[Nick Soulis]

Series #174



1978 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 88-73
Finish: 2nd in NL East
Manager: Chuck Tanner
Ball Park: Three Rivers Stadium
WAR Leader: Dave Parker (7.0)
Franchise Record: 10-6
1978 Season Record: 0-3
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/1978.shtml

1986 Montreal Expos
Record: 78-83
Finish: 4th in NL East
Manager: Buck Rodgers
Ball Park: Olympic Stadium
WAR Leader: Tim Raines (5.5)
Franchise Record: 2-2
1986 Season Record: 1-0
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MON/1986.shtml
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Expos Bomb Bucs In Upset
Dawson 6 RBI In Clincher In Impressive Series



Game 1
At Three Rivers Stadium
1986 Montreal Expos 2
1978 Pittsburgh Pirates 4
WP: B. Blyleven (1-0 ) LP: A. McGaffigan (0-1) S: K. Tekulve (1)
HR: E. Ott (1)
POG: Bert Blyleven (8.1 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 113 P)
1978 Pirates Lead Series 1-0

Under the crisp October skies at Three Rivers Stadium, the 1978 Pittsburgh Pirates emerged victorious in the opening game of their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series against the 1986 Montreal Expos, winning 4-2. Anchored by a stellar performance from Bert Blyleven, the Pirates' ace held the Expos to two runs over 8.1 innings, fanning eight batters and showcasing pinpoint control. The turning point came in the bottom of the fourth when pinch-hitter John Milner delivered a clutch two-run single, breaking a scoreless tie and energizing the home crowd. Dave Parker added to the Pirates’ offensive punch with a dazzling 3-for-4 night, including a double and a triple, while Ed Ott’s eighth-inning solo homer provided crucial insurance. Despite a late push by the Expos, highlighted by a ninth-inning RBI double from Herm Winningham, Kent Tekulve secured the save with a two-out strikeout to preserve the victory.

Game 2
At Three Rivers Stadium
1986 Montreal Expos 5
1978 Pittsburgh Pirates 3 (13 inn)
WP: R. St. Claire (1-0) LP: E. Whitson (0-1) S: B. Sebra (1)
HR: F. Youmans (1), E. Ott (2)
POG: Floyd Youmans (8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 1 HR)
Series Tied 1-1

The 1986 Montreal Expos evened the Field of Dreams series against the 1978 Pittsburgh Pirates with a dramatic 5-3 extra-innings victory in Game 2, spanning 13 tension-filled frames at Three Rivers Stadium. Montreal's Floyd Youmans dazzled with 8 innings of 4-hit pitching, while Tim Wallach delivered the decisive blow with a go-ahead RBI double in the 13th inning. The Expos rallied from a 2-0 deficit, sparked by Youmans himself, who launched a two-run homer in the 7th inning to tie the game. Pittsburgh countered in the 9th with Ed Ott’s solo homer to force extras, but Montreal's bullpen, led by Randy St. Claire and Bob Sebra, shut the door. The series shifts to Olympic Stadium tied 1-1, with both teams eyeing pivotal Game 3.

Game 3
At Olympic Stadium
1978 Pittsburgh Pirates 0
1986 Montreal Expos 11
WP: J. Tibbs (1-0) LP: B. Kison (0-1)
HR: A. Galarraga (1), V. Law (1), T. Wallach (1)
POG: Jay Tibbs (9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 107 P)
1986 Expos Lead Series 2-1

The 1986 Montreal Expos dominated Game 3 of their Field of Dreams series against the 1978 Pittsburgh Pirates, securing an emphatic 11-0 victory to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Jay Tibbs was masterful on the mound, throwing a complete-game shutout while allowing just two hits and striking out three. The Expos' offense erupted early, scoring in each of the first four innings, including a six-run third inning that featured a two-run homer by Tim Wallach and a solo shot by Andrés Galarraga. Tim Raines sparked the lineup with three runs scored, and Mike Fitzgerald contributed four hits, keeping the Pirates’ pitching staff on the ropes all night. Despite their best efforts, Pittsburgh’s hitters could not solve Tibbs, leaving runners stranded in key moments. The game, held at Olympic Stadium, was witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd and solidified Montreal's momentum as they head into Game 4 with a chance to extend their series lead.

Game 4
At Olympic Stadium
1978 Pittsburgh Pirates 3
1986 Montreal Expos 4
WP: B. Sebra (1-0) LP: O. Jones (0-1) S: J. Reardon (1)
HR: None
POG: Bryn Smith (7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 102 p)
1986 Expos Lead Series 3-1

The 1986 Montreal Expos moved within one win of clinching Series #174 with a nail-biting 4-3 victory over the 1978 Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 4. Playing under the bright lights at Olympic Stadium, Bryn Smith delivered a stellar performance, throwing seven innings of three-run ball and earning Player of the Game honors.
Montreal’s Tim Raines electrified the crowd with three hits, including two doubles, while scoring three of the Expos’ four runs. The game-deciding blow came in the bottom of the eighth inning when catcher Mike Fitzgerald laced a clutch RBI single to right field off Pirates reliever Odell Jones, breaking a 3-3 tie. The Pirates struck early, with Omar Moreno and Dave Parker sparking a two-run first inning highlighted by Parker’s RBI triple. However, the Expos quickly countered, tying the game with back-to-back doubles from Raines and Andre Dawson. Pittsburgh regained a brief lead in the fifth, but Montreal’s resilient offense and lockdown bullpen, led by Bob Sebra and Jeff Reardon, ensured the victory.

Game 5
At Olympic Stadium
1978 Pittsburgh Pirates 2
1986 Montreal Expos 12
WP: A. McGaffigan (1-1) LP: B. Blyleven (1-1)
HR: W. Stargell (1), A. Dawson 2 (2)
POG: Andre Dawson (3-5, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R)

In a dramatic conclusion to the best-of-seven Field of Dreams series, the 1986 Montreal Expos routed the 1978 Pittsburgh Pirates 12-2 to secure a 4-1 series victory. Powered by Andre Dawson's explosive performance, including two home runs and six RBIs, the Expos broke open the game with an eight-run seventh inning. Starter Andy McGaffigan delivered a masterful complete game, allowing just two ninth-inning runs while striking out nine. Tim Raines set the tone with three runs scored, and Tim Foley added two RBIs to the offensive onslaught. Despite a late homer by Willie Stargell, the Pirates couldn't contain the relentless Montreal offense. Dawson, the series MVP, fittingly sealed the Expos' first Field of Dreams championship with his heroics. The game was witnessed by a jubilant crowd under clear skies at the iconic Olympic Stadium, marking a night to remember for Montreal fans.

1986 Montreal Expos Win series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(.368, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 5 R, 1 2B, .737 SLG, 1.191 OPS)