[Nick Soulis]

Series #152



1997 Houston Astros
Record: 84-78
Finish: Lost in NLDS
Manager: Larry Dierker
Ball Park: Astrodome
WAR Leader: Craig Biggio (9.4)
Franchise Record: 2-1
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1997.shtml

2008 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 67-95
Finish: 6th in NL Central
Manager: John Russell
Ball Park: PNC Park
WAR Leader: Paul Maholm
Franchise Record: 9-6
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/2008.shtml
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Refuse To Lose Pirates Move On
Game Seven 11 Inning Thriller Ends Tough Series


Game 1
At Astrodome
2008 Pittsburgh Pirates 0
1997 Houston Astros 6
WP: S. Reynolds (1) LP: P. Maholm (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Shane Reynolds (9 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K, 124 P)
1997 Astros Lead Series 1-0

In Game 1 of this Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, the 1997 Houston Astros claimed a commanding 6-0 shutout victory over the 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates, thanks to a stellar performance from Shane Reynolds at the Astrodome. Reynolds was unstoppable, throwing a complete-game shutout while allowing only six hits and striking out ten without issuing a walk. The Astros’ offense backed him up, with Jeff Bagwell leading the charge, driving in a run with a double in the third inning and drawing two walks to keep Pittsburgh on its heels. Errors plagued the Pirates’ defense, with two critical mistakes by third baseman José Bautista, allowing Houston to extend innings and capitalize on opportunities. Paul Maholm struggled with control for the Pirates, issuing five walks over five innings, while the Astros chipped away with timely hits, including a sacrifice fly from Luis Gonzalez and an RBI double by Tim Bogar. With this victory, Houston now holds a 1-0 lead in the series, looking to continue their momentum in Game 2 tomorrow night.

Game 2
At Astrodome
2008 Pittsburgh Pirates 1
1997 Houston Astros 4
WP: D. Kile (1-0) LP: B. Snell (0-1) S: B. Wagner (1)
HR: J. Bagwell (1)
POG: Darryl Kile (8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 108 P)
1997 Astros Lead Series 2-0

In a dominant display, the 1997 Houston Astros triumphed over the 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates 4-1 in Game 2 of their Field of Dreams series, seizing a 2-0 lead. Astros starter Darryl Kile was outstanding, throwing eight innings of one-run ball, allowing six hits, walking two, and striking out seven to earn Player of the Game honors. Houston’s offense was led by Jeff Bagwell, who provided two RBIs with a double in the first inning and a two-run homer in the seventh to widen the lead. Craig Biggio contributed with a double and scored twice, keeping Houston’s momentum alive. Despite a solid outing by Pittsburgh’s Ian Snell, who pitched six innings and allowed only two runs, the Pirates couldn’t rally back. Billy Wagner closed out the game with a perfect ninth, securing the win for the Astros before an excited crowd of 60,873 at the Astrodome. The series now heads to Pittsburgh, with Game 3 scheduled for October 4, 1997.

Game 3
At PNC Park
1997 Houston Astros 0
2008 Pittsburgh Pirates 1
WP: P. Dumatrait (1-0) LP: M. Hampton (0-1)
HR: J. Bautista (1)
POG: Phil Dumatrait (7.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 105 P)
1997 Astros Lead Series 2-1

In a tense, low-scoring Game 3 of their Field of Dreams series, the 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates edged out the 1997 Houston Astros with a narrow 1-0 victory at PNC Park, keeping their series hopes alive despite trailing 2-1 overall. The Pirates' sole run came in the second inning, courtesy of a solo blast from José Bautista, a shot that ultimately sealed the win. Pittsburgh's Phil Dumatrait delivered a masterful performance, pitching 7.1 shutout innings, scattering three hits and striking out three while navigating through four walks. Supported by a steady bullpen, with Jesse Chavez and Matt Capps combining for the final five outs, Dumatrait's effort preserved the Pirates' slim lead and earned him Player of the Game honors. Astros starter Mike Hampton also impressed, allowing just one run on five hits over seven innings, but Houston’s offense couldn’t muster any run support. With a brisk 47-degree evening and 9 mph winds keeping hitters in check, both teams struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, leaving nine men on base combined. Now facing a tighter series, the Pirates will look to even things up in Game 4 at home.

Game 4
At PNC Park
1997 Houston Astros 4
2008 Pittsburgh Pirates 12
WP: Z. Duke (1-0) LP: R. Garcia (0-1)
HR: D. Bell (1), F. Sanchez (1), N. mcLouth 2 (2), J. Bay (1)
POG: Nate McLouth (5-5, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R)
Series Tied 2-2

The 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates rode a career night from Nate McLouth to a resounding 12-4 victory over the 1997 Houston Astros, tying their Field of Dreams series at 2-2. McLouth was unstoppable, going 5-for-5 with two home runs, two doubles, and five RBIs, setting a new playoff record for hits in a single game. The Pirates capitalized on their early momentum with a massive eight-run fourth inning, highlighted by McLouth’s second homer of the night, a three-run blast, followed by a two-run shot from Freddy Sanchez and a two-run homer by Jason Bay. Zach Duke pitched into the eighth, allowing four runs on 10 hits, while Yoslan Herrera shut down the Astros over the final frames. Jack Wilson contributed a sacrifice fly, and the Pirates left 15 men on base, showing their aggressive approach at the plate. The series heads back to PNC Park, where the Pirates will look to take the lead in front of their enthusiastic home crowd.

Game 5
At PNC Park
1997 Houston Astros 3
2008 Pittsburgh Pirates 1
WP: S. Reynolds (2-0) LP: P. Maholm (0-2) S: B. Wagner (2)
HR: R. Hidalgo (1)
POG: Shane Reynolds (7.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 104 P)
1997 Astros Lead Series 3-2

In a chilly, clear evening at PNC Park, Shane Reynolds guided the 1997 Houston Astros to a 3-1 win over the 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 5, taking a pivotal 3-2 lead in this best-of-seven Field of Dreams series. Reynolds was the star, delivering 7.1 innings of masterful pitching, allowing only one earned run on five hits while striking out seven. The Astros got on the board in the fourth inning when Richard Hidalgo launched a two-out, two-run homer off Paul Maholm, setting the tone for Houston. Hidalgo’s bat, coupled with Reynolds’ resilience, kept Houston in command, even as Pittsburgh attempted a late rally. Despite Ronny Paulino’s RBI double in the seventh, the Pirates couldn’t break through further. Billy Wagner closed the game with a flawless ninth inning to seal the victory. The Astros now return to Houston, where they'll look to clinch the series in front of their home fans on Wednesday, October 8.

Game 6
At Astrodome
2008 Pittsburgh Pirates 7
1997 Houston Astros 3
WP: I. Snell (1-1) LP: D. Kile (1-1)
HR: N. McLouth (3), T. Howard (1)
POG: In Snell (6 IP, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, 104 P)
Series Tied 3-3

The 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates fought off elimination in Game 6 of their Field of Dreams series against the 1997 Houston Astros, prevailing 7-3 and forcing a decisive Game 7. In front of an Astrodome crowd of 40,578, Ian Snell rose to the occasion, pitching six innings of five-hit ball, allowing only two runs while striking out three. The Pirates' bats came alive in the later innings, with a key sixth-inning double from Xavier Nady that broke a 2-2 tie and swung the momentum firmly in Pittsburgh's favor. Nate McLouth also delivered, going 2-for-5 with a homer and a double, pushing his series average to .423. Houston's offense struggled to capitalize on baserunners, leaving eight men on base, and while Tim Bogar’s ninth-inning pinch-hit homer gave them a late spark, it wasn’t enough. With the series now tied at 3-3, the teams will return to the Astrodome for the climactic Game 7, where everything is on the line.

Game 7
At Astrodome
2008 Pittsburgh Pirates 4
1997 Houston Astros 3 (11 inn)
WP: M. Capps (1-0) LP: J. Lima (0-1) S: D. Marte (1)
HR: None
POG: Jason Bay (1-2, 2 R, 4 BB)

In a thrilling Game 7 showdown at the Field of Dreams, the 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates clinched the series victory over the 1997 Houston Astros, edging out a 4-3 win in an 11-inning battle. The Pirates, led by series MVP Nate McLouth, clawed back from an early 2-0 deficit, chipping away at Houston’s lead with single runs in the 4th and 6th innings. Houston’s pitchers, including Mike Hampton and closer Billy Wagner, managed to hold Pittsburgh at bay through much of the game, but Adam LaRoche’s clutch RBI double in the 11th inning sealed the Pirates' triumph. Pittsburgh’s bullpen delivered in the high-stakes final innings, with Matt Capps earning the win and Damaso Marte notching the save. The Pirates’ gritty performance and determination brought them a momentous accomplishment for the franchise.

2008 Pittsburgh Pirates Win Series 4 Games To 3

Series MVP:

(.379, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 3 2B, 5 R, .400 OBP, 1.193 OPS)