[Nick Soulis]

Series #129



1990 Toronto Blue Jays
Record: 86-76
Finish: 2nd in AL East
Manager: Cito Gaston
Ball Park: Skydome
Franchise Record: 2-1
WAR Leader: Dave Stieb (5.9)
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TOR/1990.shtml

1937 Philadelphia Athletics
Record: 54-97
Finish: 7th in AL
Manager: Connie Mack
Ball Park: Shibe Park
Franchise Record: 5-11
WAR Leader: Wally Moses (5.3)
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHA/1937.shtml
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90 Jays Better Then You Remember
Mack And Athletics Never In This Series



Game 1
At Skydome
1937 Philadelphia Athletics 4
1990 Toronto Blue Jays 10
WP: J. Key (1-0) LP: H. Kelley (0-1)
HR: J. Olerud (1), P. Borders (1)
POG: John Olerud (2-4, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R)
1990 Blue Jays Lead Series 1-0

In the opener of Series #129 at SkyDome, the 1990 Toronto Blue Jays powered past the 1937 Philadelphia Athletics with a commanding 10-4 victory. Designated hitter John Olerud spearheaded the Blue Jays' offense, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBIs, and two runs scored, earning him Player of the Game honors. Toronto seized an early lead with a three-run first inning, highlighted by Olerud's two-run homer. Although the Athletics rallied with runs in the second, fifth, and sixth innings, the Blue Jays' explosive five-run seventh inning, punctuated by Pat Borders' two-run homer, put the game out of reach. Starting pitcher Jimmy Key secured the win, tossing 8.1 innings and allowing four runs on 11 hits. With this victory, Toronto takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Game 2
At Skydome
1937 Philadelphia Athletics 2
1990 Toronto Blue Jays 4
WP: D. Wells (1-0) LP: G. Caster (0-1) S: T. Henke (1)
HR: B. Johnson (1), G. Bell (1), J. Olerud (2)
POG: David Wells (8 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 91 P)
1990 Blue Jays Lead Series 2-0

In Game 2 of the Field of Dreams series, the 1990 Toronto Blue Jays secured a 4-2 victory over the 1937 Philadelphia Athletics, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. David Wells was outstanding on the mound, allowing just two runs on three hits over eight strong innings, while Tom Henke locked down the save. The Blue Jays capitalized on timely hitting, with George Bell and John Olerud each delivering solo home runs. Bell's sixth-inning single added an insurance run, and his all-around performance earned him two RBIs on the night. Despite a first-inning two-run homer from Philadelphia's Bob Johnson, the Athletics couldn't muster any further offense. The game, played under the closed roof of SkyDome with a brisk 48-degree temperature, saw 20,326 fans witness the Blue Jays inch closer to a series victory.

Game 3
At Shibe Park
1990 Toronto Blue Jays 7
1937 Philadelphia Athletics 0
WP: D. Stieb (1-0) LP: E. Smith (0-1)
HR: T. Fernandez (1)
POG: Dave Stieb (9 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 6 K, 119 P)
1990 Blue Jays Lead Series 3-0

In a commanding performance at the Field of Dreams, the 1990 Toronto Blue Jays blanked the 1937 Philadelphia Athletics 7-0 in Game 3 of their best-of-seven series, taking a 3-0 series lead. Dave Stieb was masterful on the mound, tossing a complete game shutout and allowing just three hits while striking out six. Toronto's offense got off to a hot start, scoring three runs in the first inning and never looking back. Tony Fernández led the charge, going 2-for-2 with a home run, two walks, and two runs scored. Despite the historic backdrop of Shibe Park, the Athletics were stymied by Stieb's brilliance, leaving seven runners on base and failing to capitalize on their few opportunities. With the win, Toronto moved one step closer to sweeping the series and securing a place in history.

Game 4
At Shibe Park
1990 Toronto Blue Jays 5
1937 Philadelphia Athletics 1
WP: T. Stottlemyre (1-0) LP: F. Archer (0-1)
HR: F. McGriff (1)
POG: Fred McGriff (3-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R)

In Game 4 of the Field of Dreams series, the 1990 Toronto Blue Jays completed a dominant sweep of the 1937 Philadelphia Athletics with a 5-1 victory under the lights at Shibe Park. Fred McGriff set the tone early, launching a two-run homer in the first inning that put Toronto ahead for good. The Blue Jays' pitching was stellar, with Todd Stottlemyre delivering eight strong innings, allowing just one run on five hits, while Al Leiter closed the door in the ninth. Despite Philadelphia's Ben Chapman sparking a rally in the fourth with an RBI double, the Athletics couldn't overcome Toronto's balanced attack and airtight defense. The Blue Jays were sharp in every aspect, turning three double plays and capitalizing on key opportunities to secure the series-clinching win in front of a crowd of 40,216. With this victory, the 1990 Blue Jays etched their names in history as they swept the series, proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with in any era.

1990 Toronto Blue Jays Win Series 4 Games To 0

Series MVP:

(7/14, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 1 2B, .786 SLG, 1.341 OPS)