Perhaps the comparison is not exactly kosher, but the 1971 ARAIG World Series resembled the 1989 real-life Series. After a long delay, the Oakland Athletics swept the series in a dominating and anti-climactic way. Congrats to Bill Schneider for brilliantly managing his squad.
GAME ONE – Dick Green launched a 3-run home run in the B6 to lift Oakland to a 4-1 opening game Vida Bluewent the distance. Mike Epstein, hitting in the lead-off spot, went 3-3.
GAME TWO – The Athletics sent Bob Gibson to the showers after just 3 innings and went on to an 8-3 victory. Rick Monday led the way offensively with 3 hits, including a triple and round-tripper. He scored twice and drove in 4. Catfish Hunter was the winning pitcher.
GAME THREE – Diego Segui surrendered just 4 hits in 7.2 IP as Oakland won 3-1 in St. Louis. Darold Knowles andRollie Fingers finished up. Joe Rudi banged out 3 hits. Epstein homered in one of his 2 hits.
GAME FOUR – Vida Blue (2-0) just missed his second CG with another brilliant performance in a 6-3 win as Oakland earned the sweep. Fingers (2) got the 27th out and was piled upon. Epstein smashed 2 more hits. Green collected 2 more RBI.
Other facts and highlights:
** Mike Epstein was named co-MVP with his .533 (8-15) batting average, 12 TB, 5 R, and 2 RBI.
** Vida Blue, the other co-MVP, was 2-0 in 17.2 IP. He fanned 14 and had an ERA of 2.04.
** The A’s pitching staff had a 1.75 ERA for the series. The A’s hitters his .273.
** Tommy Davis (.500), Dave Duncan (.333), Gene Tenace (.333), Joe Rudi (.333), and Dick Green (.308) also hit over .300.
** The Cardinals hit just .189 as a team
** Joe Torre, who hit .363 in real-life season, hit just .063 (1-16) in this series.
** Lou Brock (.333) was the only Redbird regular over .300.
** The Cardinals pitching staff had a 5.29 ERA
