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The 1898 National League Championship Series saw Pittsburgh with home field advantage. It was back-to-back trips and the third overall for the Pirates, who are still searching for their first title. New Orleans’ only previous NLCS was a 1890 loss to Boston, guaranteeing the seventh different franchise will win the NL crown. Pittsburgh dominated the regular season series 5-1 over the Pelicans. This matchup had the top scoring team (New Orleans) against the one with the fewest runs allowed (Pittsburgh).

The Pirates shocked New Orleans with a 10-1 beatdown in game one. Mike Tiernan was 3-5 with a homer, double, five RBI, and two runs. He didn’t need to be great, but Arlie Pond tossed a complete game with six hits, two walks, and one run allowed with seven strikeouts.



Pittsburgh battered New Orleans again 13-2 in game two, despite the hits being 17-11 on the day. The Pirates unloaded with eight runs in the sixth inning.



New Orleans found life down in the Bayou, taking game three by an 11-8 margin. They were down 7-3, but used a three-run sixth inning and four-run seventh inning to go ahead. Jimmy Williams was 4-4 with a triple and two runs.



Down 4-1 entering the bottom of the seventh, the Pelicans had a four-run inning thanks to five singles an error. New Orleans held onto a 5-4 win, evening the series after their horrible start in Pittsburgh.



Pittsburgh earned the first road win of the NLCS in game five with a 5-3 result, giving them the 3-2 series lead heading back home. Arlie Pond pitched seven innings, scattering nine hits with three runs (two earned) and two walks with five strikeouts. Only two of the Pirates runs were earned.



Pittsburgh secured their first-ever pennant with an 11-4 home win in game six. The Pirates put it away with a six-run seventh inning. 3B Oyster Burns was 2-4 with a double, four RBI, and two runs. C Billy Earle scored thrice on three hits with two RBI and two walks. Burns was the NLCS MVP going 9-19 with nine runs, one homer, and six RBI.