American League
Oakland A’s (100-62) v Milwaukee Brewers (93-69)
No Dave Righetti or Tom Herr for the Brewers, who I think should push the A’s here with the addition of Fred McGriff a telling one that gives the club an added dimension. Oakland is basically at full strength with just backup OF George Vukovich unavailable.
The A’s win the opener at home 8-4 and follow that up with a dominant 5-0 win in Game 2 with Bob Welch hurling a 5-hitter.
The Brewers show plenty of heart with a 7-5 comeback Game 3 win in front of their adoring fans but the A’s kick away again with a classic extra-innings game they win 5-2 in 10 and prove just too strong, finishing the Brewers off the following game with a gritty 5-3 victory.
A’s 1B Pete O’Brien is named series MVP.
National League
Chicago Cubs (104-58) v Cincinnati Reds (92-70)
Just Reds 3B Carney Lansford the notable omission and he’s unlikely to be seen again even if Cincy gets through this tough encounter with a Cubs outfit that looks in tip-top nick.
The Cubs start well with a 6-5 win that is only made close at the very death but then stumble with a 6-3 loss the next day as Jose Rijo gives the Reds a good one.
The Cubbies grind out a tough 6-5 win in Cincy to edge in front once more as George Brett and Eric Davis both go yard but again the Reds respond with a 2-0 win behind unheralded Mitchell Johnson and then an 8-5 decision sees them take the series lead for the first time heading back to Chicago for the final pair of games.
The home side barely escapes elimination, forcing a decider with a walkoff 3-2 win but the Reds prevail in a ripper Game 7 that is scoreless thru 7 before madness ensues and Cincy gets home 5 to 4.
Jerry Browne takes home the MVP.