RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The Montreal Expos faced off against the Chicago Cubs on September 15, 1977, at Stade Olympique. The Cubs sent Bill Bonham to the mound, while the Expos countered with Wayne Twitchell. At this point in the season, the Cubs were trying to keep pace in the National League East, while the Expos were looking to play spoiler. The 1977 season was marked by the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers' dominance in their respective leagues, setting up an exciting potential World Series matchup.
The game started off with an unearned run by the Cubs in the first inning due to an error by the Expos' third baseman Papi. The Expos quickly responded with two runs in the bottom of the first, with Cash and Papi scoring on a double by Valentine. The Cubs managed to tie the game in the fourth inning, but the Expos reclaimed the lead in the bottom half of the same inning with a home run from Carter. Despite a solo home run from Morales in the sixth inning, the Cubs couldn't maintain a lead, with the Expos tying the game in the eighth inning.
The ninth inning saw the Expos pull off a come-from-behind victory with a run in the bottom of the ninth, leading to a 5-4 win over the Cubs. This game was a microcosm of the Cubs' season, as they struggled to maintain leads and finished the season in fourth place in the National League East. The Expos, on the other hand, finished the season in last place, but showed promise for the future with young talent like Gary Carter and Andre Dawson. The 1977 season eventually culminated in a World Series victory for the New York Yankees over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On a regular September evening in 1969, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the San Diego...
San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / On a regular September evening in 1969, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers, with a solid season under their belt, sent Bill Singer to the mound. Singer, a right-hander, was enjoying a strong season, entering the game with an 18-9 win-loss record. The Padres, meanwhile, were in their inaugural season and still finding their footing in the league. They started Al Santorini, a young pitcher with a less impressive record. The 1969 season was notable for the "Miracle Mets" winning the World Series, the introduction of four expansion teams including the Padres, and MLB's decision to split both the American and National Leagues into two divisions.
The game started with the Padres taking an early lead in the second inning. A double from Jose Arcadio Morales and a sacrifice bunt from Chris Cannizzaro led to two runs, one earned and one unearned due to an error by Dodgers' second baseman Ted Sizemore. The Dodgers, however, were not deterred. They slowly chipped away at the lead with single runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Willie Davis, Wes Parker, and Willie Crawford each contributed with key hits to keep the Dodgers in the game. Bill Singer, after allowing the second-inning runs, settled down and kept the Padres' offense in check.
In the sixth inning, Nate Colbert, the Padres' power-hitting first baseman, hit a solo home run off Singer, adding to the Padres' score. But the Dodgers responded in the bottom of the seventh, capitalizing on a shaky San Diego bullpen. Ross, who had relieved Santorini, gave up two runs, allowing the Dodgers to take the lead. Key hits from Maury Wills and Manny Mota helped the Dodgers secure their advantage.
In the end, the Dodgers emerged victorious with a 5-3 win. Bill Singer earned his 19th win of the season, and Jim Brewer sealed the game with his 20th save. The game was a microcosm of the 1969 season for both teams. The Dodgers, while unable to catch the Miracle Mets, were a strong team with a solid core of players. The Padres, on the other hand, were a young team still finding their place in the league. The 1969 season was also notable for the dominance of pitching in Major League Baseball, culminating in the decision to lower the pitcher's mound from 15 inches to 10 inches for the 1969 season. This game, with its strong pitching performances and key hitting moments, was a fitting representation of that season.
