[Nick Soulis]

Series #70
Preliminary Round



1943 Boston Braves
Record: 68-85
Finish: 6th in NL
Manager: Casey Stengel
Ballpark: Braves Field
WAR Leader: Nate Andrews (5.1)
Hall Of Famers: (0) None
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BSN/1943.shtml

The 1943 Boston Braves were a professional baseball team that competed in Major League Baseball during a challenging period. The team's performance was affected by the ongoing Second World War, which led to player shortages due to military service. Despite the challenges, the Braves put forth a commendable effort under the guidance of manager Bob Coleman. Led by players like Tommy Holmes, who had an exceptional season with a .325 batting average and 47 doubles, the Braves managed to finish the season with a respectable 68-85 record. They showcased determination and resilience throughout the year, proving to be a competitive force even amid the wartime circumstances. The 1943 Boston Braves left a lasting legacy, reminding fans of their unwavering commitment to the game, even during the most challenging times in American history.

1976 Chicago White Sox
Record: 64-97
Finish: 6th in AL East
Manager: Paul Richards
Ballpark: Comiskey Park
WAR Leader: Ken Brett (3.9)
Hall of Famers: (1) Rich Gossage
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/1976.shtml

The 1976 Chicago White Sox were a baseball team that competed in Major League Baseball during a transitional period for the franchise. Under the leadership of manager Paul Richards, the team showed promising signs with a young and talented roster. One of the standout players of the season was Jim Palmer, who had a remarkable year as a pitcher, earning a 2.91 ERA and 12 wins. Additionally, outfielder Richie Zisk provided considerable offensive firepower, leading the team with 74 RBIs and 15 home runs. Despite these individual achievements, the White Sox struggled to find consistency throughout the season, finishing with a record of 64-97. Despite the challenging year, the 1976 Chicago White Sox laid the groundwork for future successes, as they continued to develop their young talent and build a foundation for the seasons to come.
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Game 1
At Braves Field
Rain 57
1976 White Sox.....................12
1943 Braves............................0
WP: F. Barrios (1-0) LP: M. Andrews (0-1)
HR: K. Bell (1), J. Brohamer (1)
POG: Jack Brohamer (3-4, Grand Slam, 4 RBI, 2 R)
1976 White Sox Lead Series 1-0

Game 2
At Braves Field
Rain 57
1976 White Sox...................4
1943 Braves........................5 (12 inn)
WP: M. Salvo (1-0) LP: C. Carroll (0-1)
HR: J. Orta (1), B. Dent (1), B. Nieman (1)
POG: Ken Kravec (11 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 9 K, 155 P)
Johnny McCarthy walk off double
Series Tied At 1

Game 3
At Comiskey Park
Rain 63
1943 Braves.........................1
1976 White Sox....................2
WP: T. Forster (1-0) LP: J. Tobin (0-1) S: C. Carroll (1)
HR: R. Garr (1), J. McCarthy (1)
POG: Terry Forster (7 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K)
1976 White Sox Lead Series 2-1

Game 4
At Comiskey Park
Clear skies 68
1943 Braves.........................3
1976 White Sox....................2
WP: R. Barrett (1-0) LP: C. Knapp (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Red Barrett (9 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 128 P)
Series Tied At 2

Game 5
At Comiskey Park
Partly Cloudy 59
1943 Braves..........................1
1976 White Sox.....................4
WP: F. Barrios (2-0) LP: N. Andrews (0-2) S: C. Carroll (2)
HR: L. Johnson (1), J. Brohamer (2)
POG: Francisco Barrios (8.2 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K)
1976 White Sox Lead Series 3-2

Game 6
At Braves Field
Partly Cloudy 54
1976 White Sox...............4
1943 Braves....................2
WP: K. Kravec (1-0) LP: A. Javery (0-1) S; C. Carroll (3)
HR: J. Brohamer (3)
POG: Kevin Bell (3-4, 3 RBI, BB)

1976 Chicago White Sox Win Series 4 Games To 2

In a Best of Seven Series that brought together two baseball teams from different eras, the 1976 Chicago White Sox emerged victorious, defeating the 1943 Boston Braves in six captivating games. The thrilling series showcased spectacular individual performances, dramatic comebacks, and memorable moments that left fans on the edge of their seats.

Game 1 set the tone for the entire series, with the 1976 White Sox delivering a commanding 12-0 victory at Braves Field. Led by their potent offense, highlighted by the exceptional performance of Jack Brohamer (3-4, Grand Slam, 4 RBI, 2 R), and a stellar pitching display from Francisco Barrios, the White Sox took an early 1-0 series lead.

However, the 1943 Braves, displaying the resilience and grit that characterized their historical team, struck back in Game 2. The contest proved to be an epic battle, stretching into extra innings before the Braves secured a thrilling 5-4 victory. Ken Kravec's magnificent 11-inning performance, supported by key home runs from Johnny McCarthy and Billy Nieman, delivered a memorable win for the Braves.

Game 3 returned to Comiskey Park, and it was the 1976 White Sox who once again demonstrated their ability to edge out close games. Terry Forster's dominant pitching performance (7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H) and crucial home runs from Ralph Garr and Johnny McCarthy lifted the White Sox to a 2-1 victory.

With the series tied at 2-2, Game 4 unfolded as a tense pitching duel. The Braves' Red Barrett delivered a masterful nine-inning display, allowing only two earned runs and five hits, effectively neutralizing the White Sox offense. Ultimately, the Braves secured a narrow 3-2 victory to set up a pivotal Game 5.

The pivotal Game 5 showcased another standout performance from Francisco Barrios, who pitched 8.2 innings, allowing just one earned run. Home runs from Larry Johnson and Jack Brohamer powered the White Sox to a 4-1 win, giving them a 3-2 series advantage and putting them one victory away from clinching the title.

In the final showdown at Braves Field, the 1976 White Sox did not disappoint their fans. Kevin Bell, with a clutch 3-for-4 performance and three RBIs, guided his team to a 4-2 victory. The Braves fought hard until the very end, but the White Sox proved to be the stronger team, closing out the series in six games.

Throughout the series, the MVP honors undoubtedly belonged to Jorge Orta, whose incredible .545 batting average, highlighted by a home run and four RBIs, earned him the accolade. Orta's offensive prowess and consistent hitting were crucial factors in guiding the White Sox to victory.

Series MVP:

(6/11, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1.182 SLG, .615 OBP)