pittsburgh Pirates 4
1940 Cincinnati Reds 1
WP: K. Benson (1-0) LP: B. Walters (0-1)
HR: J. Bay (1)
POG: Kris Benson (9 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 110 P)
2004 Pirates Lead Series 1-0

In the opening game of Series 71 at Crosley Field, the 2004 Pittsburgh Pirates showcased their prowess with a 4-1 victory over the 1940 Cincinnati Reds. Kris Benson led the charge for the Pirates, pitching a complete game gem, allowing only one run on seven hits while striking out two. The Pirates took an early lead with runs in the first and third innings, highlighted by a solo home run from Jason Bay in the third. Tike Redman played a significant role in the Pirates' offense, setting a playoff game record with two triples and driving in two runs. Despite a late push from the Reds in the seventh inning with a triple from Ival Goodman, the Pirates' pitching and timely hitting secured them the win. With the victory, the Pirates take a 1-0 series lead as they look ahead to Game 2 tomorrow at Crosley Field in Cincinnati.

Game 2
At Crosley Field
2004 Pittsburgh Pirates 6
1940 Cincinnati Reds 1
WP: O. Perez (1-0) LP: P. Derringer (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Oliver Perez (9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 119 P)
2004 Pirates Lead Series 2-0

In Game 2 of Series 71 at Crosley Field , the 2004 Pittsburgh Pirates continued their dominance over the 1940 Cincinnati Reds with a commanding 6-1 victory. Left-handed pitcher Oliver Perez delivered a masterful performance, hurling a complete-game, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out six. The Pirates' offense struck early, posting four runs in the second inning, highlighted by triples from Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez. Cincinnati's lone run came in the seventh inning courtesy of a double from Ival Goodman. However, it wasn't enough to overcome Perez's stellar outing. With the win, the Pirates now hold a commanding 2-0 series lead as the teams head to PNC Park in Pittsburgh for Game 3.

Game 3
At PNC Park
1940 Cincinnati Reds 1
2004 Pittsburgh Pirates 6
WP: K. Wells (1-0) LP: J. Vander Meer (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Kip Wells (9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 118 P)
2004 Pirates Lead Series 3-0

In Game 3 at PNC Park, the 2004 Pittsburgh Pirates continued their dominant performance, defeating the Cincinnati 1940 Reds 6-1 to extend their series lead to 3-0. Pirates' right-hander Kip Wells delivered a stellar complete-game performance, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out three. Cincinnati struggled to find offensive momentum against Wells, managing just one run in the seventh inning. The Pirates' offense came alive in the sixth inning, scoring all six of their runs to secure the victory. Raul Mondesi led the offensive charge for Pittsburgh, going 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs. With the win, the Pirates are now just one game away from a series sweep as they head into Game 4 at PNC Park.

Game 4
At PNC Park
1940 Cincinnati Reds 1
2004 Pittsburgh Pirates 3
WP: D. Williams (1-0) LP: J. Thompson (0-1) S: B. Meadows (1)
HR: J. Bay (2)
POG: Dave Williams (8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, W)

In a stunning upset at PNC Park, the Pittsburgh 2004 Pirates secured their place in baseball history by defeating the Cincinnati 1940 Reds 3-1 in Game 4 of the series, sweeping them 4-0 to claim their first-ever championship. Led by the steady pitching of Dave Williams, who delivered a masterful performance allowing only one run over eight innings, and backed by the explosive bat of Jason Bay, whose first-inning three-run homer set the tone for the game, the Pirates showcased their dominance. Despite a valiant effort from the Reds, highlighted by Ernie Lombardi's RBI double in the fourth inning, they couldn't overcome the relentless Pirates' offense and solid defense. Raul Mondesi's consistent performance throughout the series earned him the MVP title, capping off a memorable season for the Pirates and sparking celebrations in Pittsburgh as they reveled in their historic victory.

2004 Pittsburgh Pirates Win The Series 4 Games To 0


Series MVP:

(.438, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, .500 OBP, .688 SLG)