The1996National League Division Series(NLDS), the opening round of the 1996National Leagueplayoffs, began on Tuesday, October 1, and ended on Saturday, October 5, with the champions of the three NL divisions—along with a "wild card" team—participating in two best-of-five series. The teams were:
- (1)Atlanta Braves(Eastern Division champion, 96–66) vs. (4)Los Angeles Dodgers(Wild Card, 90–72): Braves won series, 3–0.
- (2)San Diego Padres(Western Division champion, 91–71) vs. (3)St. Louis Cardinals(Central Division champion, 88–74): Cardinals won series, 3–0.[1]
| 1996 National League Division Series | |||||||||||||
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| Dates | October 1 – 5 | ||||||||||||
| Television | ESPN(in St. Louis) NBC(in San Diego) | ||||||||||||
| TV announcers | Chris BermanandBuck Martinez(in St. Louis) Bob Costas,Joe Morgan,andBob Uecker(in San Diego) | ||||||||||||
| Radio | CBS | ||||||||||||
| Radio announcers | Gene ElstonandGary Cohen | ||||||||||||
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| Dates | October 2 – 5 | ||||||||||||
| Television | ESPN(Game 1) Fox(Games 2–3) | ||||||||||||
| TV announcers | Chris BermanandBuck Martinez(Game 1) Joe BuckandTim McCarver(Games 2–3) | ||||||||||||
| Radio | CBS | ||||||||||||
| Radio announcers | Jerry ColemanandJim Hunter | ||||||||||||
| Umpires | Jim Quick,Gerry Davis,Dana DeMuth,Frank Pulli,Harry Wendelstedt,Greg Bonin(Padres–Cardinals, Games 1–2; Braves–Dodgers, Game 3) Steve Rippley,Eric Gregg,Tom Hallion,Terry Tata,Bruce Froemming,Bill Hohn(Braves–Dodgers, Games 1–2; Padres–Cardinals, Game 3) | ||||||||||||
The St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves both swept their Division Series, and went on to meet in theNL Championship Series(NLCS). The Braves would rally to win that series four games to three and become the National League champion, but would lose to theAmerican League championNew York Yankeesin the1996 World Series.
Matchups
editSan Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals
editSt. Louis won the series, 3–0.
| Game | Date | Score | Location | Time | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 1 | San Diego Padres – 1,St. Louis Cardinals– 3 | Busch Stadium (II) | 2:39 | 54,193[2] |
| 2 | October 3 | San Diego Padres – 4,St. Louis Cardinals– 5 | Busch Stadium (II) | 2:55 | 56,752[3] |
| 3 | October 5 | St. Louis Cardinals– 7, San Diego Padres – 5 | Jack Murphy Stadium | 3:32 | 53,899[4] |
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
editAtlanta won the series, 3–0.
| Game | Date | Score | Location | Time | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 2 | Atlanta Braves– 2, Los Angeles Dodgers – 1(10) | Dodger Stadium | 3:08 | 47,428[5] |
| 2 | October 3 | Atlanta Braves– 3, Los Angeles Dodgers – 2 | Dodger Stadium | 2:08 | 51,916[6] |
| 3 | October 5 | Los Angeles Dodgers – 2,Atlanta Braves– 5 | Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium | 3:19 | 52,529[7] |
San Diego vs. St. Louis
editGame 1
edit| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| St. Louis | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 3 | 6 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Todd Stottlemyre(1–0)LP:Joey Hamilton(0–1)Sv:Dennis Eckersley(1) Home runs: SD:Rickey Henderson(1) STL:Gary Gaetti(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Cardinals and Padres met for the first time in the postseason. A three-run home run byGary GaettioffJoey Hamiltonin the first inning put the Cardinals up for good, despite being shut out by Hamilton for the next five innings.Todd Stottlemyrepitched masterfully, allowing only a home run byRickey Henderson.Rick HoneycuttandDennis Eckersleyshut the Padres down for the win.
Game 2
edit| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| St. Louis | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | X | 5 | 5 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Rick Honeycutt(1–0)LP:Doug Bochtler(0–1)Sv:Dennis Eckersley(2) Home runs: SD:Ken Caminiti(1) STL: None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A well fought Game 2 saw the Cardinals squander two leads.Scott SandersfacedAndy Benes,a former Padre.Willie McGeeput the Cardinals on top on the third with an RBI single after two walks.Ken Caminititied the game with a leadoff home run in the fifth. In the bottom of the inning, Sanders allowed two singles and a walk to load the bases with one out beforeRon Gantcleared them with a double off ofDario Verasto make it 4–1 Cardinals. In the sixth, after back-to-back one-out singles, a two-run single byTony Gwynnaided by center fielderWillie McGee's throwing error made it a one-run game in the Padres sixth. In the eighth, Benes allowed a leadoff single and walk. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners up off ofRick Honeycuttbefore an RBI ground out bySteve Finleytied the game, but in the bottom half,Doug Bochtlerwalked two and threw a wild pitch to put runners on second and third with one out.Tom Pagnozzi's ground out off ofTrevor HoffmanscoredBrian Jordanand put the Cardinals up 5–4.Dennis Eckersleygot his second save of the postseason with a perfect ninth.
Game 3
editJack Murphy StadiuminSan Diego
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 13 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| San Diego | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:T.J. Mathews(1–0)LP:Trevor Hoffman(0–1)Sv:Dennis Eckersley(3) Home runs: STL:Ron Gant(1),Brian Jordan(1) SD:Ken Caminiti2 (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In Game 3, the Cardinals looked toDonovan Osborneto put the Padres away. Opposing the potential sweep wasAndy Ashby.Brian Jordanput the Cardinals ahead when he singled to center field to scoreRoyce Clayton,who walked to lead off and moved to second on a single. After back-to-back one-out singles,Chris Gomez's fielder's choice andJody Reed's double scored a run each to put the Padres up 2–1. ThenKen Caminitihomered to make it 3–1 in the third. An RBI single in the bottom of the fourth by Reed after back-to-back leadoff singles made it 4–1 Padres and Osborne was done. A leadoff homer by Ron Gant made it 4–2 in the sixth. Then, Jordan singled, stole second, and scored on a one-out triple byJohn Mabry.Tim Worrellrelieved Ashby and allowed an RBI single toTom Pagnozzito tie the game at four. The Cardinals would take the lead in the seventh whenRay Lankfordscored on a bases-loaded double play by Gant. Caminiti's second home run of the game off ofRick Honeycutttied the game in the eighth, However, after a walk in the ninth, Jordan hit a two-run home run off ofTrevor Hoffmanthat proved to be the series winner. A one-out single byRickey Hendersonin the ninth put the tying run at the plate but nothing would be made of it as Eckersley got his third save in as many tries to win the series.
Composite box
edit1996 NLDS(3–0):St. Louis CardinalsoverSan Diego Padres
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cardinals | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 15 | 24 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| San Diego Padres | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 25 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total attendance:164,844Average attendance:54,948 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Atlanta vs. Los Angeles
editGame 1
edit| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | R | H | E | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Los Angeles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:John Smoltz(1–0)LP:Antonio Osuna(0–1)Sv:Mark Wohlers(1) Home runs: ATL:Javy López(1) LAD: None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Braves were heavy favorites against the Dodgers, who sneaked into the playoffs on a Wild Card berth. This would be managerBill Russell's only postseason series as Dodgers manager.
The Braves sent 24-game winnerJohn Smoltzto the mound for Game 1. Opposing Smoltz would beRamón Martínez.The Braves struck first whenFred McGriff's sacrifice fly broughtMarquis Grissom,who singled to lead off, stole second and moved to third on a groundout, home in the fourth.Todd Hollandsworthtied the game with an RBI-double in the fifth after a lead off double byGreg Gagne.Smoltz and Martinez dueled for eight innings, when Martinez left the game. When the game moved to extra innings, eventual playoff MVPJavy Lópezhit the go-ahead home run in the tenth off ofAntonio Osuna.Mark Wohlersrecorded the save and the Braves led the series 1–0.
Game 2
edit| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Los Angeles | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Greg Maddux(1–0)LP:Ismael Valdez(0–1)Sv:Mark Wohlers(2) Home runs: ATL:Ryan Klesko(1),Fred McGriff(1),Jermaine Dye(1) LAD: None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Greg MadduxfacedIsmael Valdezin Game 2. Another pitcher's duel took place.Todd Hollandsworthsingled to lead off the first and moved to second on aRyan Kleskoerror. Hollandsworth moved to third on a groundout, then scored onMike Piazza's groundout. However, Klesko homered with one out in the top half to tie the game at one. The Dodgers took the lead again when Piazza singled to lead off the fourth and moved to second on an error byMarquis Grissom,thenRaul Mondesi's RBI double made it 2–1 Dodgers. Valdez had pitched six innings when Fred McGriff led off the seventh inning with a home run to tie the game at two. After Klesko was called out on strikes,Jermaine Dyehit a home run to give the Braves a 3–2 lead to knock Valdez out of the game and give him the loss.Mark Wohlersgot another save in the ninth as the Braves now led the series 2–0 going home.
Game 3
editAtlanta–Fulton County StadiuminAtlanta
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Atlanta | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 5 | 7 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Tom Glavine(1–0)LP:Hideo Nomo(0–1)Sv:Mark Wohlers(3) Home runs: LAD: None ATL:Chipper Jones(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hideo NomofacedTom Glavinefor Game 3. The night would sour for Nomo as he gave up a first-inning run, thanks to a McGriff double that scoredChipper Jones,who singled with two outs, and squandered the series in the fourth. Glavine doubled with two outs, then Grissom walked. A double byMark Lemkescored both Glavine and Grissom. Then Jones homered to put the Braves up 5–0. Nomo was finished and so were the Dodgers. They would scratch out a run apiece in the seventh (onJuan Castro's double to scoreGreg Gagne,who singled with two outs) and eighth (onMike Piazza's sacrifice fly off ofMike BieleckiafterGreg McMichaelallowed a leadoff walk and subsequent double), but no more. Wohlers got his third save in as many tries to end the series.
Composite box
edit1996 NLDS(3–0):Atlanta BravesoverLos Angeles Dodgers
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | R | H | E | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 16 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 14 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total attendance:151,873Average attendance:50,624 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
References
edit- ^The higher seed (in parentheses) had the home field advantage, which was not tied to playing record but was predetermined—a highly unpopular arrangement which was discontinued after the 1997 playoffs. Also, the team with home field "advantage" was required to play the first two games on the road, with potentially the last three at home, in order to reduce travel. The Padres played the Cardinals, rather than the wild card Dodgers, because the Padres and Dodgers are in the same division. Had the 1996 NLDS been played under the 1998-2011 arrangement, then Atlanta (1) would have still faced off against Los Angeles (St. Louis had a worse record, but would have faced Atlanta because of the mandate of no teams from the same division playing against each other in the Division Series) and San Diego likewise would have still faced off against St. Louis, but the Cardinals would have had home field advantage. Under the 2012-present format, which removed the prohibition against teams from the same division meeting in the Division Series, the matchups still would have been Atlanta-Los Angeles and St. Louis-San Diego, with the Braves and Cardinals having home field advantage.
- ^"1996 NLDS - San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals - Game 1".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^"1996 NLDS - San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals - Game 2".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^"1996 NLDS - St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Diego Padres - Game 3".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^"1996 NLDS - Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers - Game 1".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^"1996 NLDS - Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers - Game 2".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^"1996 NLDS - Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves - Game 3".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.