Preliminary Series #3
1917 Cincinnati Reds (78-76) vs 1976 Montreal Expos (55-107)
1917 Cincinnati Reds
Record: 78-76
Finish: 4th in NL
Manager: Christy Mathewson
Ball Park: Redland Field
WAR Leader: Heinie Groh (7.0)
1976 Montreal Expos
Record: 55-107
Finish: 6th in NL East
Manager: Karl Kuehl
Ball Park: Parc Jerry
WAR Leader: Steve Rogers (4.6)
Clutch Reds Get By Stubborn Expos
Some clutch hitting helped the 1917 Cincinnati Reds get by the 1976 Montreal Expos who played like anything but a 100 loss side. The teams split the first four games and the pivotal game five told the tale. Down by a run in the top of the ninth inning with the series tied at 2. Hal Chase tied the game with a solo home run and Ed Roush, the very next batter, gave his side the lead with another home run all off Chuck Taylor. In the bottom of the ninth, with men on the corners and only two outs, young Gary Carter smashed into a 6-4-3 double play to end a classic game. In game 6 back home the Reds closed the door winning 10-4 as Ivey Wingo added his third home run of the series. Tommy Griffith was the MVP for the Reds as he had 12 hits but in reality a number of players stepped it up. For the hard luck Expos, a good showing aside, Pete Mackanin drove in 6 and had a grand slam while Steve Rogers deserved better for his quality starts.
Series MVP: Tommy Griffith (12 H, .482, 4 R, 1 SB, 1 3B)