Game 1 in Pittsburgh
Doug Drabek (20-9, 3.27) v Ken Hill (13-6, 3.86)
We get to Hill early with 3 in the 1st but need a late score to put them away for a 5-2 final.
Drabek gives up only 2 hits over 5 but walks 7 and the pen holds fast to get us home.
Game 2 in Pittsburgh
Kevin Brown (10-14, 3.96) v Kevin Appier (13-14, 3.35)
Pirates lead series 1-0
The
Battle of the Kevins ends up being no battle at all as the inconsistency that has plagued Brown all season rears its ugly head again, while Appier is superb with 6+ scoreless.
Game 3 in Kansas City
Bret Saberhagen (17-13, 3.27) v John Smiley (13-9, 3.49)
Series tied 1-1
Moises moves to DH for these three games in KC, with Reggie in at RF.
And it is the latter who leads the way with 2 dingers and 5 ribbies, ably supported by Andy Van’s 4-hit performance as we hop on Sabes from the off and blow them out 10-2.
We do, however, lose Dan Plesac to injury and Zane Smith comes back in to replace him.
Game 4 in Kansas City
Mike Boddicker (10-11, 4.84) v Denny Neagle (11-7, 2.85)
Pirates lead series 2-1
The manic offence continues as we can manage just 4 hits here and take a disappointing 4-1 loss.
The top half of our lineup has given us nothing so far and really need to step it up from here on in.
Game 5 in Kansas City
Ken Hill (1-2, 5.65) v Doug Drabek (2-0, 3.32)
Series tied 2-2
This one proves to be a good old-fashioned pitching duel with the ever-reliable Douggie D eventually coming out on top with 8 scoreless as we take it 3-0 and head home needing just one more win.
Game 6 in Pittsburgh
Kevin Brown (2-1, 2.57) v Kevin Appier (1-1, 1.40)
Pirates lead series 3-2
A restless couple of nights with my thoughts constantly returning to that nightmare 1990 WS loss to this very same club from the same position we find ourselves in now.
Thankfully that is all for nought as the lads knuckle down and grind out a 3-1 win to earn us our 29th title.
In a most fitting sign-off from his tenure at our club, Andy Van Slyke is named series MVP.
