[Nick Soulis]

Series #150



1973 Chicago Cubs
Record: 77-84
Finish: 5th in NL East
Manager: Whitey Lockman
Ball Park: Wrigley Field
WAR Leader: Rick Rueschel (5.4)
Franchise Record: 8-6
Hall of Famers: (4)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/1973.shtml

1935 Boston Braves
Record: 38-115
Finish: 8th in AL
Manager: Bill McKechnie
Ball Park: Braves Field
WAR Leader: Wally Berger (5.8)
Franchise Record: 1-2
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BSN/1935.shtml
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Cubs Finally Pull Away In Seven
One Of The Worst Braves Teams Of All Comes Close



Game 1
At Wrigley Field
1935 Boston Braves 4
1973 Chicago Cubs 2
WP: E. Brandt (1-0) LP: R. Rueschel (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Ed Brandt (9 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 122 P)
1935 Braves Lead Series 1-0

In a tightly contested opener of the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series, the 1935 Boston Braves edged out the 1973 Chicago Cubs 4-2, taking a 1-0 lead in the series at Wrigley Field. Boston's ace, Ed Brandt, delivered a masterful complete game, striking out eight Cubs and allowing just two runs on seven hits. The Braves' offense was powered by Wally Berger, who collected three hits and scored three runs, while Shanty Hogan and Ernie Fletcher each chipped in with key RBIs. Chicago threatened in the sixth inning when Ron Santo drove in two runs, but Brandt clamped down to keep them at bay. Rick Reuschel took the loss for the Cubs, despite a solid outing. Defensive miscues by Don Kessinger and Santo hurt the Cubs' chances, as Boston capitalized on their errors. With clear skies and a crowd of 20,265 in attendance, the Braves seized the momentum in this classic October showdown.

Game 2
At Wrigley Field
1935 Boston Braves 1
1973 Chicago Cubs 8
WP: B. Hooton (1-0) LP: F. Frankhouse (0-1)
HR: B. Willians (1)
POG: Burt Hooten (8.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 5 K, 134 P)
Series Tied 1-1

In Game 2 of the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series, the 1973 Chicago Cubs evened the series against the 1935 Boston Braves with an 8-1 victory at Wrigley Field. Burt Hooton delivered a stellar performance for the Cubs, going 8.2 innings and allowing only one run on six hits while striking out five. Chicago’s offense erupted in the third inning with a four-run outburst, aided by Jose Cardenal’s record-setting three doubles, one of which drove in a crucial run. Billy Williams also contributed with a solo home run in the sixth inning. Despite a lone RBI double from Boston’s Elbie Fletcher, the Braves were stifled by Hooton’s command, and the Cubs’ defense remained sharp, committing no errors. With the series tied 1-1, the teams will head to Braves Field for Game 3.

Game 3
At Braves Field
1973 Chicago Cubs 3
1935 Boston Braves 6
WP: B. Smith (1-0) LP: B. Bonham (0-1)
HR: W. Berger (1)
POG: Bob Smith (8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 109 P)
1935 Braves Lead Series 2-1

In Game 3 of the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series, the 1935 Boston Braves secured a pivotal 6-3 victory over the 1973 Chicago Cubs at Braves Field to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Bob Smith, the 40-year-old veteran, was masterful on the mound, allowing only two earned runs over 8 innings, scattering six hits, and striking out four. The Braves exploded for four runs in the second inning, highlighted by Les Mallon’s two-run double, which set the tone for the game. Wally Berger contributed a solo home run in the 8th inning to extend Boston’s lead. Chicago managed to push across a run in the 4th, 8th, and 9th innings, but two costly errors and a lack of timely hitting hindered their chances. With clear skies and a brisk 48-degree temperature, the Braves capitalized on the home-field advantage, cheered on by 20,276 fans. Bob Smith was named Player of the Game for his standout pitching performance.

Game 4
At Braves Field
1973 Chicago Cubs 2
1935 Boston Braves 1 (11 inn)
WP: B. Locker (1-0) LP: B. Brown (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Fergie Jenkins (8.1 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 84 P)
Series Tied 2-2

The 1973 Chicago Cubs edged out the 1935 Boston Braves in a thrilling Game 4 at Braves Field, tying the series 2-2 with a 2-1 victory in 11 innings. Fergie Jenkins was stellar on the mound for the Cubs, throwing 8.1 innings of 7-hit, 1-run ball, while Pat Bourque delivered the game-winning RBI single in the top of the 11th. Jenkins' performance earned him Player of the Game honors, and his determination kept the Cubs in contention. Despite the Braves' H. Betts matching Jenkins’ brilliance for much of the game, it was Bourque’s timely hit and Bill Locker’s relief work that secured the win. The game saw solid defensive efforts and a tense extra-inning battle, with the Cubs outlasting their opponents in front of 40,242 fans under clear skies and cool conditions.

Game 5
At Braves Field
1973 Chicago Cubs 6
1935 Boston Braves 2
WP: R. Rueschel (1-1) LP: E. Brandt (1-1)
HR: R. Monday (1), E. Fletcher (1)
POG: Rick Rueschel (8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 122 P)
1973 Cubs Lead Series 3-2

In Game 5 of the Field of Dreams series, the 1973 Chicago Cubs secured a pivotal 6-2 victory over the 1935 Boston Braves at Braves Field, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series. Rick Reuschel was masterful on the mound, allowing only 4 hits and 2 runs over 8 innings, while striking out 4. His performance, coupled with Rick Monday's 2-run homer in the 8th inning, helped the Cubs pull away late. Monday finished the game with 3 RBIs, including a key home run that silenced the Braves' comeback hopes. The Braves’ offense was highlighted by Elbie Fletcher’s solo home run and an RBI double, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Chicago’s balanced attack. The Cubs now return to Wrigley Field with momentum, one win away from clinching the series.

Game 7
At Wrigley Field
1935 Boston Braves 0
1973 Chicago Cubs 7
WP: B. Bonham (1-1) LP: B. Smith (1-1)
HR: R. Monday (2), R. Santo (1)
Bill Bonham (7.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 7 K, 113 P)

In Game 7 of the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series, the 1973 Chicago Cubs defeated the 1935 Boston Braves 7-0 to claim the series. With 40,236 fans in attendance at Wrigley Field, the Cubs took control in the fourth inning with a two-run outburst and never looked back. Bill Bonham pitched masterfully, holding the Braves to just four hits over 7.2 innings while striking out seven to earn Player of the Game honors. The Cubs’ offense broke the game open in the eighth inning, with Ron Santo and Rick Monday hitting back-to-back home runs to seal the win. Despite a valiant effort, the Braves’ lineup, including a struggling Babe Ruth, was unable to mount any offense. Jose Cardenal, the series MVP, celebrated with his teammates as the Cubs secured a 4-3 series victory, forever etching their place in history.

1973 Chicago Cubs Win Series 4 Games To 3

Series MVP:

(.429, 2 RBI, 5 R, 3 2B, 2 SB, .500 OBP, 1.036 OPS)