[Nick Soulis]

Series #159



1974 Atlanta Braves
Record: 88-74
Finish: 3rd in NL West
Manager: Eddie Mathews
Ball Park: Fulton County Stadium
WAR Leader: Phil Niekro (8.0)
Franchise Record: 8-2
1974 Season Record: 1-1
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/1974.shtml

2023 Boston Red Sox
Record: 78-84
Finish: 5th in AL East
Manager: Alex Cora
Ball Park: Fenway Park
WAR Leader: Rafael Devers (3.5)
Franchise Record: 7-5
2023 Season Record: 0-0
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/2023.shtml
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A Brave Fight Ends In Seven
Morton Game Seven Shutout Ends Competitive Series



Game 1
At Fulton County Stadium
2023 Boston Red Sox 2
1974 Atlanta Braves 4
WP: P. Niekro (1-0) LP: C. Sale (0-1)
HR: T. Casas (1)
POG: P. Niekro (9 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 118 P)
1974 Braves Lead Series 1-0

In the opening game of the Field of Dreams Series #159, the 1974 Atlanta Braves claimed a 4-2 victory over the 2023 Boston Red Sox at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. Behind a masterful complete-game performance from Phil Niekro, who allowed just two runs on six hits, the Braves took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Red Sox briefly surged in the fourth inning with Triston Casas’s two-run homer, but the Braves responded with a decisive three-run sixth inning, fueled by doubles from Darrell Evans and Mike Lum. Chris Sale struggled for Boston, surrendering seven hits and four runs over seven innings. Atlanta’s defense remained steady, and Niekro’s knuckleball kept Boston off balance throughout the game. With 41,844 fans witnessing the clash under partly cloudy skies, the Braves set the tone for the series as they look to extend their lead tomorrow.

Game 2
At Fulton County Stadium
2023 Boston Red Sox 4
1974 Atlanta Braves 3
WP: N. Pivetta (1-0) LP: B. Capra (0-1) S: K. Jansen (1)
HR: D. Evans (1)
POG: Nick Pivetta (7 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 11K, 109 P)
Series Tied 1-1

In a tightly contested Game 2 of the Field of Dreams series, the 2023 Boston Red Sox edged the 1974 Atlanta Braves 4-3 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, knotting the series at 1-1. Nick Pivetta shone for the Red Sox, delivering seven strong innings while striking out 11 and allowing just three earned runs, earning him Player of the Game honors. Boston jumped out early with a run in each of the first two innings and a two-run single by Pablo Reyes in the fourth, giving them a crucial 4-0 cushion. Despite a resilient Braves comeback led by Dusty Baker and Darrell Evans, who launched a solo homer and added a two-run double, closer Kenley Jansen shut the door with a two-inning save. The crowd of 51,640 watched as Boston held off Atlanta in a game defined by timely hitting, solid pitching, and the brisk October air that blew in at 12 mph. The series now shifts to Fenway Park for Game 3 on Friday.

Game 3
At Fulton County Stadium
1974 Atlanta Braves 6
2023 Boston Red Sox 4 (11 inn)
WP: T. House (1-0) LP: C. Martin (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Carl Morton (8.1 IP, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 119 P)
1974 Braves Lead Series 2-1

In a tense, extra-inning showdown under clear skies at Fenway Park, the 1974 Atlanta Braves edged out the 2023 Boston Red Sox 6-4 in 11 innings to seize a 2-1 lead in their Field of Dreams series. Braves starter Carl Morton anchored his team with a gritty 8.1-inning performance, allowing three runs while striking out two, earning Player of the Game honors. The Braves capitalized on timely hitting in the 11th, as Leo Foster's two-run single broke a 3-3 deadlock. Boston's Alex Verdugo dazzled with a triple and double, but their bullpen faltered, with Chris Martin surrendering three decisive runs. The brisk autumn night saw 41,595 fans braving 47-degree temperatures as Atlanta's resilient lineup, bolstered by Dusty Baker and Ralph Garr, delivered clutch moments to secure the victory.

Game 4
At Fulton County Stadium
1974 Atlanta Braves 4
2023 Boston Red Sox 2
WP: P. Niekro (2-0) LP: C. Sale (0-2)
HR: None
POG: Phil Niekro (9 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 118 P)
1974 Braves Lead Series 3-1

In a tightly contested Game 4 of the Field of Dreams series, the 1974 Atlanta Braves rode Phil Niekro’s masterful pitching to a 4-2 victory over the 2023 Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Niekro went the distance, scattering seven hits and striking out three while keeping the potent Boston lineup at bay. Marty Perez delivered the decisive blow with a two-run double in the fifth, extending Atlanta’s lead to 4-0. Boston fought back with two runs in the bottom half of the inning, highlighted by Masataka Yoshida’s clutch two-out RBI, but it wasn’t enough. Despite Chris Sale’s 10-strikeout performance, defensive miscues and missed opportunities cost the Red Sox. With the win, the Braves took a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Game 5
At Fulton County Stadium
1974 Atlanta Braves 1
2023 Boston Red Sox 7
WP: T. Houck (1-0) LP: R. Reed (0-1)
HR: R. Devers (1)
POG: Tanner Houck (9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, 110 P)
1974 Braves Lead Series 3-2

Under rainy skies at Fenway Park, the 2023 Boston Red Sox kept their Field of Dreams series hopes alive with a commanding 7-1 win over the 1974 Atlanta Braves. Tanner Houck delivered a complete-game gem, scattering five hits and striking out five to earn Player of the Game honors. The Red Sox offense ignited in the fifth inning, highlighted by a three-run blast from Rafael Devers, breaking the game wide open. Jarren Duran chipped in with three hits and two RBIs, while Christian Arroyo added two doubles to fuel the attack. Braves starter Ron Reed struggled, allowing seven runs over 4.2 innings. Despite the rain and wind blowing in from right field, a lively crowd of 41,637 cheered the Sox to victory as they now trail the series 3-2. Game 6 shifts to Atlanta, with the Red Sox aiming to even the series.

Game 6
At Fulton County Stadium
2023 Boston Red Sox 5
1974 Atlanta Braves 2
WP: N. Pivetta (2-0) LP: B. Capra (0-2) S: K. Jansen (2)
HR: None
POG: Nick Pivetta (7.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 111 P)
Series Tied 3-3

In a rain-soaked Fulton County Stadium, the 2023 Boston Red Sox delivered a resounding 7-1 victory over the 1974 Atlanta Braves to tie the Field of Dreams series at 3-3. Tanner Houck was masterful, tossing a complete-game gem, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out five. The Red Sox bats erupted in the fifth inning, highlighted by Rafael Devers’ three-run homer and Christian Arroyo's two doubles. Jarren Duran contributed two stolen bases, showcasing Boston's aggressiveness on the basepaths. Despite the Braves' efforts, including Ralph Garr's RBI double, Rick Reed struggled on the mound, giving up seven earned runs in 4.2 innings. The crowd of 51,637 braved the chilly, wet conditions, cheering the Red Sox to a decisive Game 7 showdown.

Game 7
At Fulton County Stadium
2023 Boston Red Sox 0
1974 Atlanta Braves 3
WP: C. Morton (1-0) LP: K. Crawford (0-1)
HR: D. Evans (2)
POG: Carl Morton (9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 88 P)

In a thrilling conclusion to the Field of Dreams best-of-seven series, the 1974 Atlanta Braves shut out the 2023 Boston Red Sox 3-0 at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium to capture the series 4-3. Braves pitcher Carl Morton delivered a masterful performance, tossing a complete-game two-hitter and earning Player of the Game honors with just 88 pitches. Darrell Evans spearheaded Atlanta's offense, driving in two runs, including a solo homer in the fifth inning that electrified the 52,032 fans in attendance. The Red Sox struggled against Morton’s pinpoint control, leaving just one runner in scoring position all night. Amid the brisk October air, the Braves secured their championship dreams with gritty defense, timely hitting, and a vintage pitching gem, etching their legacy into the annals of baseball lore.

1974 Atlanta Braves Win Series 4 Games To 3
Series MVP:


(.346, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 R, 1 SB, 3 2B, .692 SLG, 1.144 OPS)