[Nick Soulis]

Series #42



1996 Kansas City Royals
Record: 75-86
Finish: 5th in AL Central
Manager: Bob Boone
Ball Park: Royals Stadium
WAR Leader: Kevin Appier (5.9)
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCR/1996.shtml

1903 St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 43-94
Finish: 8th in NL
Manager: Patsy Donovan
Ball Park: Robison Field
WAR Leader: Mordecai Brown (2.6)
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/1903.shtml
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Game 1
At Royals Stadium
1903 St. Louis Cardinals 3
1996 Kansas City Royals 4 (13 inn)
WP: J. Bluma (1-0) LP: S. Yerkes (0-1)
HR: D. Brain (1)
POG: Kevin Appier (8 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 107 P)
Joe Randa walk off single in the 13th

Game 2
At Royals Stadium
1903 St. Louis Cardinals 3
1996 Kansas City Royals 0
WP: M. O'Neil (1-0) LP: D. Linton (0-1)
HR: H. Smoot (1)
POG: Mike O'Neil (9 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 102 P)
Dave Brain 2 run double

Game 3
At Robison Field
1996 Kansas City Royals 2
1903 St. Louis Cardinals 4
WP: C. McFarland (1-0) LP: J. Rosado (0-1) S: S. Yerkes (1)
HR: None
POG: Chappie McFarland (8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, W)
Jack Ryan 2 RBI single

Game 4
At Robison Field
1996 Kansas City Royals 3
1903 St. Louis Cardinals 4 (10 inn)
WP: J. Hackett (1-0) LP: J. Montgomery(1-0)
HR: J. Nunnally (1)
POG: Mordecai Brown (8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K)
George Barcaly walk off single in the 10th

Game 5
At Robison Field
1996 Kansas City Royals 3
1903 St. Louis Cardinals 2 (10 inn)
WP: J. Montgomery (1-1) LP: J. Hackett (1-1) S: H. Pichardo (1)
HR: G. Barclay (1)
POG: Kevin Appier (8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 103 P)
George Barcaly walk off single in the 10th

Game 6
At Royals Stadium
1903 St. Louis Cardinals 3
1996 Kansas City Royals 5
WP: D. Linton (1-1) LP: M. O'Neill (1-1) S: J. Montgomery (1)
HR: G. Barclay (2)
POG: Doug Linton (8 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 102 P)
Joe Rando go ahead RBI double in the 8th

Game 7
At Royals Stadium
1903 St. Louis Cardinals 4
1996 Kansas City Royals 3 (14 inn)
WP: S. Yerkes (1-1) LP: H. Pichardo (1-1)
HR: K. Lockhart (1), J. Randa (1)
POG: Stan Yerkes (6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, W)
Winning run scores on a wild pitch

1903 St. Louis Cardinals Win Series 4 Games To 3
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As Close As It Gets
Cardinals Prevail In 14th Inning Of 7th Game



In a captivating clash between two eras of baseball, the 1996 Kansas City Royals faced off against the 1903 St. Louis Cardinals in a thrilling best-of-seven playoff series. The historical showdown took baseball enthusiasts on a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of the sport. Ultimately, the 1903 Cardinals emerged victorious, claiming the series 4 games to 3 and etching their names in the annals of baseball history.

The series kicked off with an epic 13-inning battle at Royals Stadium, where the 1996 Royals secured a 4-3 victory over the 1903 Cardinals. Kevin Appier's stellar performance on the mound (8 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) set the tone, while Joe Randa's walk-off single in the 13th inning sealed the win for the modern Royals.

In a pitching duel at Royals Stadium, the 1903 Cardinals turned the tables with a 3-0 victory in Game 2. Mike O'Neill showcased his prowess on the mound, delivering a complete-game shutout (9 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K), and Dave Brain's 2-run double provided the offensive spark.

The series shifted to Robison Field, witnessing the 1903 Cardinals claim a 4-2 victory in Game 3. Chappie McFarland's strong outing (8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K) and Jack Ryan's timely 2-RBI single contributed to the Cardinals' success.

Game 4 proved to be another extra-inning thriller, with the 1903 Cardinals securing a 4-3 win in the 10th inning. Mordecai Brown's impressive start (8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K) set the stage for George Barclay's walk-off single, giving the Cardinals a pivotal victory.

The modern Royals responded in Game 5, claiming a 3-2 victory in extra innings (10th inning). Kevin Appier delivered a strong pitching performance (8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K), and George Barclay once again played the hero with a walk-off single in the 10th.

The 1996 Royals showcased resilience in Game 6, securing a 5-3 victory against the 1903 Cardinals. Doug Linton's impressive start on the mound (8 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K) and Joe Randa's go-ahead RBI double in the 8th inning highlighted the modern Royals' comeback.

The series reached its climax in an epic 14-inning Game 7 at Royals Stadium. The 1903 Cardinals emerged triumphant with a 4-3 victory, securing the series win. Stan Yerkes' stellar relief pitching (6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K) and a wild pitch that allowed the winning run to score in the 14th inning sealed the historic victory for the 1903 Cardinals.

George Barclay's stellar performance throughout the series earned him the MVP honors. The 1903 Cardinals slugger hit .300 with 2 home runs, delivering crucial hits in key moments that propelled his team to victory.

In the end, the 1903 St. Louis Cardinals celebrated their triumph in a series that bridged the gap between baseball's past and present, leaving fans with a timeless and unforgettable spectacle.

Series MVP:

(.300, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB, 3 2B, .600 SLG)