Blog Archive

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Oakland Upsets Baltimore to Take the 1971 ARAIG LCS

It looked the like Orioles had this one in the bag, winning the first two games with shutouts from Dave McNally and Mike Cuellar. But the overconfident Birds' bunch wasn't ready for Oakland's offense to wake up.

Tommy Davis was a difference maker in the series, homering for the go-ahead run in game three off an ineffective Jim Palmer for a 5-4 win, as Mudcat Grant nailed it down. Baltimore, still up 2-1, started Pat Dobson in game four against Vida Blue, who left early in game one. Blue returned the Baltimore favor by shutting out the O's on two hits, 1-0.

McNally went again in game five against Catfish Hunter, who was his dominant self, unlike his performance in game two. Oakland scored a second straight shutout - just like Baltimore had in games one and two - en route to a 5-0 win, underscored by another Davis homer, a three run shot off McNally. 

A great series and superb managing by Bill Schneider.  Here's to another victory for the AL in the World Series. Bill might be playing himself, as he's also the manager of Cincinnati.

Joe P.

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