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Game 4 of the 1977 National League Championship Series saw the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Philadelphia Phillies at Veterans Stadium. The Phillies were trailing in the series, making this a crucial game to stay alive. Los Angeles sent veteran left-hander Tommy John to the mound, while Philadelphia countered with their ace, Steve Carlton. The Dodgers were in fine form, led by players like Ron Cey and Steve Garvey, and were coming off a strong regular season in which they finished atop the NL West. The Phillies, anchored by Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski, had won the NL East, but were under pressure after falling behind in the series. Both teams were loaded with talent, but the Dodgers had momentum on their side.
The game began with a two-run homer from Dusty Baker in the second inning, which gave the Dodgers an early lead. Philadelphia responded in the fourth when Garry Maddox drove in Greg Luzinski to cut the deficit to one. However, Los Angeles extended their lead in the fifth inning, thanks to a combination of a wild pitch and a single by Bill Russell that brought in two more runs. Tommy John kept the Phillies in check throughout the game, scattering seven hits and allowing only one run, while Steve Carlton struggled and was pulled after the fifth inning. The Dodgers' bullpen, featuring Mike Garman and others, helped close out the game as the Phillies failed to mount a comeback.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers met for Game 1 of the 1977 National...
1977 NLCS G1 Philadelphia Phillies vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers met for Game 1 of the 1977 National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Philadelphia, led by ace Steve Carlton, came into the game looking to build on a strong season that saw them win 101 games. Carlton, who was a key figure in the Phillies’ rotation, was tasked with facing veteran left-hander Tommy John of the Dodgers. Los Angeles, fresh off a 98-win season, boasted a powerful lineup, including Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, and Reggie Smith, who had played crucial roles in their success that year. Both teams were aiming to take an early lead in the best-of-five series with a trip to the World Series at stake.
The Phillies struck early in the first inning when Greg Luzinski launched a two-run homer off John, giving them a quick 2-0 lead. Philadelphia added to their advantage in the fifth with a pair of unearned runs, thanks to a couple of errors by Bill Russell. Carlton was effective through six innings, but the Dodgers rallied in the seventh. Ron Cey delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a grand slam, tying the game at 5-5. Despite the momentum shift, the Phillies regained control in the ninth, scoring two runs on singles by McBride and Schmidt, helped by a balk from Elias Sosa.
The Phillies closed out the game with a 7-5 victory, handing Tug McGraw a save. Carlton earned a win, despite the rough seventh inning, and Gene Garber held the Dodgers at bay. The Phillies took a crucial 1-0 lead in the series as they pushed closer to their first World Series appearance since 1950, while the Dodgers, who were favorites to win the NL pennant, found themselves with an uphill battle to reclaim control.
#GregLuzinski #SteveCarlton #PhiladelphiaPhillies #RonCey #LosAngelesDodgers #NLCS #TugMcGraw #TommyJohn #GeneGarber #MLB1977
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