[Nick Soulis]

Series #107



1971 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 97-65
Finish: World Champions
Manager: Danny Murtaugh
Ball Park: Three Rivers Stadium
WAR Leader: Willie Stargell (7.9)
Franchise Record: 6-4
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/1971.shtml

1931 Chicago White Sox
Record: 56-97
Finish: 8th in AL
Manager: Donie Bush
Ball Park: Comiskey Park
WAR Leader: Lu Blue (5.3)
Franchise Record: 3-1
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/1931.shtml
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White Sox Walk The Plank
1971 Pirates Runaway With Easy Sweep



Game 1
At Three Rivers Stadium
1931 Chicago White Sox 2
1971 Pittsburgh Pirates 3
WP: D. Ellis (1-0) LP: T. Lyons (0-1) S: D. Giusti (1)
HR: C. Reynolds (1)
POG: Roberto Clemente (4-4, 2B, RBI, R)
1971 Pirates Lead Series 1-0

In the historic setting of Field of Dreams, the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates emerged victorious in a tightly contested opener against the 1931 Chicago White Sox, winning 3-2. The Pirates' right fielder Roberto Clemente delivered a standout performance, going 4-for-4 with a double and three singles, earning him Player of the Game honors. The game, played before an enthusiastic crowd of 40,528 at Three Rivers Stadium, saw Pittsburgh take a crucial lead in the best-of-seven series. Al Oliver's clutch two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the sixth inning proved to be the game-winner, overcoming a solid outing by the White Sox's Ted Lyons. Dock Ellis secured the win with seven strong innings, while Dave Giusti closed the door with a two-inning save. Despite a solo homer from Carl Reynolds, the White Sox couldn't muster enough offense to reclaim the lead. The series continues tomorrow, promising more exciting action as these storied teams clash again.

Game 2
At Three Rivers Stadium
1931 Chicago White Sox 1
1971 Pittsburgh Pirates 2
WP: L. Walker (1-0) LP: R. Faber (0-1) S: D. Giusti (2)
HR: W. Stargell (1)
POG: Luke Walker (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 86 P)
1971 Pirates Lead Series 2-0

In Game 2 of the best-of-seven series between the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 1931 Chicago White Sox, the Pirates emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, extending their series lead to 2-0. Played at Three Rivers Stadium under clear skies, the game showcased a pitching duel, with Pittsburgh's Luke Walker delivering a stellar performance. Walker pitched seven strong innings, allowing only one run on four hits and striking out three. The Pirates' offense was highlighted by Willie Stargell's solo home run in the fourth inning and Manny Sanguillen's crucial sacrifice fly in the sixth, which ultimately secured the lead. Despite a solid effort from Chicago's Red Faber, who also pitched seven innings and struck out one, the White Sox couldn't muster enough offense, with Benny Tate's fifth-inning double being their lone run-scoring play. Dave Giusti closed the game for Pittsburgh with a two-inning save, preserving the tight victory and leaving the White Sox in a challenging position as the series shifts to Comiskey Park.

Game 3
At Comiskey Park
1971 Pittsburgh Pirates 3
1931 Chicago White Sox 2
WP: B. Moose (1-0) LP: T. Thomas (0-1) S: D. Giusti (3)
HR: None
POG: Bob Moose (6.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 129 P)
1971 Pirates Lead Series 3-0

In a thrilling Game 3 of the best-of-seven series, the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates edged out the 1931 Chicago White Sox with a 3-2 victory at Comiskey Park. The Pirates now lead the series 3-0, positioning themselves one win away from a sweep. Bob Moose delivered an impressive performance on the mound, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing only four hits while striking out four. The Pirates' offense was highlighted by Gene Alley, who contributed significantly with two doubles, a single, and two crucial RBIs, including the go-ahead run in the sixth inning. Despite a late push from the White Sox, which included a run-scoring triple by Smead Jolley in the seventh, the Pirates' bullpen, led by Dave Giusti, held firm to secure the win. With solid defensive plays and timely hitting, the Pirates outlasted a determined Chicago team, setting the stage for a potential series-clinching Game 4.

Game 4
At Comiskey Park
1971 Pittsburgh Pirates 5
1931 Chicago White Sox 2
WP: B. Veale (1-0) LP: G. Bowler (0-1) S: B. Johnson (1)
HR: R. Clemente (1), B. Robertson (1)
POG: Bob Veale (6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3BB, 4 K)

In a thrilling conclusion to the best-of-seven series at Comiskey Park, the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates completed a clean sweep of the 1931 Chicago White Sox with a decisive 5-2 victory. The White Sox took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, but the Pirates' relentless offense, led by series MVP Roberto Clemente, proved too powerful. Bob Robertson's solo homer in the third and a clutch seventh inning, highlighted by Clemente's two-run shot, sealed the game. Pirates' pitcher Bob Veale earned the win with a strong six-inning performance, while Ramon Hernandez and Bob Johnson held the White Sox scoreless in relief. The Pirates' victory was celebrated with an outpouring of joy as they stormed the field, securing their place in baseball history.

1971 Pittsburgh Pirates Win Series 4 Games To 0

Series MVP:

(.438, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 2B, 1.158 OPS, Great defense)