[Nick Soulis]

Series #142



1992 Cincinnati Reds
Record: 90-72
Finish: 2nd in NL West
Manager: Lou Piniella
Ball Park: Riverfront Stadium
WAR Leader: Jose Rijo (6.0)
Franchise Record: 9-6
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/1992.shtml

1997 Detroit Tigers
Record: 79-83
Finish: 3rd in AL East
Manager: Buddy Bell
Ball Park: Tiger Stadium
WAR Leader: Justin Thompson (7.7)
Franchise Record: 11-8
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1997.shtml
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Queen City Has Its Way
Reds Rip Through Series in Five Games



Game 1
At Riverfront Stadium
1997 Detroit Tigers 6
1992 Cincinnati Reds 4
WP: J. Thompson (1-0) LP: J. Rijo (0-1) S: T. Jones (1)
HR: R. Sanders (1)
POG: Justin Thompson (6 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 95 P)
1997 Tigers Lead Series 1-0

The 1997 Detroit Tigers opened their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series against the 1992 Cincinnati Reds with a 6-4 victory at Riverfront Stadium. Justin Thompson led the way for Detroit, throwing six innings of five-hit ball despite allowing four earned runs. The Tigers jumped out to an early lead with a four-run second inning, capitalized by a two-run double from Thompson himself. The Reds fought back, with Reggie Sanders' two-run homer in the fifth tying the game at 4-4, but Phil Nevin’s pinch-hit RBI double in the seventh put Detroit ahead for good. Thompson was named Player of the Game, and Todd Jones sealed the win with a clean save. The Reds’ Jose Rijo, despite striking out six, took the loss. The win gives the Tigers a 1-0 lead in the series.

Game 2
At Riverfront Stadium
1997 Detroit Tigers 4
1992 Cincinnati Reds 7
WP: S. Foster (1-0) LP: W. Blair (0-1) S: R. Dibble (1)
HR: B. Higginson (1), P. Oneill (1), D. Martinez (1), J. Oliver (1)
POG: Dave Martinez (2-4, HR, 3 RBI, R)
Series Tied 1-1

In a thrilling Game 2 of the Field of Dreams series, the 1992 Cincinnati Reds evened the series 1-1 against the 1997 Detroit Tigers with a 7-4 victory on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Dave Martinez delivered the decisive blow, launching a three-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning to give the Reds a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Despite an early offensive surge from the Tigers, highlighted by Bobby Higginson's solo homer and Brian Hunter's three-hit performance, Cincinnati's pitching held strong in the late innings. Paul O’Neill and Joe Oliver also contributed key home runs, sealing the win in front of 20,471 fans at Riverfront Stadium. Martinez earned Player of the Game honors for his 2-for-4 performance, driving in three runs.

Game 3
At Tiger Stadium
1997 Detroit Tigers 4
1992 Cincinnati Reds 11
WP: T. Belcher (1-0) LP: D. Brocail (0-1)
HR: D. Easley (1)
POG: Barry Larkin (5-5, 3 2B, 3B, 7 RBI)
1992 Reds Lead Series 2-1

In Game 3 of the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, the 1992 Cincinnati Reds took a commanding 2-1 series lead with an 11-4 victory over the 1997 Detroit Tigers. The Reds were powered by a historic performance from shortstop Barry Larkin, who went 5-for-5, setting playoff records with three doubles, five hits, and seven RBIs. Larkin's clutch hitting, including a crucial two-run double in the third inning, broke the game open early. Despite Detroit's sporadic offense, including a solo home run by Damion Easley, they couldn’t overcome the Reds' relentless attack. The Tigers also struggled defensively with two costly errors, while Cincinnati's pitching, led by Tim Belcher, kept the Tigers at bay. The game saw a brief rain delay in the 6th inning, but it couldn’t cool down the Reds, who closed out the win with three more runs in the ninth. The series will continue tomorrow in Detroit, with the Reds now leading 2-1.

Game 4
At Tiger Stadium
1992 Cincinnati Reds 4
1997 Detroit Tigers 3
WP: C. Hammond (1-0) LP: B. Moehler (0-1) S: S. Foster (1)
HR: None
POG: Chris Hammond (5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER< 2 BB, 7 K, 93 P)
1992 Reds Lead Series 3-1

In Game 4 of the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, the 1992 Cincinnati Reds edged the 1997 Detroit Tigers 4-3, securing a pivotal win to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Behind a strong performance from starting pitcher Chris Hammond, who allowed just two runs over five innings, Cincinnati jumped out to an early lead with two runs in both the first and fourth innings. Barry Larkin and Paul O’Neill provided key two-out RBIs, while Hal Morris tripled to drive in another run. Despite a late surge by Detroit, led by Bobby Higginson's RBI single in the ninth, reliever Scott Bankhead and closer Scott Foster held firm to preserve the victory. The game, played at a crisp 53 degrees in front of 20,674 fans at Tiger Stadium, showcased clutch pitching and timely defense, including an outfield assist by Dave Martinez. Now, the Reds are one win away from closing out the series.

Game 5
At Tiger Stadium
1992 Cincinnati Reds 7
1997 Detroit Tigers 1
WP: J. Rijo (1-1) LP: J. Thompson (1-1)
HR: C. Sabo (1), R. Sanders (2), W. Greene (1), J. Oliver (2)
POG: Joe Rijo (7.1 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 102 P)

In the final game of the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, the 1992 Cincinnati Reds sealed their championship with a commanding 7-1 victory over the 1997 Detroit Tigers, clinching the series 4-1. Under the cool October sky at Tiger Stadium, the Reds struck early and often, with homers by Reggie Sanders, Willie Greene, Joe Oliver, and Chris Sabo. By the fourth inning, they had built a 7-1 lead, which their pitching staff would not relinquish. Jose Rijo was masterful on the mound, throwing 7.1 innings and allowing just one unearned run while scattering six hits. The Tigers' offense, led by Bobby Higginson's RBI double, couldn't muster a comeback, while Cincinnati's relentless attack kept Detroit off-balance. As the final out was recorded, the Reds celebrated their triumph on a windy, 40-degree night in front of 40,836 fans, with Rijo earning Player of the Game honors for his dominant performance. The victory parade in Cincinnati awaited as the Reds hoisted the Series #142 win.

1992 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.444, 8 RBI, 5 2B, 1 3B, 7 R, .545 OBP, 1 SB, 1.379 OPS)