1987 NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES #2
Manhattan (1st Place, 108-54) host division runner Valdosta (98-64) in the NL East Division series, winner to move on the NLCS. How did the fare during the regular season?
Manhattan took the season series 17-11.
Batting – AVG: Manhattan 2nd (.260), Valdosta 5th (.250); HRs: Manhattan 5th (183), Valdosta 3rd (195), Runs Scored: Manhattan 2nd (787), Valdosta 3rd (747); SBs: Manhattan 3rd (134), Valdosta 2nd (141)
Pitching: ERA: MGH 3rd (3.13), VAL 4th (3.39); both teams had the same # of QS (103 – and tied for 2nd in league) and same number of shutouts (11 – and tied for 2nd in league). Manhattan had 58 saves (1st) and Valdosta had 49 (3rd in league). Defenses: MGH is 2nd in league with .983 (2nd), VAL 3rd (.091)
Game 1 – Mike LaCoss vs Jimmy Key
The Gas Hornets, particularly Andre Dawson, got to LsCass early and often sending him to the showers in the 3rd after giving up his 2nd HR of the game, and 7th hits and 7 runs. Gas Hornet offensive flames in this one were plentiful in the 14 hit, 11 run attack. Dawson started the fireworks in the 12th – and he enjoyed it again the 3rd. In each of those innings he hit 2 run bombs (1, 2) and went 3 for 4 for the game, 3 hits, 5 rbis and 3 runs scored. Joyner also had 3 hits, 3 rbis and a HR (1). Yount had 2 hits a 1 run (double and HR – 1).
Key meanwhile was pitching very strong going 7 innings, 6 hits, 1 run and 4Ks. Game 1 final, 11-1 Manhattan, on to game 2.
WP Key (1-0), LP LaCoss (0-1)
Game 2 – Dave Dravecky vs. Jim Clancy
Andre Dawson hits a 2 run blast (3) again in the 1st inning to get the Gas Hornets going. However, Valdosta does not rollower, in fact they tied the game in the 4th on a Cory Synder 2 run shot (1). Dravecky was getting stronger, but in the 7th he gave up another 2 run homer – this one to Williams (1). Clancy gets pulled after 6 innings (4 hits, 2 runs, 8 Ks) with no decisions. Buice comes in for an inning but Burke is the one to end the game as he goes 2 innings and earns the fave.
WP Buice (10, LP: Dravecky (0-1) S Burke (1)
Game 3 – Doyle Alexander vs. Charlie Hough
The Valdosta bats wake up as they stroke 3 HR’s off of Doyle Alexander (14-5). Meanwhile, Charlie Hough (21-9) was tossing a no hitter until the 7th when Leon Durham delivered a PH single. That was followed by a walk and that ended the day for Charlie. Bombers end up with an easy 7-0 victory.
On to game 4 with Manhattan up 2-1
Game 4 – Jimmy Key vs. Bob Forsch
The Bombers lose 4-1. They were able to load the bases with one out in the 9th but were unable to break through. Jimmy Key was 2-0 and I dare say the key to victory.