King of Cards Tournament

[rink23]

Just purchased OOTP 2017 with my main objective of starting a dynasty with the 2016 version of the St. Louis Cardinals. Although, after three games I question just how enjoyable it might be.
But first, I thought about doing a tournament of the top 24 Cardinals teams of all time. It will include the 11 World Series champions, eight World Series runners-up and five at-large teams based on best winning percentage. The top eight seeds based – all World Series champions, ranking based on regular-season winning percentage -- will receive first-round byes and all series will be best of seven.
The remaining 16 teams will compete in best-of-seven first round series. Seeding will be based on how the team finished, followed by winning percentage. Ties will be broken by postseason advancement.
My plan is to human-control the home team for each game. I will sim the first five innings and then play out the final four innings, provided the team which owns the lead is ahead by five runs or less.
Top top eight seeds (first-round byes)
1 1942 – 106-48 . 688 –Won World Series over New York Yankees in five games.
2 1944 – 105-49 .682 – Won World Series over St. Louis Browns in six games.
3 1931 – 101-53 .656 – Won World Series over Philadelphia Athletics in six games
4 1946 – 98-58 .628 – Won World Series over Boston Red Sox in seven games.
5 1934 – 95-58 .621 – Won World Series over Detroit Tigers in seven games.
6 1967 – 101-60 .600 – Won World Series over Boston Red Sox in seven games.
7 1926 – 89-65 .578 –Won World Series over New York Yankees in seven games.
8 1964 – 93-69 .574 – Won World Series over New York Yankees in seven games

Seeds 10-24 (Will play best of seven first-round series)
9 1982 – 92-70 . 568 – Won World Series over Milwaukee Brewers in seven games.
10 2011 – 90-72 .544 – Won World Series over Texas Rangers in seven games
11 2006 – 83-78 .516 – Won World Series over Detroit Tigers in seven games.
12 1943 – 105-49 .682 – Lost World Series to New York Yankees in five games.
13 2004 – 105-57 .648 – Lost World Series to Boston Red Sox in four games.
14 1985 – 101-61 .623 – Lost World Series to Kansas City Royals in seven games.
15 1928 – 95-59 .617 – Lost World Series to New York Yankees in four games.
16 2013 – 97-65 .599 – Lost World Series to Boston Red Sox in six games.
17 1968 – 97-65 .599 – Lost World Series to Detroit Tigers in seven games.
18 1930- 97-62 .597 – Lost World Series to New York Yankees in seven games.
19 1987 – 95-67 .586 – Lost Minnesota Twins in seven games.
20 1941 – 97-56 .656 – 2nd 2.5 games behind Brooklyn Dodgers.
21 1949 -96-58 - .623 – 2nd 1.0 game behind Brooklyn Dodgers
22 1935 – 96-58 .623 – 2nd 4.0 games behind Chicago Cubs
23 2005 – 100-62 .617 – NL Central champs lost to Houston Astros in NLCS six games.
24 2015 – 100-62 .617 – NL Central champs lost to Chicago in NLDS four games

This may take a day or so as I get my tournament settings going and actually learn how to do the thing. But it might give some people something to talk about. Also, feel free to offer your suggestions.

[rink23]

s

[rink23]

1968 Cardinals def. 2013 Cardinals 4-2.
Key to series: Bob Gibson wins Games 1 and 5 and Steve Carlton turns in strong performance in Game 6. Game 6 was tied 2-2 until seventh when Orlando Cepeda hit a two-run home run off 2013 starter Lance Lynn. 2013 bullpen then imploded turning the game into a blowout

[rink23]

The 2015 Cardinals rallied from a 3-1 series deficit to pull the first upset of the tournament.
After a strong performance from Jaime Garcia in Game 6, where he allowed just one run over innings, Lance Lynn did the same in Game 7, also allowing a single run over seven frames to beat Joaquin Andujar, who had won Games 1 and 4 for the 1982 club.
Lynn also drove in the 1982 team's first run with a single in the fifth inning. Steven Piscotty added a two-run single later in the inning.
An RBI double from Tournament MVP Jayson Heyward in the sixth made it 4-1. Yadier Molina drove in the game's final run in the same inning.
The 2015 Cardinals will not have second baseman Kolten Wong for their second round series, as he will be out three to four months with an injury.
Technical note: I've been having issues with the game overwriting changes I've made to the starting lineups. The lineups the games wants to use are not what these teams probably would used in reality. I make the changes, but when I go to start the game it's back to the original, incorrect lineup. On a couple occasions, I started the game, and series over, but now I've just decided to play through it or else it will take forever to get this done.

[rink23]

Scott Rolen hit a lead-off homer in the bottom of the 14th off reliever Howie Krist to give the Cardinals a 5-4 win in Game 6 and a 4-2 series victory.

[rink23]

rest of 2004-1941 series info

[rink23]

(12) 1943 Cardinals vs. (21) 1949 Cardinals, 1949 team wins 4-2.
Game 1 (at 1943): 1949 3, 1943 1: (Howie Pollet with two-run single in a three-run second which made it 3-0. He also pitched eight innings, allowing one run).
Game 2 (at 1943): 1943 7, 1949 4: (Walker Cooper was 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs; Max Lanier pitched seven innings, allowing four runs on nine hits).
Game 3 (at 1949): 1949 5, 1943 4: Stan Musial capped a four-run bottom of the ninth with a two-run triple as the 1949 team rallied from a 4-1 deficit. Although he didn’t get the win, starter Al Brazle went seven innings, allowing three runs on five hits.
Game 4 (at 1949): 1949 4, 1943 3: Eddie Kazak and Irv Dusak had two-run singles in the bottom of the eighth, helping the 1949 team overcome a 3-3 deficit. Ron Northey was 2 for 2 with a solo homer for the 1949 team’s third run. Pollet went seven innings, allowing three runs on seven hits.
Game 5 (at 1949): 1943 4, 1949 0: Howie Pollet threw a six-hit shutout, striking out two and walking four. Stan Musial was 3 for 5 for the 1943 team with a homer and a pair of RBIs.
Game 6 (at 1943): 1949 2, 1943 0: Harry Breechen tossed a five-hit shutout, striking out three and walking two. Del Rice drove in the game’s only two runs with a home run off Max Lanier in the fifth.
Summary: The 1949 Cardinals pulled off the second upset of the first round, keyed by a pair of late game rallies which helped it claim Games 3 and 4. Tournament MVP, as selected by the computer, was Ron Northey, who was four for five with a homer and two RBIs.
Note: Third baseman Tom Glaviano suffered an ankle injury and is out for the remainder of the tournament.

[daves]

Very nice. I like how tournaments can be customized to be what you want it to be.


Why 24 and not 32 teams?


Did you consider double eliminations?

[rink23]

I wanted to get all of the teams that had qualified for the World Series in the field, which got me to 19 teams.
So, I figured add five more to get the field to 24 and have first-round byes.
I have not had a chance to play for a few days, with the Birds in town I've been over watching the real thing, but hope to get back at it after the Cubs get out of town.

[rink23]

(18) 1930 Cardinals vs. (15) 1928 Cardinals
Game 1 (at 1928): 1930 6, 1928 1
Player of the game: “Wild” Bill Hallahan limited the 1928 club to a single run over nine innings while pitching a one hitter. He struck out three and walked three.
Key moment: Jim Bottomley had an RBI single, followed by a two-run single from George Watkins in the first inning off 1928 starter Pete Alexander, staking the 1930 squad to a 3-0 lead.
Game 2 (at 1928): 1930 3, 1928 1
Player of the game: Syl Johnson took a shutout into the ninth and limited the 1928 squad to one run on seven hits over 8.2 innings, before giving way to Hi Bell, who recorded the final two outs, getting Taylor Douhit to ground out to end it with runners on first and second.
Key moment: George Watkins supplied all of the offense for the winners, hitting a three-run homer in the third inning off 1928 starter Bill Sherdel.
Game 3 (at 1930): 1928 6, 1930 2
Player of the game: Jesse Haines went the distance for the 1928 club, allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out one and walked a pair.
Key moment: Jim Bottomley had an RBI single and Chick Hafey followed with a two-run homer in the opening inning off 1930 starter Burleigh Grimes to help the 1928ers claim their first win of the series.
Note: 1928 catcher Jimmie Wilson had a bases-clearing, three-run double in the sixth inning.
Game 4 (at 1930): 1930 8, 1928 1
Player of the game: “Wild” Bill Hallahan turned in his second complete game of the series, limiting the 1930 squad to a single run on five hits. He struck out six and walked four.
Key moment: Leading 3-1, the 1930 squad broke the game open with a five-run sixth against 1928 starter Pete Alexander. Taylor Douhit drove in the final two runs with a single. Jimmie Wilson and Charlie Gelbert also had run-scoring singles.
Game 5 (at 1930): 1930 2, 1928 1, 10 innings
Player of the game: Frankie Frisch’s RBI single in the bottom of the 10th off 1928 starter Bill Sherdel drove in Taylor Douhit with the game-winning run and gave the 1930 a series upset in five games. Frisch also had scored the game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth.
Key moment: Frisch tied the game in the bottom of the ninth when he reached on a lead-off error by the 1928 version of himself to open the inning. He later scored when 1928 right fielder Wally Roettger commited an error on a two-out single by Jimmie Wilson.
Series summary: The 1930 squad pulled the upset by a strong performance from its starting pitchers, limiting the 1928 World Series champions to a single run in all four of their victories.
Series MVP: Bill Hallahan with complete game victories in games 1 and 4.

[rink23]

(10) 2011 Cardinals vs. (23) 2005 Cardinals
Game 1 (at 2011): 2011 3, 2005 2, 11 innings
Players of the game: The game’s Chris Carpenter’s both pitched well. The 2011 version went eight innings, allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out eight and walked none. The 2005 Carpenter pitched eight innings, allowing two runs on nine hits. He struck out six and walked one.
Key moment: Albert Pujols opened the top of the 11th with a single off 2005 closer Jason Isringhausen. An intentional walk to Lance Berkman and a walk to David Freese then loaded the bases for Yadier Molina, who brought Pujols home with a single off reliever Al Reyes.
Game 2 (at 2011): 2011 7, 2005 1
Player of the game: 2011 starter Kyle Lohse and four relievers combined to limit the 2005 team to a single run on four hits. Lohse handled the first six innings, allowing one run on three hits. He struck out five and walked five. Mitchell Boggs and Jason Motte combined for a scoreless seventh and eighth innings. Octavio Dotel closed it out with a 1-2-3 ninth.
Key moment: Albert Pujols staked the 2011 squad to a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer off Matt Morris in the opening inning. Rafael Furcal followed with a two-run blast of his own in the second, increasing the lead to 4-0.
Game 3 (at 2005): 2005 5, 2011 4
Player of the game: Mark Grudzielanek was 3 for 4 with a run score and RBI. His biggest hit came as part of a three-run sixth inning against 2011 starter Jaime Garcia. With runners at first and second, he singled to score Jim Edmonds from second. A throwing error by right fielder Lance Berkman on the same play, then allowed Reggie Sanders to score, making it 5-1.
Key moment: Leading 2-1, the 2005 put up three runs in that sixth inning to go up by four. Edmonds had an RBI double to score the inning’s first run.
Game 4 (at 2005) 2011 7, 2005 0:
Player of the game: The 2011 version of Chris Carpenter tossed 7.2 scoreless innings, allowing seven hits. He struck out seven and walked none. Octavio Dotel finished the eighth inning and Jason Motte tossed a scoreless ninth to finish it.
Key moment: David Freese provided the only run the 2011 Cards would need with a solo home run off Jeff Suppan in the second inning. They later broke it open with a five-run eighth inning, highlighted by a three-run homer by Albert Pujols off Suppan.
Game 5 (at 2005): 2011 5, 2005 3
Player of the game: Albert Pujols was 2 for 4 with a homer run and two RBIs. His biggest hit was an RBI single, which scored the first run of a three-run seventh inning and broke a 2-2 tie.
Key moment: Abraham Nunez and Larry Walker both drew walks to set the stage for Pujols’ one-out single off 2011 starter Edwin Jackson. Jim Edmonds plated the other two runs with a double off reliever Octavio Dotel.
Game 6 at (at 2011): 2005 7, 2011 3
Player of the game: Matt Morris went the distance, allowing three runs on seven hits. He struck out three and walked two. At the plate, Larry Walker was 2 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs.
Key moment: Down 2-0, the 2005 team exploded for seven runs in the top of the seventh against 2011 starter Kyle Lohse. Jim Edmonds led off the inning with a single and later scored on an error by first baseman Albert Pujols on a ball hit by Yadier Molina. Abraham Nunez followed with an RBI single and Morris scored the inning’s third run with a sacrifice fly. An error by Lohse then allowed David Eckstein to reach another run to score. Walker followed with a grand slam to complete the outburst.
Game 7 (at 2011): 2005 7, 2011 6
Player of the game: Abraham Nunez was 3 for 4 with a pair of RBIs, both coming in the sixth inning off reliever Mitchel Boggs helping turn a 5-4 advantage to 7-5.
Key moment: Albert Pujols had a two-run single off 2011 starter Chris Carpenter to highlight a three-run fifth inning which turned a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 lead. A David Eckstein single scored the inning’s other run.

Series summary: Not a big surprise that the 2005 team pulled the upset, they did win 100 games in the regular season only to lose in the NLCS to a Houston team which had Oswalt, Clemens and Oswalt in their pitching staff. The surprise was the team which had Chris Carpenter available to pitch Game 7, the 2011, was the won who lost. The 2005 version of Carpenter pitched game 1, but was not available to pitch the rematch in Game 4. The 2005 team also got lifts from Abraham Nunez (who replaced Scott Rolen at 3B) and John Mabry (who replaced Reggie Sanders in RF) after they had fallen behind 3-1 in the series.
Series MVP: The 2005 version of Albert Pujols, who despite hitting just .269 still drove in a team high six runs. The 2011 version of Pujols hit .345 with six homers and 11 RBIs.

[rink23]

Note: The previous three series and from here on out, because the tournament is taking longer than I had expected, I will be siming all games.
However, I will set the pre-series roster, and the lineups and starting pitchers for each team in every game.
I am setting the rosters not entirely based on who suited up in the postseason, as five of the teams did not even reach the postseason, but rather than how they contributed to the team’s overall success. Thus, a Stan Musial, who came up late in the 1941 season and played just 12 games was part of the roster as he would have definitely been a starter had that team advanced to the World Series. Or a 2005 Scott Rolen got the nod at third base over Abraham Nunez.
As for starting pitching, I am not basing the rotations on how they set up the postseason but rather on how I feel it would fare against the team’s particular opponent.
(18) 1987 Cardinals (lost World Series to Twins in 7) vs. 1985 Cardinals (lost World Series to Royals in 7)
Preview: Almost identical teams. Six of eight players will start for both squads and two of the four starting pitchers are the same. I would have to give the edge to the 1985 team, based on its top three starters (Tudor, Andujar and Cox) and what looks to be a stronger bullpen. Although, the 1987 version of Worrell as closer may be better than the 1985 edition. One key for the 1987 team will be its versions of Jack Clark and Terry Pendleton will play and not miss the series because of injuries.

Game 1 (at 1985): 1987 8, 1985 2
Player of the game: Danny Cox allowed two runs over eight innings, allowing eights while striking out one and walking a pair, Ricky Horton tossed a scoreless ninth to finish the job. Ozzie Smith was 3 for 5 with three RBIs.
Key moment: Down 2-1, the 1987 team broke out for four runs in the top of the sixth against 1985 starter John Tudor. Smith and Jack Clark had RBI doubles and Terry Pendleton plated the final two with a single.

Game 2 (at 1985): 1987 8, 1985 2
Player of the game: Joe Magrane pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on eight hits. He struck out six and walked a pair. Ken Dayley pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth to complete the two-game road sweep.
Key moment: The 1987 team took control early with two runs in the second and third innings and turned it into a blowout with a four-run fifth. Willie McGee was 3 for 5 with a double, two runs scored and three RBIs. Ozzie Smith and Jack Clark both scored a pair of runs.\
Game 3 (at 1985): 1987 9, 1985 2
Player of the game: John Tudor went the distance for the 1987 team, allowing two runs on six hits. He struck out five and walked three.
Key moment: Tied 2-2, the 1987 Birds took the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth against 1985 starter Danny Cox. Tony Pena led off and reached on an error by center fielder Willie McGee. A Tudor bunt moved him to second and he scored on a Vince Coleman double. A Tommy Herr double later scored Coleman with the inning’s second run. The 1987 team broke it open with a four-run eighth, Herr, McGee, Terry Pendleton and Curt Ford all collecting RBIs. Coleman finished the game 3 for 3 with three runs scored and three stolen bases.
Game 4: 1987 5, 1985 3
Player of the game: Vince Coleman wrapped up an impressive series with a 1 for 3 performance, including a two-run single in the fifth inning to tie the game at 3.
Key moment: Trailing 3-1, the 1987 team took the lead for good with a three-run fifth inning against 1985 starter John Tudor. Jim Lindeman got it started with a leadoff single and a double by Tony Pena put runners at second and third. After a strikeout, Coleman followed with his two-run single to tie it. Tommy Herr followed later with a two-out single, making it 4-3.A solo homer from Jack Clark off Tudor in the eighth made it 5-3.
Series summary: What do I know? I picked the 1985 team to win the series and it got sweeped. I said the 1985 team had the pitching advantage and it got outscored 30-9. Four different starters earned wins for the 85ers, all pitching at least seven innings.
Series MVP: Vince Coleman who was 8 for 16 with three RBIs, four runs scored and three stolen bases

[rink23]

(11) 2006 Cardinals (World Series champions) vs. (22) 1935 Cardinals (second-place NL)
Preview: Another first-round upset could very well take place here. Despite winning the championship, the 2006 Cardinals were one of their weakest teams of the past 15-plus seasons. But they do have Albert Pujols in the field and Chris Carpenter on the mound to match up against 1935 ace Dizzy Dean. If Carp can win his starts, and he’ll probably get three if it goes the distance, the 2006 team can hold serve. But I look for the ’35 team, with the Deans and Hallahan on the hill and Pepper Martin and Joe Medwick at the plate, to take this series in six games.
Game 1 (at 2011): 1935 2, 2006 0
Player of the game: Dizzy Dean prevailed in a pitchers’ duel with Chris Carpenter. Dean went the distance, allowing only singles to David Eckstein and Scott Spiezio.
Key moment: Carpenter also pitched into the ninth inning before running into a jam he could not get out of. Frankie Frisch got things rolling with a two-out single and Joe Medwick followed with a two-run homer off Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen, who took over after Frisch’s single.

Game 2 (at 2011): 2006 6, 1935 4
Player of the game: Jim Edmonds was 1 for 4 with a three-run home run in the third inning that turned a 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 lead.
Key moments: The 2006 team would add insurance runs in the fifth (Chris Duncan solo homer) and seventh (RBI single by David Eckstein) to increase its lead to 6-3. 2006 starter Jeff Weaver went 7.2 innings, allowing four runs on 10 hits. He struck out five and walked one. Isringhausen handled the ninth for a save.
Game 3 (at 1935): 2006 10, 1935 2
Player of the game: 2006 starter Jeff Suppan went 7.2 innings, allowing one run on eight hits. He struck out six and walked a pair. He also was 1 for 4 at the plate with a two-run single that was part of a six-rn fifth inning that ended the game for 1935 starter Bill Hallahan.
Key moment: The 2006 team scored three runs over the first two innings and then turned it into a blowout with its big fifth. Ronnie Belliard was 2 for 5 with two runs scored and three RBIs. Preston Wilson and Juan Encanarcion both hit solo homers.
Game 4 (at 1935): 1935 3, 2006 1
Player of the game: Dizzy Dean turned in another dominating performance, allowing just one run on two hits over eight innings. He struck out 11 and walked a pair. Chris Carpenter, once again was almost just as good, but not quite, this time going the distance while allowing three runs on eight hits. He struck out three and walked one.
Key moment: Tied 1-1, Dean drew a walk and Pepper Martin was hit by a Carpenter pitch to open the top of the fifth. A Jack Rockroth ground out moved the runners to second and third. A wild pitch then scored Dean. Joe Medwick later hit a two-out double, making it 3-1.
Game 5 (at 1935): 1935 13, 2006 12
Player of the game: Pepper Martin was 2 for 6 with two RBIs, including a game-tying RBI double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth off Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen. Martin’s double also moved Ernie Orsatti to third and he scored when Isringhausen threw a wild pitch.
Key moments: It was a wild game, with the 2006 team jumping off to a 2-0 lead, only to fall behind 5-2. It later regained the lead with a six-run sixth inning, which made it 10-8. The 1935 team tied it at 10-10 in the bottom of the sixth, only to fell behind again at 12-10. That set the stage for their three-run bottom of the ninth, where Bill DeLancy opened the scoring with a solo homer off Isringhausen. Joe Medwick was 3 for 5 a double, two homers and three RBIs. Rip Collins was 2 for 5 with a pair of homers and three RBIs. For the 2006 Birds, Albert Pujols was 3 for 4 with a homer and four RBIs. Juan Encanarcion was 2 for 4 with two homers and three RBIs.

Game 6 (at 2006): 1935 4, 2006 3
Player of the game: Jack Rothrock connected for a sacrifice fly that scored Leo Durocher with the game-winning run in the top of the ninth, as the 1936 team put up a pair of runs to overcome a 3-2 deficit. Rothrock was 1 for 3 in the game with the one RBI.
Key moment: Down 3-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, Ernie Orsatti led off with a double off Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen. Back to back walks to Durocher and pinch-hitter Charlie Gelbert then loaded the bases for Martin, who drew another walk to tie the game. Rockroth followed with his game-winning sacrifice fly. Martin was 0 for 3 in the contest, but still had two RBIs. Bill Hallahan pitched 6.1 innings, allowing three runs on four hits. Nub Kleinke finished the seventh inning and tossed a scoreless eighth. Jesse Haines tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for the series-clinching save.
Series summary: 2006 Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen had a horrendous series with a pair of blown saves and an ERA of 23.14. (It was my decision to put him on the roster. He had a decent 2006 regular season, up until getting injured late and missing the postseason. If I had my druthers, Adam Wainwright would have been the closer in this series, but the game wanted it to be Izzy).
Series MVP: Joe “Ducky” Medwick batted .423 with two homers and eight RBIs. Dizzy Dean was 2-0 with an ERA of 0.53.

[rink23]

It was a round full of upsets, with the lower seed winning all but one of the first-round matches.
The 1982, 2011 and 2006 World Championship teams were among those eliminated, while teams that didn't even reach the postseason -- 1935, 2005, 1949, and 2015 -- are still around.
As we move into the second round, though, there will be a handicap passed on the teams that advanced through the first round.
For every game they lost in that round, it drop them down one spot in their starting rotation. They won the series 4-1, they open with their No. 2 starter. They won 4-3, they'll have go to with their No 4.
Also any injuries, if there are any, will carry over so a couple of teams will be missing key players.

[rink23]

Quarterfinals
(1) 1942 Cardinals (World Series champions) vs. (17) 1968 Cardinals (World Series runner-up)

Preview: I would have to give a slight advantage to the 1968 team, based on its overall balance. But with the format where it has to go with its No.3 starter in game one, a young Steve Carlton, that might swing things to the 1942 squad. Although Bob Gibson can only start twice, they would probably be Games 3 and 7.

Game 1 (at 1942): 1968 4, 1942 3
Player of the game: Steve Carlton went the distance for the victory, allowing three runs on nine hits. He struck out one and walked one. Mort Cooper matched him in innings, also throwing nine, but he allowed one run too many while also allowing nine hits. He struck out nine and walked none.
Key moment: Down 1-0, the 1968 team did all of its scoring in a big fourth inning. Consecutive singles from Orlando Cepeda, Tim McCarver, Mike Shannon and Julian Javier off of Cooper got things going, Cepeda scoring to tie the game on Javier’s base knock. McCarver than scored when Dal Maxvill reached on a fielder’s choice. A passed ball allowed Shannon to score. A single by Lou Brock then scored Javier with the inning’s final run.

Game 2 (at 1942): 1968 9, 1942 7, 10 innings
Player of the game: Roger Maris was 4 for 6 with two runs scored and three RBIs. Among his hits were a two-run home run off 1942 starter Johnny Beazley in the eighth, which tied it at 7. His 10th inning single off Murray Dickson later broke that 7-7 tie.
Key moment: Down 7-5, Maris’ two-run homer in the eighth helped send it to extra innings. In the 10th, Dal Maxvill drew a lead-off walk from Dickson, pinch-hitter Ron Willis then reached on an error by third baseman Whitey Kurowski. A one-out single from Curt Flood then loaded the bases for Maris, whose single scored Maxvill with the game-winning run. Willis later scored on a Dickson wild pitch. Orlando Cepeda and Tim McCarver both had two RBIs for the 1968 team. Enos Slaughter and Walker Cooper both plated a pair for the 1942 bunch.
Injury: Lou Brock has been diagnosed with back spasms and will be out six weeks, meaning he is done for the tournament.

Game 3 (at 1968): 1968 5, 1942 0
Player of the game: Bob Gibson dominated in his first start of the series, twirling a five-hit shutout. He struck out five and walked none.
Key moment: The 1968ers gave Gibson the only run he needed in the bottom of the first when Curt Flood drew a lead-off walk from 1942 starter Max Lanier. A Tim McCarver single moved him to second and Roger Maris chased him home with another single. Maris continued to enjoy a strong series at the plate going 3 for 4 with two RBIs. McCarver also went 3 for 4 and scored a run and drove in one.

Game 4 (at 1968): 1968 5, 1942 3
Player of the game: Steve Carlton tossed his second complete game of the series, allowing three runs on 10 hits. He struck out five and walked one.
Key moment: Trailing 3-0, the 1968 team made up a chunk of the deficit with a two-run fifth against 1942 starter Mort Cooper. A Tim McCarver triple drove in Curt Flood with the first run. McCarver then scored when Roger Maris connected on a sacrifice fly. The 1968 squad then seized the lead in the eighth, scoring three runs. Orlando Cepeda plated the first two with a single. Cepeda later scored when Dal Maxvill reached on a fielder’s choice.

Series summary: The tournament’s top seed is gone thanks to an impressive sweep by the Viva El Birdos of 1968. It was too much pitching with Carlton earning two complete game wins and Gibson tossing a shutout in his lone start.
Series MVP: Roger Maris hit a robust .588 with a homer and six RBIs. McCarver wasn’t bad either, hitting an even .500 with four RBIs. The big issue now for the 1968 team is moving forward without offensive catalyst Lou Brock in the lineup because of an injury.

[rink23]

(4) 1964 Cardinals (World Series champions) vs. (24) 2015 Cardinals (NL Central champions)
Preview: With Gibson heading the staff and slated to go Games 1,4 and 7, it’s hard to pick against the 1964 team. The 2015 team, however, down the road may end up being one of those overlooked Redbirds team due to their early NLDS exit against the Cubs It has a solid pitching staff and a nice mix of youth and experience in its lineup. But it’s inconsistent offense will likely be its downfall. Prediction: 1964 in five games.
Note: 2015 second baseman Kolten Wong is out of the tournament with an injury he suffered in the opening round.
Game 1 (at 1964): 2015 6, 1964 3, 10 innings
Player of the game: Randal Grichuk was 3 for 5 with a double, a home run, four RBIs and two runs scored. His two-run home run off 1964 starter Bob Gibson in the top of the fourth gave the 2015 a 2-1 lead. He also had a two-run single off reliever Barney Schultz on a three-run 10th inning, which helped give his team the victory.
Key moment: Tied at 2 after nine innings, the 2015 team snagged the victory in the top of the 10th with three runs off Schultz. Tommy Pham got it going with a one-out double. After an intentional walk to Matt Carpenter, an error by 1964 shortstop Dick Groat on a ball hit by Stephen Piscotty loaded the bases. After Matt Holliday flew out for the second out, Grichuk delivered his two-run single. Another single, this one from Jason Heyward, plated Piscotty with the inning’s final run.
Game 2 (at 1964): 2015 8, 1964 5
Player of the game: Jason Heyward was 2 for 5 with a double, a homer and three RBIs. His three-run homer in the sixth inning off Curt Simmons tied the game at 4-4.
Key moment: After Heyward’s homer tied it, the 2015 team took the lead for good in the top of the seventh, Matt Carpenter connecting for a two-run homer off Simmons. Pinch-hitter Brandon Moss had opened the inning by reaching on an error by shortstop Dick Groat.
Game 3 (at 2015): 1964 9, 2015 4
Player of the game: Ray Sadecki earned a much-needed win for the 1964 World Series champs with a four-run, four-hit complete game outing. He struck out three and walked none.
Key moment: Leading 2-1, the 1964 team broke the game open with a four-run top of the fourth against 2015 starter Michael Wacha. Julian Javier got it started with a lead-off double and scored when Lou Brock reached on a Wacha error. Bill White and Dick Groat would later deliver RBI singles, while Ken Boyer plated a run with a double.
Game 4 (at 2015): 2015 7, 1964 3
Player of the game: 2015 starter Jaime Garcia allowed three runs on 11 hits while going the distance as his team defeated Bob Gibson for the second time in the series. Garcia struck out three and walked three.
Key moment: The 2015 team struck early with two runs in the bottom of the first (Randal Grichuk single and Jason Heyward sac fly) and second (Matt Carpenter homer) innings to go up 4-0. Another two-run inning in the fourth, a two-run blast from Stephen Piscotty, increased it to 6-0. Piscotty finished the game 3 for 4 with two runs scored and three RBIs. Carpenter was 2 for 4 with three runs and two RBIs.

Game 5 (at 2015): 2015 7, 1964 3
Player of the game: Matt Carpenter 1 for 5 with a two-run single in the three-run fourth inning which put the 2015 team ahead for good.
Key moment: Tied 1-1, the 2015 squad grabbed the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth. Back-to-back singles from Jason Heyward and Jhonny Peralta opened the inning with a leadoff single off 1964 starter Curt Simmons. Yadier Molina grounded into a double play, but Pete Kozma was intentionally walked and pitcher John Lackey also drew a walk to load the bases for Carpenter, who unloaded with his tie-breaking single. Stephen Piscotty followed with another single, making it 4-1. After the 1964 team pulled to within 4-3, the 2015s broke it open again with a three-run seventh. Molina drove in the first run with a double off reliever Bobby Schantz. Pinch-hitter Tommy Pham drove in the other two runs with a two-out triple.
Series summary: The upsets continue, ever since I started siming the entire game, the lower seeded team has won the last seven series. In this series, the offense of the 2015 team was too much scoring 28 runs in its four victories. It also defeated Bob Gibson twice, which is tough to believe.
Series MVP: Matt Carpenter, the 2015 team’s lead-off hitter batted .318 with three home runs and nine RBIs.

[rink23]

(4) 1946 Cardinals (World Series champions) vs. (13) Cardinals (World Series runner-up)
Outlook: Well, we will see the lower seeds continue their dominance. I have a feeling they might, as the 2004 team might be the best Redbirds’ team I have ever seen – and I have followed them closely since the early 1970s – and only to get swept by the fright train that was the Red Sox in that year’s World Series. Virtually, every position player was an All-Star at one point in their career and three of them (Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds) may have been the best at their position at that time. The pitching staff is solid and features an ace in Chris Carpenter, who is a proven big-game pitcher. He missed the 2004 postseason because of an injury but is available here. The 1946 team counters with Enos Slaughter, who enjoyed one of his best seasons in 1946, and Stan Musial, who was still early in his outstanding career. On the mound, Howie Pollett leads a strong staff, but one that doesn’t seem exceptionally better than the one it is facing. Prediction: 2004 team in six games.
Game 1 (at 1946): 2004 6, 1946 2
Player of the game: Woody Williams limited the 1946 team to two runs on five hits over eight innings, before giving way to Jason Isringhausen who pitched around a walk in the ninth to earn the save. Williams struck out five in the contest and walked a pair.
Key moment: The 2004 team broke open a scoreless game with four runs off Howie Pollet in the top of the third. Williams got it going with a leadoff double. He scored on a one-out single from Larry Walker. An Albert Pujols’ single put runners at second third, Pujols advancing on a throw to the plate, and Scott Rolen drove them both in with a single. An error on Pollet on a ball hit by Jim Edmonds moved Rolen to scored. An Edgar Rentria single then loaded the bases. Rolen would score when Reggie Sanders hit a sacrifice fly.
Game 2 (at 1946): 1946 3, 2004 1
Player of the game: Harry “The Cat” Breechen went eight innings, allowing just the one run on seven hits while striking out nine and walking two. Red Munger finished the game with a 1-2-3 ninth.
Key moment: Down 1-0, the 1946 put up all of the game’s remaining runs in the bottom of the third against 2004 starter Matt Morris. All the damage came with two out, Terry Moore getting it started with a double. He scored when Stan Musial followed with a single. Enos Slaughter capped the quick outburst with a two-run home run.
Game 3 (at 2004): 2004 5, 1946 1
Player of the game: Chris Carpenter fulfilled his role as ace of the 2004 Redbirds with a 7.2 inning performance, where he allowed one run on seven hits. He struck out seven and walked one. Julian Taveras got the final out of the eighth inning and Steve Kline struck out two of three batters he faced in the ninth to finish it.
Key moment: Tied at 1, the 2004 club grabbed the lead for good in the bottom of the third against 1946 starter Murray Dickson. Leadoff hitter Tony Womack got it moving with a leadoff single. A walk to Larry Walker moved him to second and they were both chased home when Albert Pujols hit a double.
Game 4 (at 2004): 2004 4, 1946 3, 11 innings
Player of the game: Mike Matheny, the 2004 catcher drove in Marlon Anderson with the game-winning run with a single off 1946 reliever Freddy Schmidt in the bottom of the 11th inning.
Key moment: Anderson led off the inning with a single and moved to second, when Schmidt walked Larry Walker. This set the stage for Matheny’s game-winning hit. The Cardinals fell behind 3-0 early, but tied it with two runs in the bottom of the ninth, Edgar Renteria collecting both RBIs when he doubled off 1946 starter Howie Pollet.
Game 5: 2004 6, 1946 1
Player of the game: Woody Williams turned in his second strong outing of the series, this time going the distance while allowing just the one run on five hits. He struck out six and walked none.
Key moment: The 2004 Cardinals wasted little time seizing control with three runs in the top of the first against Harry “The Cat’ Breechen. Tony Womack got it going with a lead-off single. He was soon chased home when Larry Walker followed with a triple. Quick as can be, it was 3-0 as Albert Pujols smacked a 386-foot homer.
Series summary: Outside of Game 2, the 2004 team dominated the series outscoring the opposition 21-7 in its four victories.
Series MVP: Albert Pujols, who batted .474 with a home run and six RBIs. On the mound, Woody Williams was 2-0 with a 1.07 ERA Larry Walker batted .571 with eight hits and six runs scored.

[rink23]

(5) 1934 Cardinals (World Series champions) vs. (21) 1949 Cardinals (second place in NL)
Overview: With Dizzy and Paul Dean topping the rotation and the Gas House Gang offensively at its peak, Rip Collins and Joe Medwick driving in 128 and 106 runs, respectively, I found them hard to pick against in this series. The 1949 team does feature a very strong Stan Musial, but its pitching depth probably does not stack up. Prediction: 1934 team in six games.
Game 1 (at 1934): 1949 5, 1934 3
Player of the game: Red Schoendienst was 3 for 4 with two runs scored. His lead off single in the eighth inning sparked a three-run outburst, which allowed the 1949 team to overcome a 3-2 deficit.
Key moment: Schoendienst led off that inning with a single off 1934 starter Dizzy Dean. He scored when Stan Musial followed with a double. A Nippy Jones single then drove in Musial. A two-out wild pitch later scored Jones, making it 5-3.
Game 2 (at 1934): 1934 3, 1949 1
Player of the game: Paul Dean went 7.1 innings, allowing just the one run on seven hits. He struck out 10 and walked one. Dazzy Vance got the final out of the eighth inning and Flint Rhem recorded a 1-2-3 ninth for the save.
Key moment: Tied 1-1, the 1934 team grabbed a lead it would not relinquish in the bottom of the fifth against 1949 starter Howie Pollet. Spud Davis got it going, reaching on an error by third baseman Eddie Kazak to open the inning. Leo Durocher followed with a double, putting runners at second and third. Dean connected for a single, which scored Davis. Durocher then scored when Pepper Martin hit into a double play.
Game 3 (at 1949): 1949 5, 1934 2
Player of the game: Red Schoendienst was 3 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Schoendienst led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a double off 1934 starter Tex Carleton and scored on a Stan Musial double, tying it at 1-1. In the seventh, he singled to score Eddie Kazak, snapping that 2-2 tie. He later scored on a Nippy Jones single.
Key moment: Tied 2-2, the 1949 team seized control with its three-run seventh. Kazak and Schoendienst got it started with a double and single, which were sandwiched around an intentional walk to Ron Northey, respectively. After another intentional walk, this one to Stan Musial. Enos Slaughter doubled, scoring Northey. Jones then drove in Schoendienst with the inning’s third run.
Game 4 (at 1949): 1934 6, 1949 1
Player of the Game: Dizzy Dean tossed a complete game, allowing one run on three hits. He struck out nine and walked none.
Key moment: The 1934 team took control in the opening inning, when Pepper Martin drew a lead-off walk from 1949 starter Max Lanier. A two-out walk to Joe Medwick moved him to second and he scored on a Ripper Collins single. Martin scored again in the third, this time hitting a lead-off single and scoring on a two-out double by Medwick. With the score 2-1. The 1934 team broke it open with three runs in the eight. Martin again lit the spark, this time with a lead-off double off Lanier. He scored on a one-out double from Frankie Frisch. Frisch later scored on a two-out double by Kiddo Davis.
Game 5 (at 1949): 1934 8, 1949 2
Player of the game: Paul Dean got it done on the mound and at the plate. He pitched 8.1 innings, allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out six and walked two. With the bat, he was 3 for 5 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Bill Walker wrapped up the game on the mound, retiring the only two batters he faced.
Key moment: Down 2-1 in the fifth, Paul Dean sparked a two-run uprising which put the 1934 team in front for good. Dean led off the inning with a double off 1949 starter Al Brazle. A Pepper Martin single moved him to third and Dean scored on a Jack Rothrock groundout. A Joe Medwick fly ball would later score Martin, making it 3-1. The 1934 team would break the game open by scoring two more runs in the sixth and seventh innings.
Game 6 (at 1934): 1949 5, 1934 3
Player of the game: Howie Pollet and a pair of reliever combined to slow the 1934 team to three runs on nine hits. Pollet handled the opening 7.1 innings, allowing all three runs on eight hits. He struck out eight and walked one. Frank Martin recorded the final two outs of the eighth inning and Ted Wilks pitched a spotless ninth for the save.
Key moment: Red Schoendienst continued to have a big series, his two-run single in the third off 1934 starter Tex Carleton, staking his team to a 2-0 lead. The lead grew to 3-0 in the third, when Enos Slaughter led off with a double and later scored on a Marty Marion ground. After the 1934 team had pulled to within 3-2, the 49ers picked up an insurance run in the fifth, as Chuck Diering led off with a single and later scored when Stan Musial reached on an error by shortstop Leo Durocher.
Game 7 (at 1934): 1949 10, 1934 4
Player of the game: Enos Slaughter, who had struggled for much of the series, broke out with a 3 for 5 effort which included a double, triple, two runs scored and two RBIs. His first hit of the game, a double off 1934 starter Dizzy Dean, scored Chuck Diering with the game’s opening run. In the sixth, he led off with a triple and scored when Nippy Jones followed with a double, making it 4-1. In the ninth, his one-out single off Dazzy Vance scored Red Schoendienst, to make it 8-4. He later scored the game’s final run on a two-run pinch-hit double by Ed Sauer in the same inning.
Key moment: Tied 1-1, the 1949 team grabbed the lead for good in the top of the third when Stan Musial connected for a two-run home run off Dean. It later broke the game open with four runs in the seventh, Nippy Jones and Harry Breechen both had RBI singles in the inning. Chuck Diering drove in a run, when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Schoendienst drove in a run when he hit into a fielder’s choice.
Series summary: The 1949 picked up three wins in its four road games and defeated Dizzy Dean twice, including victories in Games 1 and 7. Harry Breechen won both his starts, including the game 7 matchup against Dizzy Dean.
Series MVP: Nippy Jones batted .481 with 13 total hits, including a home run, and five RBIs. I might have gone with Red Schoendiest, who hit .429 with 12 hits, five runs scored and five RBIs. He scored six runs.
Injury note: 1949 catcher Joe Garagiola is out for the remainder of the tournament with a torn ACL.

[rink23]

(2) 1944 Cardinals (World Series champions) vs. (18) 1930 Cardinals (World Series runner-up)
Outlook: While it doesn’t have a stalwart like Dizzy Dean, Bob Gibson or Chris Carpenter, the 1944 edition of the Redbird may have the deepest starting rotation in the tournament. Mort Cooper, Max Lanier Ted Wilks and Harry Breechen all won at least 16 games and all sports WHIPs in the 1.1s. At the plate, six of the eight regulars drove in 70 or more runs led by Ray Sanders with 102 and Stan Musial with 94. The 1930 squad turned in an impressive 4-1 win over the 1928 edition in the opening round. Bill Hallahan leads a solid but not overly impressive pitching staff, but the team looks good at the plate led by Chick Hafey, Frankie Frisch and Jim Bottomley. Prediction: 1944 in six games.


Game 1 (at 1944): 1930 5, 1944 4
Key moment: Down 3-2, the 1930 team took charge with three runs in the top of the fourth inning against 1944 starter Mort Cooper. Back-to-back doubles from Jim Bottomley and Chick Hafey got things rolling. A Jimmie Wilson single then plated Hafey with the inning’s second run. A Charlie Gelbert single moved Hafey to third and he scored when third baseman Whitey Kurowski booted a ground ball hit by pitcher Syl Johnson.
Player of the game: On the mound, Johnson went seven innings, allowing three runs on eight hits. He struck out five and walked two. Jim Lindsey tossed a scoreless eighth inning and while Hi Bell allowed a run in the ninth, he did retire Stan Musial and Walker Cooper with a runner and second and just one out to end it.
Game 2 (at 1944): 1944 3, 1930 2
Key moment: Down 2-0 going into the bottom of the ninth inning, the 1944 squad finally broke through against “Wild” Bill Hallahan, scoring three runs to steal the win. Stan Musial got it started with a one-out single, which ended Hallahan’s day. Walker Cooper followed with a single off reliever Hi Bell. Whitey Kurowksi followed with a triple, tying the score. Following an intentional walk to Ken O’Dea, Augie Bergamo hit a sacrifice fly, bringing home Kurowski with the game-winning run.
Player of the game: 1944 starter Ted Wilks pitched eight innings, allowing single runs in the third and sixth innings. He allowed five hits while striking out four and walking two. Red Munger retired all six batters he faced in the eighth and ninth innings and earned the victory.

Game 3 (at 1930): 1930 2, 1944 1
Key moment: Tied 1-1, the 1930 team scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning off 1944 starting pitcher Harry Breechen. Pinch-hitter Gus Mancuso opened the inning with a double. A ground out moved him to second and after an intentional walk to Taylor Douthit, Showboat Taylor hit a sacrifice fly to score Mancuso, breaking the tie.
Player of the game: 1930 starter Burleigh Grimes allowed just one run over seven innings. He struck out five and walked one while giving up three hits. Jim Lindsey pitched a perfect eighth inning and Hi Bel did the same in the ninth for his second save of the series.

Game 4 (at 1930): 1944 7, 1930 2
Key moment: The 1944 squad took control by scoring five of its seven runs over the second and third innings to build a 7-1 lead. The second inning featured back to back homers from Whitey Kurowski and Danny Litwhiler off 1930 starter Jesse Haines to open the inning. In the third, after its lead had been sliced to 2-1, Kurowski had an RBI double and Marty Marion scored two with a single.
Player of the game: 1944 starter Mort Cooper pitched eight innings, giving up the two runs on six hits. He struck out three and walked a pair. Frank Schmidt allowed a hit, but struck out three in the bottom of the ninth to seal the win.

Game 5 (at 1930): 1930 3, 1944 2
Key moment: Down 2-1, Chick Hafey led off the top of the eighth with a single off 1944 starter Max Lanier. George Watkins followed with a two-run homer, proving the difference in the contest.
Player of the game: Watkins was 2 for 3 with a pair of homers, his other was a solo shot in the fifth, to drive in all three of his team’s runs. Syl Johnson was strong on the mound, allowing two runs over eight innings. He allowed six hits while striking out eight and walking none. Hi Bell posted his third save of the series.
Game 6 (at 1944): 1930 4, 1944 1
Key moment: Tied 1-1, the 1930 team took the lead for good with a single run in the top of the second. Sparky Adams led off with a single off 1944 starter Ted Wilks. A walk to Frankie Frisch put runners at second and third and a Jim Bottomley single loaded the bases. After Chick Hafey grounded out for the first out, George Watkins hit a ground ball to third baseman Whitey Kurowski, who made the throw to first, allowing Adams to score. The 1930 team added insurance runs in the sixth (George Watkins with a homer off Wilks) and ninth (a Jim Bottomley sacrifice fly that scored Taylor Douthit, who had singled) to increase its lead to 4-1.
Player of the game: 1930 starting pitcher Bill Hallahan allowed a run in the top of the second, but through up six zeros after that to earn the win. He allowed the one run on seven hits. He struck out seven and walked out. Hi Bell pitched around a single in the ninth to earn his fourth save of the series.
Series summary: It was the 1930s team which proved to be the difference, limiting the 1944 squad to eight runs (four of them coming in a 5-4 game 1 victory) in its four losses.
Series MVP: George Watkins hits two homers and drove all three of his team’s runs in a 3-2 Game 5 victory and hit another solo shot in Game 6 to help clinch the series. Overall, Watkins batted .389 with thee homers and seven RBIs.

[rink23]

(7) 1926 Cardinals (World Series champions) vs. (23) 2005 Cardinals (NLCS runner-up)
Prediction: So far, all five of the teams which received byes, all of whom happened to be World Series winners, have fallen in the second round. This time, I am going to pick that team (the 1926 squad) to fall, against a 2006 team which happened to fall in the NLCS to a very good Houston Astros team. This team has Albert Pujols to lead the offense and an outstanding ace in Chris Carpenter. The 1926 team is a fine squad and features to Hall of Famers in its everday lineup in Rogers Hornsby and Jim Bottomley. But I don’t think it will be enough. Prediction: 2005 in six games.
Game 1 (at 1926): 1926 8, 2005 4
Key moment: Ray Blades opened the bottom of the first with a walk from 2005 starter Matt Morris, two batters “The Rajah” Rogers Hornsby blasted a two-run homer the 1926ers would not relinquish, The 1926 team stretched its lead to 5-0 with a three-run fourth inning highlighted by an RBI double from Les Bell and a two-run homer by Taylor Douhit.
Player of the game: Ray Blades went 2 fpr 3 with two runs scpred and three RBIs, two of them on a two-run homer he hit off reliever Ray King in the sixth inning.
Game 2 (at 1926): 2005 5, 1926 0
Key moment; The 2005 team jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first against 1926 starter “Old” Pete Alexander. Larry Walker set things in motion with a one-out double. He scored when followed with a single. Pujols later scored when Scott Rolen connected for a two-out single.
Player of the game: Walker was 3 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI. His RBI came in the fifth, when his single scored pitcher Cal Eldred, who had hit a one-out double.
Injury note: 2005 ace Chris Carpenter had to exit the game in the fourth inning with an arm injury. He threw 3.1 scoreless innings. Cal Eldred finished the fourth inning and also pitched scoreless fifth and sixth innings. Randy Flores, Julian Taveras and Jason Isringhausen all tossed a scoreless inning apiece to complete the shutout.
Game 3 (at 2005): 2005 7, 1926 3
Key moment: The 2005 jumped all over 1926 starter Bill Sherdel for four runs in the bottom of the first and were never threatened. All the runs came with two outs, although Larry Walker and Albert Pujols had gotten things going when they had singled and drawn a walk, respectively. A sacrifice fly by Jim Edmonds then moved Walker to third. He scored when Scott Rolen followed with a single. A double from Reggie Sanders scored two more. The inning’s final run came when Mark Grudzielanek reached on an error by second baseman Rogers Hornsby.
Player of the game: Pujols was 3 for 3 with two homers, three runs scored and three RBIs. In addition to his single, which led to a run in the opening inning, Pujols hit a solo homer off Sherdel in the fifth inning and a two-run homer off reliever Vic Keen in the seventh. 2006 starting pitcher Mark Mulder pitched seven innings, giving up three runs on 12 hits. He struck out four and walked one. Julian Taveras pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Al Reyes followed suit in the ninth.
Game 4 (at 2005): 2005 8, 1926 1
Key moment: Leading 2-1, the 2005 team broke the game open with a three-run bottom of the sixth inning against 1926 starter Jesse Haines. Larry Walker got it started with a walk and he oved to second when Albert Pujols followed with a single. A Jim Edmonds double scored Walker and moved Pujols to third. After a pair of outs, Mark Grudzielanek then chased both home with a single. The 2005 team added three more runs in the seventh, all of them coming on a three-run homer by Pujols off reliever Art Reinhart.
Player of the game: Pujols was 3 for 3 with a homer, three runs scored and four RBIs. 2005 starter Jeff Suppan pitched 6.1 innings, allowing one run on seven hits. He struck out five and walked three. Julian Taveras finished off the seventh inning. A scoreless eighth was recorded by Al Reyes. Ray King did the same in the ninth.
Game 5 (at 2005): 2005 3, 1926 2, 10 innings
Key moment: Tied at 2-2, the 2005 team scored the game and series clinching run in the bottom of the 10th inning against 1926 closer Hi Bell. So Taguchi got it started with a two-out single. Another single, this one from Mark Grudzielanek moved him to second. And pinch-hitter John Rodriguez chased him home with a third consecutive base knock.
Player of the game: 2005 starting pitcher Matt Morris went eight innings, allowing two runs on five hits. He struck out four and walked one. Closer Jason Isringhausen pitched two scoreless innings to earn the win. He allowed just one baserunner, on a hit, while striking out four. At the plate, Jim Edmonds was 3 for 5 with a homer and two runs scored.
Series summary: As expected, the 2006 team proved too much for the 1926 World Series champs from an offensive and pitching standpoint, outscoring them 29-14 in the five games, with eight of its runs coming in the series opener. The 2006 bullpen, in particular, was strong allowing three earned runs in 18.1 innings of work. They also shut down the two big guns for the 1926 team, with Hornsby hitting just .105 and Bottomley only .250. A big key for them moving forward will be the loss of ace Chris Carpenter, who is out for the season with an arm injury.
Series MVP: Despite going 0 for 5 in Game 5, Pujols had an outstanding series hitting .474 with four home runs, nine RBIs and seven runs scored. Larry Walker hit .500 with eight runs scored and five RBIs.