We open up the stretch drive with a 20-hit 14-8 win against Montreal that is as disconcerting (Mike Scott 6 ER in 2+) as it is pleasing (Bonds 4-5 / 5 runs scored; Bonilla 3 hits, 5 ribbies).
It also sees Johnny Ray hurt and requiring an IL stint of the minimum duration.
Danny Jackson comes back into the spin in place of the underwhelming Zane Smith.
We pretty much put it beyond doubt with a strong 21-7 August and clinch nice and early.
Unfortunately we look like being without Jay Bell for the remainder after he suffers a bad elbow strain.
Craig Reynolds comes in for him and doesn’t last a game—done for the year with a fractured hand.
Dale Berra of all people is next in line between now and the end of the regular season, although he won’t be eligible for the playoffs so we best keep Tom Foley wrapped in cotton wool.
The lads stick to the task admirably even after clinching, winning our final 9 games in fact to finish a fine season at 102-60.
No divisional dramatics this time around, with only the Giants making slightly heavy work of things toward the end but they eventually get home with a few to spare for their first playoff appearance since 1973.
Better news still for the Rangers, who can now cross themselves off the list of post-season absentees, although they’ll be without gun rookie Kenny Rogers after he is knocked out of action by shoulder inflammation.
Final Leaders and Top 20s
Batting crowns to Don Mattingly and young Padre Roberto Alomar, with Mark McGwire and David Justice both storming home late to tie for the MLB HR lead with 44, one ahead of Fred McGriff.
Big Mac's 133 RBI also top all players this year, as do Vince Coleman's 71 steals.
Just 16 strikeouts separate Jose De Leon from the Triple Crown in the end, with Jose Rijo's MLB-high 224 K playing the spoiling role.
JDL's 21 wins and sterling 1.86 ERA are the league's best for 1989, with Doug Jones leading all relievers with 43 Saves.
Monthly Award Winners
August
American League
Batter – Don Mattingly (Yankees): 379 / 10 HR / 33 RBI
Pitcher – Jim Deshaies (White Sox): 5-0 / 1.30 / 22 K / 41.2 IP
Rookie – John Wetteland (Angels): 0-0 / 0.00 / 9 SV / 17 K / 15.2 IP
National League
Batter – Lonnie Smith (Dodgers): 398 / 4 HR / 24 RBI
Pitcher – Greg Maddux (Braves): 5-0 / 1.25 / 27 K / 50.1 IP
Rookie – John Olerud (Cardinals): 347 / 7 HR / 19 RBI
September
American League
Batter – Mark McGwire (A’s): 309 / 15 HR / 33 RBI
Pitcher – David Wells (Rangers): 5-1 / 2.44 / 35 K / 44.1 IP
Rookie – Kevin Appier (Royals): 4-2 / 2.79 / 22 K / 42 IP
National League
Batter – David Justice (Astros): 369 / 9 HR / 20 RBI
Pitcher – Jose De Leon (Pirates): 4-0 / 0.61 / 38 K / 44.1 IP
Rookie – Tommy Greene (Giants): 5-1 / 2.25 / 29 K / 44 IP
Milestones and Observations of Note
250 Wins: JR Richard
200 Wins John Candelaria
The Blue Jays lose Legacy Tony Fernandez for the season to an ankle fracture, while the Reds will be without SS Barry Larkin for 6 weeks after he fractures his hand.