[Nick Soulis]

Series #138



1979 Atlanta Braves
Record: 66-94
Finish: 6th in NL West
Manager: Bobby Cox
Ball Park: Fulton County Stadium
WAR Leader: Phil Niekro (7.7)
Franchise Record: 6-2
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/1979.shtml

1967 Kansas City Athletics
Record: 62-99
Finish: 10th in AL
Manager: Al Dark
Ball Park: Municipal Stadium
WAR Leader: Catfish Hunter (5.3)
Franchise Record: 5-12
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCA/1967.shtml
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Murphy, Horner Power Braves In 6
Atlanta Too Much For Young Athletics



Game 1
At Fulton County Stadium
1967 Kansas City Athletics 2
1979 Atlanta Braves 3 (11 inn)
WP: J. McLaughlin (1-0) LP: B. Stafford (0-1)
HR: D. Chaney (1), B. Horner (1)
POG: Kevin Gausman (5.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 98 P)
1979 Braves Lead Series 1-0

The 1979 Atlanta Braves claimed victory in a thrilling Game 1 of their best-of-seven series against the 1967 Kansas City Athletics, winning 3-2 in 11 innings at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. Bob Horner played the hero, launching a walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the 11th off Bill Stafford, sending the Atlanta crowd into a frenzy. Kansas City's ace Catfish Hunter delivered a strong performance, pitching 6.1 innings of 3-hit ball, but a two-run homer by Braves shortstop Darrel Chaney in the 7th tied the game. Despite 10 hits from Kansas City, they struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving 11 men on base. The Braves' bullpen was key in preserving the tie, setting the stage for Horner’s game-winning blast. The Braves now lead the series 1-0.

Game 2
At Fulton County Stadium
1967 Kansas City Athletics 1
1979 Atlanta Braves 2
WP: E. Solomon (1-0) LP: T. Pierce (0-1) S: J. McLaughlin (1)
HR: R. Repoz (1), J. Royster (1), B. Horner (2)
POG: Eddie Solomon (6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 91 P)
1979 Braves Lead Series 2-0

In Game 2 of the best-of-seven series, the 1979 Atlanta Braves edged out the 1967 Kansas City Athletics with a 2-1 victory, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. Braves pitcher Eddie Solomon was the star of the night, throwing 6 strong innings and allowing just one run on 5 hits. Atlanta's offense was fueled by a solo home run from Jerry Royster to lead off the first inning, followed by a two-out solo shot by Bob Horner in the third, which proved to be the difference-maker. Kansas City's lone run came on a solo homer by Roger Repoz in the sixth, but they couldn't generate further offense. The Braves' bullpen held strong, with Joey McLaughlin earning the save. The series shifts to Kansas City for Game 3, with Atlanta in full control.

Game 3
At Municipal Stadium
1979 Atlanta Braves 0
1967 Kansas City Athletics 7
WP: J. Nash (1-0) LP: P. Niekro (0-1)
HR: R. Webster (1)
POG: Eddie Solomon (6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 91 P)
1979 Braves Lead Series 2-1

In Game 3 of the best-of-seven series, the 1967 Kansas City Athletics dominated the 1979 Atlanta Braves, winning 7-0 at KC Municipal Stadium to cut the series deficit to 2-1. Jim Nash delivered a brilliant performance, striking out 12 batters over 6.1 innings while allowing just one hit. The Athletics' offense came alive early, scoring five runs in the first three innings, highlighted by a solo home run from Ray Webster in the third. Mike Hershberger and José Gosger contributed two runs each, while the Braves struggled to generate any offense. Kansas City will look to even the series in Game 4.

Game 4
At Municipal Stadium
1979 Atlanta Braves 6
1967 Kansas City Athletics 1
WP: M. Mahler (1-0) LP: C. Dobson (0-1)
HR: G. Hubbard (1), D. Murphy (1), B. Horner (3), M. Hershberger (1)
POG: Mikcey Mahler (5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 83 P)
1979 Braves Lead Series 3-1

The 1979 Atlanta Braves took a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series against the 1967 Kansas City Athletics with a 6-1 victory in Game 4. Powered by a dominant pitching performance from Mickey Mahler, who allowed just two hits and one run over 5 innings, the Braves silenced the Athletics' offense. Bob Horner's two-run homer in the third inning set the tone, while Glenn Hubbard and Dale Murphy added solo home runs to widen the gap. Kansas City managed just one run on a solo shot from Mike Hershberger in the second inning but couldn’t muster any more offense. The Braves are now one win away from capturing the Series #138 title.

Game 5
At Municipal Stadium
1979 Atlanta Braves 1
1967 Kansas City Athletics 5
WP: D. Segui (1-0) LP: T. Brizzolara (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Catfish Hunter (5.1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, 98 P)
1979 Braves Lead Series 3-2

Catfish Hunter kept the Kansas City 1967 Athletics' hopes alive in Game 5 of the Series #138, delivering a masterful performance in a 5-1 victory over the Atlanta 1979 Braves. Facing elimination, Hunter allowed just one hit over 5.1 innings, while striking out five and walking five. The Athletics broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the sixth when Roger Repoz hit a run-scoring double, sparking a four-run inning. Kansas City tacked on insurance runs with key hits from Mike Hershberger and Ken Suarez, who drove in three RBIs. Atlanta struggled offensively, managing just one hit and losing Dale Murphy to an ejection in the fourth inning for arguing a strike call. With the win, Kansas City cut Atlanta's series lead to 3-2, sending the series back to Atlanta for Game 6.

Game 6
At Fulton County Stadium
1967 Kansas City Athletics 6
1979 Atlanta Braves 7
WP: G. Garber (1-0) LP: J. Aker (0-1)
HR: R. Repoz (2), R. Monday (1), D. Murphy (2), B. Horner (4)
POG: Dale Murphy (2-4, HR, 4 RBI, R)

The Atlanta 1979 Braves captured the Series #138 title with a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Kansas City 1967 Athletics in Game 6. Atlanta's comeback was highlighted by a five-run seventh inning, capped off by a three-run homer from Dale Murphy, who was later named Player of the Game. Bob Horner added a solo home run in the ninth to seal the win. Kansas City made it close with late-inning rallies, but Gene Garber closed the door in the ninth, preserving the win. Despite an early 6-1 lead, Kansas City couldn't contain Atlanta's potent offense, giving the Braves a 4-2 series triumph.

1979 Atlanta Braves Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

(.375, 4HR, 6 RBI, 6 R, .444 OBP, Walk off HR game 6)