Final (11 innings) 1975 Reds 5 1990 Reds 3 WP: Rawley Eastwick (1-0) LP: Jack Armstrong (0-1)

1975 “Big Red Machine” Reds win RN Dream Series, four games to one. PLAY BY PLAY

Star of the Game [...]]]>

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11		R	H	E
1975 Reds	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	1	0	2		5	10	0
1990 Reds	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0		3	7	0

Time for a recap of tonight’s titanic Strat-O-Matic Dream struggle….

Final (11 innings)
1975 Reds 5
1990 Reds 3
WP: Rawley Eastwick (1-0)
LP: Jack Armstrong (0-1)

1975 “Big Red Machine” Reds win RN Dream Series, four games to one.
PLAY BY PLAY

Star of the Game
–Joe Morgan. For the game, Morgan was 2-4, but the big blow was a two-run homer in the top of the eleventh inning (off Jack Armstrong) that won the game — and the series — for the Big Red Machine. He also doubled and walked twice. That’s the Morgan that Reds fans remember.

Miscellaneous
–Tonight’s game was the most exciting of the series, by far. Clearly, the 1990 Reds didn’t want this Dream Series to end tonight.

–Unfortunately for the Wire to Wire Reds, there was an unexpected goat: Randy Myers. After putting up three runs in the seventh inning to take the lead, Rob Dibble pitched a dominant ninth inning, striking out two.

With Myers taking the mound in the ninth with a one-run lead, 1990 manager Lou Piniella had to be pretty confident of a victory that would’ve sent the series to a game six.

Myers proceeded to hit the first batter, Pete Rose, with a pitch to lead off the ninth. Rose came around to score two batters later when Joe Morgan hit a double into the right-field corner, tying the game. Myers came back to throw a scoreless tenth inning, but the blown save would come back to haunt the 1990 Reds.

–Tony Perez had a couple of hits and an RBI.

–The 1975 Reds bullpen looked a bit like their 1990 counterparts. Clay Kirby and Rawley Eastwick pitched the final four innings, giving up just two hits and allowing no runs.

–Chris Sabo went 2-4, with a double, a walk, and 2 RBI. Billy Hatcher was the only other 1990 Red with multiple hits, going 2-5 and scoring a run.

–Fun series. I had a good time playing the games; I just wish the series had been more competitive. I don’t think anyone would be surprised to see this result (and judging by the poll numbers, you guys expected this).

–I’ll pick the series MVP soon, once I’ve had a chance to review the series stats.

Hope you enjoyed it. I’m thinking about doing a series sometime between the 1975 Reds and the 1927 Yankees. That one will likely be more competitive.

RN Dream Series Recaps
Game One
Game Two
Game Three
Game Four
Game Five (play-by-play)

Welcome to Game Four of the Redleg Nation Dream Series.

Tonight, the 1990 “Wire to Wire” Reds will attempt to survive on the brink of elimination once again, with the 1975 Reds leading the series three games to one. [...]]]>

This was an off-season project, and we’re running out of off-season, so here goes….

Welcome to Game Four of the Redleg Nation Dream Series.

Tonight, the 1990 “Wire to Wire” Reds will attempt to survive on the brink of elimination once again, with the 1975 Reds leading the series three games to one. A couple of left-handers will make their second starts of the series in this one, Don Gullett for the Big Red Machine and Danny Jackson for the 1990 Reds.

Sweet Lou Piniella’s 1990 squad hopes that Jackson can match Jose Rijo’s brilliant Game Four performance. At the very least, Jackson needs to keep the game competitive through six innings, when the Nasty Boys bullpen can take over. Because the Machine has scored early in most games, the Nasty Boys haven’t had much of an impact on the series thus far.

—–
Game One: 1975 Reds won, 9-2
Game Two: 1975 Reds won, 4-2
Game Three: 1975 Reds won, 7-4
Game Four: 1990 Reds won, 8-1
Game Five: Tonight!
—–

Tonight’s game is to be played out at Redleg Nation World Headquarters, i.e., my living room, using the Strat-O-Matic board game.

The 1990 Reds will host game five at 1990 Riverfront Stadium. Starting lineups are below (the actual starting lineup used by the 1975 Reds in their own game five that year; the 1990 Reds didn’t play a game five, so Virtual Lou Piniella made out the lineup). I will post the play by play below, as I get time to play the game out tonight (I’m watching the Virginia/Virginia Tech basketball game, so my attention is largely occupied by the television right now).

Play by Play

Top of the first inning
Danny Jackson (1990) pitching.
–Pete Rose grounds out to shortstop. One out.
–Ken Griffey walks.
–Joe Morgan lines out to second. Two outs.
–Johnny Bench flies out to left field. Three outs.

Bottom of the first inning
Don Gullett (1975) pitching.
–Barry Larkin pops out to shortstop. One out.
–Billy Hatcher singles to center field.
–Eric Davis walks.
–Glenn Braggs grounds out weakly to 2B. Hatcher advances to third; Davis advances to second. Two outs.
–Chris Sabo grounds out to SS. Three outs.
End of first inning. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 0

Top of the second inning
–Tony Perez strikes out. One out.
–George Foster pops out to second base. Two outs.
–Dave Concepcion strikes out. Three outs.

Bottom of the second inning
–Billy Doran grounds out to the pitcher. One out.
–Todd Benzinger grounds out to third base. Two outs.
–Joe Oliver walks.
–Danny Jackson grounds out to second base. Three outs.
End of two innings. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 0

Top of third inning
–Cesar Geronimo flies out to CF. One out.
–Don Gullett strikes out. Two outs.
–Pete Rose grounds out to second base. Three outs.

Bottom of third inning
–Barry Larkin flies out to LF. One out.
–Billy Hatcher singles to left.
–Eric Davis flies out to CF. Two outs.
–Glenn Braggs grounds out to SS. Three outs.
End of three innings. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 0

Top of fourth inning
–Ken Griffey grounds out to 3B. One out.
–Joe Morgan grounds out to 3B. Two outs.
–Johnny Bench, chewing on some fudge-flavored gum, singles to center field. First hit of the day for the Big Red Machine.
–Tony Perez singles to right field. Bench advances to second.
–George Foster flies out to LF. Three outs.

Bottom of fourth inning
–Chris Sabo walks.
–Billy Doran grounds out to SS. Sabo advances to second base. One out.
–Todd Benzinger flies out to LF. Two outs.
–Joe Oliver grounds out to second base. Three outs.
End of fourth inning. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 0

Top of the fifth inning
–Dave Concepcion walks.
–Cesar Geronimo singles to RF. Concepcion advances to third.
–Don Gullett strikes out. One out.
–Pete Rose is an Aqua Velva Man. And he lifts a sacrifice fly to CF. Concepcion scores. (Rose, RBI) Two outs.
1975 Reds lead, 1-0
–Ken Griffey singles to LF. Geronimo advances to 3B.
–Joe Morgan walks. Bases loaded.
–Johnny Bench grounds out to 1B. Three outs.

Bottom of the fifth inning
–Danny Jackson lines out to second. One out.
–Barry Larkin flies out to RF. Two outs.
–Billy Hatcher flies out to RF. Three outs.
End of fifth inning. 1975 Reds 1, 1990 Reds 0

Top of the sixth inning
–Tony Perez flies out to LF. One out.
–George Foster singles.
–Dave Concepcion singles to CF. Foster advances to second.
–Cesar Geronimo flies out to RF. Runners hold. Two outs.
–Don Gullett flies out to RF. Three outs.

Bottom of the sixth inning
–Eric Davis strikes out. One out.
–Glenn Braggs lines out to 3B. Two outs.
–Chris Sabo singles to LF.
–Billy Doran walks. Sabo advances to 2B.
–Todd Benzinger grounds out to 2B. Three outs.
End of sixth inning. 1975 Reds 1, 1990 Reds 0

Top of the seventh inning
–Pete Rose grounds out to 3B. One out.
–Ken Griffey walks.
–Joe Morgan walks. Griffey advances to 2B.
Norm Charlton enters game as pitcher, replacing Jackson
–Johnny Bench reaches first on a fielder’s choice. Morgan out at second, 4-6. Griffey advances to third. Two outs.
–Tony Perez singles to RF. Griffey scores (Perez, RBI). Bench advances to 3B.
1975 Reds lead, 2-0
–George Foster grounds out to P. Three outs.

Bottom of the seventh inning
–Joe Oliver strikes out. One out.
Luis Quinones pinch-hits for Norm Charlton
–Luis Quinones singles to CF.
–Barry Larkin strikes out. Two outs.
–Billy Hatcher walks. Quinones advances to 2B.
–Eric Davis walks. Bases loaded.
–Glenn Braggs walks. Quinones scores (Braggs, RBI). Hatcher advances to third. Davis advances to second.
1975 Reds lead, 2-1
Clay Carroll now pitching, replacing Don Gullett
–Chris Sabo doubles to the left field corner. Hatcher scores. Davis scores (Sabo, 2 RBI). Braggs advances to third.
1990 Reds lead, 3-2
–Billy Doran strikes out. Three outs.
End of seven innings. 1975 Reds 2, 1990 Reds 3

Top of the eighth inning
Rob Dibble now pitching for 1990 Reds, batting ninth
–Dave Concepcion strikes out. One out.
–Cesar Geronimo strikes out. Two outs.
Dan Driessen pinch-hits for Clay Carroll
–Dan Driessen grounds out to 2B. Three outs.

Bottom of the eighth inning
Clay Kirby now pitching for 1975 Reds, batting ninth
–Todd Benzinger strikes out. One out.
–Joe Oliver triples (!).
Paul O’Neill pinch-hits for Rob Dibble
–Paul O’Neill pops out to SS. Two outs.
–Barry Larkin flies out to CF. Three outs.
End of eight innings. 1975 Reds 2, 1990 Reds 3

Top of the ninth inning
Randy Myers now pitching for 1990 Reds
–Pete Rose hit by pitch.
–Ken Griffey strikes out. One out.
–Joe Morgan doubles to RF. Rose advances to third.
–Johnny Bench lifts a sacrifice fly to CF. Rose scores (Bench, RBI). Morgan holds at second. Two outs.
1975 Reds 3, 1990 Reds 3
–Tony Perez grounds out to shortstop. Three outs.

Bottom of the ninth inning
–Billy Hatcher strikes out. One out.
–Eric Davis walks.
–Glenn Braggs grounds out to SS. Two outs.
–Chris Sabo grounds out to SS. Three outs.
End of nine innings. 1975 Reds 3, 1990 Reds 3

On to extra innings….

Top of the tenth inning
–George Foster pops out to SS. One out.
–Dave Concepcion pops out to catcher. Two outs.
–Cesar Geronimo walks.
Doug Flynn pinch-hits for Clay Kirby
–Doug Flynn strikes out. Three outs.

Bottom of the tenth inning.
Rawley Eastwick now pitching for 1975 Reds, batting ninth
–Billy Doran grounds out to the pitcher. One out.
–Todd Benzinger fouls out to catcher. Two outs.
–Joe Oliver strikes out. Three outs.
End of ten innings. 1975 Reds 3, 1990 Reds 3

Top of eleventh inning.
Double switch. Jeff Reed replaces Randy Myers, batting ninth and playing catcher. Jack Armstrong now pitching, batting eighth.
–Pete Rose singles to left field.
–Ken Griffey flies out to left field. One out.
–Joe Morgan homers to right field. Rose scores, Morgan scores (Morgan, 2 RBI)
1975 Reds lead, 5-3
–Johnny Bench lines out to SS. Two outs.
–Tony Perez strikes out. Three outs.

Bottom of eleventh inning
–Jeff Reed flies out to right field. One out.
–Barry Larkin singles to CF.
–Billy Hatcher reaches first on a fielder’s choice. Larkin out at second, 6-4. Two outs.
–Eric Davis flies out to center field. Three outs.

Final (11 innings)
1975 Reds 5
1990 Reds 3
WP: Rawley Eastwick (1-0)
LP: Jack Armstrong (0-1)

1975 “Big Red Machine” Reds win RN Dream Series, four games to one.

Final 1975 Reds 1 1990 Reds 8 WP: Jose Rijo (1-1) LP: Fred Norman (0-1) PLAY BY PLAY

Star of the Game –Jose Rijo bounced back from a disappointing Game One start, dominating the Big Red Machine [...]]]>

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
1975 Reds	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1		1	6	0
1990 Reds	0	0	0	0	1	4	1	2	X		8	14	0

Time for a recap of tonight’s titanic Strat-O-Matic Dream struggle….

Final
1975 Reds 1
1990 Reds 8
WP: Jose Rijo (1-1)
LP: Fred Norman (0-1)
PLAY BY PLAY

Star of the Game
–Jose Rijo bounced back from a disappointing Game One start, dominating the Big Red Machine in Game Four. Rijo pitched a complete game, and came within one out of a shutout of one of the best offenses in baseball history.

As it was, Rijo allowed one run on six hits, while striking out five. Give this man a honey ham! He’s the Star of the Game!

Miscellaneous
–1990 manager Lou Piniella was counting on Rijo for a strong performance in order to stave off elimination. The “Wire to Wire” Reds still have a lot of work to do, as the Machine leads the best-of-seven series, three games to one.

–The 1990 Reds offense sparkled tonight, as well. Hal Morris led the way, going 3-3 with a double and a walk. He scored two runs and drove in another.

–Mariano Duncan also had a stellar evening, going 3-4 and knocking in two runs.

–Paul O’Neill’s sixth inning homer off Pedro Borbon opened the game wide open. From there, the 1990 Reds cruised to victory.

–For the 1975 Reds, no one had more than one hit. Johnny Bench’s homer in the ninth accounted for the only offense.

–Fred Norman’s outing was decent, but not enough. In five-plus innings, Norman gave up three runs on just four hits. He struck out five and walked two.

–1975 manager Sparky Anderson was called Captain Hook for a reason, but his bullpen let him down tonight. Three different relievers — Borbon, Clay Carroll, and Pat Darcy — combined to give up five runs and ten hits in two innings. (Will McEnaney was the only reliever to emerge unscathed, retiring three straight hitters after relieving Darcy in the 8th.)

–Game three starting pitchers: Danny Jackson (1990) vs. Don Gullett (1975).

–The series will resume at 1990 Riverfront Stadium for Game Five.

RN Dream Series Recaps
Game One
Game Two
Game Three
Game Four (play-by-play)

Tonight, Jose Rijo will take the mound, attempting to stave off the World Champion 1990 “Wire to Wire” Reds’ elimination at the hands of the 1975 World Champion “Big Red Machine”. You will recall that the 1975 Reds won the first game by [...]]]>

Welcome to Game Four of the Redleg Nation Dream Series.

Tonight, Jose Rijo will take the mound, attempting to stave off the World Champion 1990 “Wire to Wire” Reds’ elimination at the hands of the 1975 World Champion “Big Red Machine”. You will recall that the 1975 Reds won the first game by a score of 9-2, the second game, 4-2, and took a 3-0 series lead by winning 7-4 in Game Three.

The games are to be played out at Redleg Nation World Headquarters, i.e., my living room, using the Strat-O-Matic board game.

The 1990 Reds will host game four at 1990 Riverfront Stadium. Starting lineups are below (the actual starting lineups these teams used in their own game fours in 1990 and 1975).

Play by Play

Top of the first inning
Jose Rijo (1990) pitching.

–Pete Rose strikes out. One out.
–Ken Griffey strikes out. Two outs.
–Joe Morgan walks.
–Tony Perez flies out to CF. Three outs.

Bottom of the first inning
Fred Norman (1975) pitching.

–Barry Larkin grounds out to P. One out.
–Billy Hatcher singles into CF.
–Paul O’Neill grounds into double play, 4-6-3. Three outs.
End of first inning. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 0

Top of the second inning
–Johnny Bench flies out to left field. One out.
–George Foster grounds out to SS. Two outs.
–Dave Concepcion singles to left.
–Cesar Geronimo grounds out to SS. Three outs.

Bottom of the second inning
–Eric Davis strikes out. One out.
–Hal Morris walks.
–Chris Sabo grounds into double play, 6-4-3. Three outs.
End of two innings. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 0

Top of third inning
–Fred Norman pops out to the catcher. One out.
–Pete Rose strikes out. Two outs.
–Ken Griffey lines out to 1B. Three outs.

Bottom of third inning
–Joe Oliver singles to center.
–Mariano Duncan strikes out. One out.
–Jose Rijo lays down a sacrifice bunt, and is thrown out 3-1. Oliver advances to 2B. Two outs.
–Barry Larkin flies out to RF. Three outs.
End of three innings. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 0

Top of fourth inning
–Joe Morgan walks.
–Tony Perez lines out to 2B. Morgan is caught off first, 4-3. Double play. Two outs.
–Johnny Bench grounds out to 2B. Three outs.

Bottom of fourth inning
–Billy Hatcher flies out to CF. One out.
–Paul O’Neill grounds out to second. Two outs.
–Eric Davis strikes out. Three outs.
End of fourth inning. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 0

Top of the fifth inning
–George Foster singles to right.
–Dave Concepcion hits into double play, 5-4-3. Two outs.
–Cesar Geronimo strikes out. Three outs.

Bottom of the fifth inning
–Hal Morris singles to LF.
–Chris Sabo strikes out. One out.
–Joe Oliver grounds out to 3B. Morris advances to second. Two outs.
–Mariano Duncan doubles to the right field corner. Morris scores (Duncan, 1 RBI)
–1990 Reds lead 1-0
–Jose Rijo strikes out. Three outs.
End of fifth inning. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 1

Top of the sixth inning
–Fred Norman singles.
–Pete Rose grounds into fielder’s choice. Norman forced at 2B, 6-4. One out.
–Ken Griffey flies out to CF. Two outs.
–Joe Morgan grounds out to 3B. Three outs.

Bottom of the sixth inning
–Barry Larkin walks.
–Billy Hatcher hit by pitch. Larkin advances to second.

Pedro Borbon enters game as pitcher, replacing Norman

–Paul O’Neill hits a home run to RF. Larkin scores. Hatcher scores. O’Neill scores. (O’Neill, 3 RBI)
–1990 Reds lead 4-0
–Eric Davis pops out to SS. One out.
–Hal Morris doubles to RF.

Clay Carroll now pitching, replacing Borbon

–Chris Sabo singles to LF. Morris advances to 3B.
–Joe Oliver flies out to CF. Runners hold. Two outs.
–Mariano Duncan singles to CF. Morris scores. (Duncan, RBI)
–1990 Reds lead 5-0
–Jose Rijo lines out to SS. Three outs.
End of sixth inning. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 5

Top of the seventh inning
–Tony Perez singles.
–Johnny Bench grounds into double play, 6-4-3. Two outs.
–George Foster hits a dribbler in front of the plate and is retired, 2-3. Three outs.

Bottom of the seventh inning
–Barry Larkin singles.
–Billy Hatcher doubles to right-center. Larkin advances to 3B.
–Paul O’Neill strikes out. One out.
–Eric Davis grounds out to pitcher. Runners hold. Two outs.
–Hal Morris singles to LF. Larkin scores. (Morris, RBI). Hatcher advances to 3B.
–1990 Reds lead 6-0
–Chris Sabo flies out to CF. Three outs.
End of seven innings. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 6

Top of the eighth inning
–Dave Concepcion grounds out to 3B. One out.
–Cesar Geronimo flies out to CF. Two outs.
Terry Crowley pinch-hits for Carroll.
–Terry Crowley singles to RF.
–Pete Rose walks. Crowley advances to second.
–Ken Griffey pops out to catcher. Three outs.

Bottom of the eighth inning
Pat Darcy now pitching for 1975 Reds, batting ninth

–Joe Oliver doubles.
–Mariano Duncan singles to LF. Oliver scores. (Duncan, RBI)
–1990 Reds lead 7-0
–Jose Rijo doubles to right-center. Duncan scores. (Rijo, RBI)
–1990 Reds lead 8-0
–Barry Larkin walks.

Will McEnaney now pitching, replacing Darcy
–Billy Hatcher flies out to CF. One out.
–Paul O’Neill strikes out. Two outs.
–Eric Davis lines out to 2B. Three outs.
End of eight innings. 1975 Reds 0, 1990 Reds 8

Top of the ninth inning
–Joe Morgan flies out to RF. One out.
–Tony Perez flies out to LF. Two outs.
–Johnny Bench homers to LF. Bench scores. (Bench, RBI)
–1990 Reds lead 8-1
–George Foster strikes out. Three outs.

Final
1975 Reds 1
1990 Reds 8
WP: Jose Rijo (1-1)
LP: Fred Norman (0-1)

1975 Reds lead series, three games to one.

Final 1975 Reds 7 1990 Reds 4 WP: Gary Nolan (1-0) LP: Tom Browning (0-1) S: Rawley Eastwick (1) PLAY BY PLAY

Thoughts –The 1975 Reds came out swinging in the first inning, putting up five runs [...]]]>

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
1975 Reds	5	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0		7	9	0
1990 Reds	0	1	0	0	2	1	0	0	0		4	11	0

Time for a recap of tonight’s titanic Strat-O-Matic Dream struggle….

Final
1975 Reds 7
1990 Reds 4
WP: Gary Nolan (1-0)
LP: Tom Browning (0-1)
S: Rawley Eastwick (1)
PLAY BY PLAY

Thoughts
–The 1975 Reds came out swinging in the first inning, putting up five runs against a shell-shocked Tom Browning. TB must not have gotten enough sleep, what with a newborn baby in his home, born after Game Two of the series.

–Gary Nolan was good, but not great, on the mound for the 1975 Reds. He went 7+ innings, giving up four runs on 11 hits. Clay Carroll and Rawley Eastwick were very effective out of the pen.

–George Foster hit a three-run homer in the first inning; Johnny Bench had the other 2 RBI in the first, driving in Pete Rose and Ken Griffey with a single to right-center.

–Eric Davis hit a huge two-run homer in the fifth inning. Then, when Bill Doran knocked in a run one inning later, it looked like the 1990 Reds were going to make a run. Unfortunately, they couldn’t push across any more runs.

–The only reason the 1990 Reds had any chance to come back was because of the outstanding relief work by — guess who? — The Nasty Boys. Norm Charlton, Rob Dibble, and Randy Myers (plus Scott Scudder) fairly dominated the superstars in the 1975 Reds lineup.

–The 1975 Reds lead this best-of-seven series, three games to zero.

–Game three starting pitchers: Jose Rijo (1990) vs. Fred Norman (1975).

–The series will resume at 1990 Riverfront Stadium for Game Four.

Tonight, the 1975 World Champion “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds will be facing the 1990 World Champion “Wire to Wire” Cincinnati Reds in the third game of a “dream” seven-game series. You will recall that the 1975 Reds won the first game by [...]]]>

Welcome to Game Three of the Redleg Nation Dream Series.

Tonight, the 1975 World Champion “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds will be facing the 1990 World Champion “Wire to Wire” Cincinnati Reds in the third game of a “dream” seven-game series. You will recall that the 1975 Reds won the first game by a score of 9-2, and took game two, 4-2.

The games are to be played out at Redleg Nation World Headquarters, i.e., my living room, using the Strat-O-Matic board game.

The 1990 Reds will host game three at 1990 Riverfront Stadium. Starting lineups are below (the actual starting lineups these teams used in their own game threes in 1990 and 1975).

I will be posting updates as I get time to play the game out tonight.

Play by Play

Top of the first inning
Tom Browning (1990) pitching.

–Pete Rose singles to right field.
–Ken Griffey singles to right field. Rose advances to 2B.
–Joe Morgan grounds out to second. Runners advance to 2B and 3B. One out.
–Tony Perez walks. Bases loaded.
–Johnny Bench singles to right-center. Rose scores. Griffey scores. (Bench, 2 RBI.) Perez advances to 3B. 1975 Reds lead 2-0.
–George Foster homers to deep center field. Perez scores. Bench scores. Foster scores (Foster, 3 RBI). 1975 Reds lead 5-0.
–Davey Concepcion walks.

Scott Scudder enters the game, replacing Tom Browning.

–Cesar Geronimo grounds out to SS. Two out.
–Gary Nolan grounds out to 2B. Three out.

Bottom of the first inning
Gary Nolan (1975) pitching.

–Barry Larkin lines out to 3B. One out.
–Billy Hatcher flies out to LF. Two out.
–Paul O’Neill lines out to 2B. Three outs.
End of first inning. 1975 Reds 5, 1990 Reds 0

Top of the second inning
–Pete Rose singles to CF.
–Ken Griffey flies out to CF. Runner holds. One out.
–Joe Morgan grounds into fielder’s choice. Rose forced out at 2B, 1-6. Morgan safe at first. Two outs.
–Tony Perez flies out to LF. Three outs.

Bottom of the second inning
–Eric Davis singles past the third baseman.
–Chris Sabo grounds to 3B. Davis is forced at 2B, but Sabo is safe at first. One out.
–Todd Benzinger grounds to the pitcher, who throws to second to force Sabo. Benzinger safe at first. Two outs.
–Joe Oliver singles to RF. Benzinger advances to 3B.
–Mariano Duncan singles to RF. Benzinger scores (Duncan, 1 RBI). Oliver advances to 3B. 1975 Reds lead 5-1
Luis Quinones pinch-hits for Scott Scudder
–Luis Quinones fouls out to C. Three outs.
End of two innings. 1975 Reds 5, 1990 Reds 1

Top of third inning
Tim Layana now pitching for 1990 Reds, batting 9th.

–Johnny Bench strikes out. One out.
–George Foster singles to LF.
–Davey Concepcion grounds into double play, 4-6-3. Foster forced at 2B. Three outs.

Bottom of third inning
–Barry Larkin singles to CF.
–Billy Hatcher grounds out to P. Larkin advances to second. One out.
–Paul O’Neill flies out to CF. Runner holds. Two outs.
– Eric Davis lines out to 3B. Three outs.
End of three innings. 1975 Reds 5, 1990 Reds 1

Top of fourth inning
–Cesar Geronimo doubles to RF.
–Gary Nolan strikes out. One out.
–Pete Rose flies out to RF. Runner holds. Two outs.
–Ken Griffey doubles to LF. Geronimo scores (Griffey, 1 RBI). 1975 Reds lead 6-1.
–Joe Morgan singles to CF. Griffey scores (Morgan, 1 RBI). 1975 Reds lead 7-1.
–Tony Perez lines out to SS. Three outs.

Bottom of fourth inning
–Chris Sabo walks.
–Todd Benzinger flies out to LF. One out.
–Joe Oliver singles to CF. Sabo advances to second.
–Mariano Duncan strikes out. Two outs.
Glenn Braggs pinch-hits for Scott Scudder
–Glenn Braggs flies out to CF. Three outs.
End of fourth inning. 1975 Reds 7, 1990 Reds 1

Top of the fifth inning
Norm Charlton (1990) now pitching.

–Johnny Bench grounds out to SS. One out.
–George Foster flies out to LF. Two outs.
–Dave Concepcion flies out to LF. Three outs.

Bottom of the fifth inning
–Barry Larkin grounds out to 2B. One out.
–Billy Hatcher singles to RF.
–Paul O’Neill strikes out. Two outs.
–Eric Davis homers to LF. Hatcher and Davis score (Davis, 2 RBI). 1975 Reds lead 7-3
–Chris Sabo singles to CF.
–Todd Benzinger flies out to LF. Three outs.
End of fifth inning. 1975 Reds 7, 1990 Reds 3

Top of the sixth inning
–Cesar Geronimo flies out to CF. One out.
–Gary Nolan strikes out. Two outs.
–Pete Rose grounds out to SS. Three outs.

Bottom of the sixth inning
–Joe Oliver grounds out to 2B. One out.
–Mariano Duncan singles to CF.
Billy Doran pinch-hits for Norm Charlton
–Billy Doran doubles to the gap in left-center. Duncan scores (Doran, 1 RBI). 1975 Reds lead 7-4
–Barry Larkin pops out to 3B. Two outs.
–Billy Hatcher flies out to CF. Three outs.
End of sixth inning. 1975 Reds 7, 1990 Reds 4

Top of the seventh inning
Rob Dibble (1990) now pitching.

–Ken Griffey flies out to CF. One out.
–Joe Morgan strikes out. Two outs.
–Tony Perez flies out to LF. Three outs.

Bottom of the seventh inning
–Paul O’Neill grounds out to 2B. One out.
–Eric Davis strikes out. Two outs.
–Chris Sabo grounds out to 2B. Three outs.
End of seven innings. 1975 Reds 7, 1990 Reds 4

Top of the eighth inning
–Johnny Bench strikes out. One out.
–George Foster grounds out to SS. Two outs.
–Davey Concepcion flies out to CF. Three outs.

Bottom of the eighth inning
–Todd Benzinger singles to CF.
Clay Carroll enters game as pitcher, replacing Gary Nolan
Jeff Reed pinch-hits for Joe Oliver
–Jeff Reed flies out to RF. One out.
–Mariano Duncan grounds into double play, 1-6-3. Benzinger out at 2B. Three outs.
End of eight innings. 1975 Reds 7, 1990 Reds 4

Top of the ninth inning
Ron Oester enters game, replacing Rob Dibble, batting 9th and playing 2B. Randy Myers enters game, replacing Mariano Duncan, pitching and batting 8th.

–Cesar Geronimo grounds out to 2B. One out.
Merv Rettenmund pinch-hits for Clay Carroll
–Merv Rettenmund strikes out. Two outs.
–Pete Rose walks.
–Ken Griffey strikes out. Three outs.

Bottom of the ninth inning
Hal Morris pinch-hits for Ron Oester
Rawley Eastwick (1975) now pitching.
–Hal Morris walks.
–Barry Larkin grounds into double play, 5-4-3. Morris forced out at second. Two outs.
–Billy Hatcher flies out to CF. Three outs.

Final
1975 Reds 7
1990 Reds 4
WP: Gary Nolan (1-0)
LP: Tom Browning (0-1)
S: Rawley Eastwick (1)

1975 Reds lead series, three games to zero.

FINAL 1990 Cincinnati Reds 2 1975 Cincinnati Reds 4 WP: J. Billingham (1-0) LP: D. Jackson (0-1) S: F. Norman (1) PLAY BY PLAY

Player of the Game –Jack Billingham. Billingham pitched seven strong innings, allowing no [...]]]>

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
1990 Reds	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2		2	9	0
1975 Reds	0	1	0	0	0	0	3	0	X		4	9	1

Time for a recap of tonight’s titanic Strat-O-Matic Dream struggle….

FINAL
1990 Cincinnati Reds 2
1975 Cincinnati Reds 4
WP: J. Billingham (1-0)
LP: D. Jackson (0-1)
S: F. Norman (1)
PLAY BY PLAY

Player of the Game
–Jack Billingham. Billingham pitched seven strong innings, allowing no runs while scattering 6 hits. Billingham struck out four, and walked two. At the plate, he also had a triple and a walk in two at-bats, with an RBI.

Heroes
–Pete Rose (1 RBI) and George Foster (1 run scored) each went 2-4. No other 1975 Red had more than one hit.

–Billy Hatcher went 3-5 for the 1990 Reds, with two doubles. He continues his hot hitting from the actual 1990 World Series.

–Todd Benzinger hit a two-run homer in his only at-bat, the only runs the 1990 Reds would score on the night.

–Rob Dibble was, well, Rob Dibble. In his only inning of work, Dibble allowed the first two batters to reach via hit and walk. In typical fashion, however, Dibble promptly struck out the next three hitters.

ETC.
–This was a game that the 1990 Reds could easily have won. They equaled the hit total of the 1975 Reds, and had twice as many extra-base-hits. As they were known to do, however, the Big Red Machine put together timely hits and got some runs across.

–Danny Jackson was pitching a pretty strong game until the seventh inning. Perhaps manager Lou Piniella should have pulled Jackson after six, and turned the final third of the game over to The Nasty Boys. Yes, it’s possible that a managerial misstep may have cost the 1990 Reds a chance of tying up the series.

–Unlike the actual game 2 of the 1990 series, the game didn’t go into extra innings, Billy Bates didn’t make an appearance, and Marty Brennaman didn’t have to send out a call over the radio for Tom Browning to return to the stadium in case he might have to pitch.

–The 1975 Reds lead this best-of-seven series, two games to zero.

–Game three starting pitchers: Gary Nolan (15-9, 3.16 ERA in 1975) vs. Tom Browning (15-9, 3.80 ERA for the 1990 Reds).

–The series will resume at 1990 Riverfront Stadium for Game Three.

Tonight, the 1975 World Champion “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds will be facing the 1990 World Champion “Wire to Wire” Cincinnati Reds in the second game of a “dream” seven-game series. You will recall that the 1975 Reds won the first game [...]]]>

Welcome to Game Two of the Inaugural Redleg Nation Dream Series.

Tonight, the 1975 World Champion “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds will be facing the 1990 World Champion “Wire to Wire” Cincinnati Reds in the second game of a “dream” seven-game series. You will recall that the 1975 Reds won the first game by a score of 9-2.

The games are to be played out at Redleg Nation World Headquarters, i.e., my living room, using the Strat-O-Matic board game.

The 1975 Reds will host game two at 1975 Riverfront Stadium. Starting lineups are below (the actual starting lineups these teams used in their own game twos in 1990 and 1975).

I will be posting updates as I get time to play the game out tonight (around the childrens’ bathtimes and bedtimes). Discuss the game here!

Play by Play

Top of the first inning
Jack Billingham (1975) pitching.

–Barry Larkin flies to left; error on LF Foster. Larkin advances to second base.
–Billy Hatcher lines out to 2B. One out
–Paul O’Neill strikes out. Two outs.
–Eric Davis flies out to RF. Three outs.

Bottom of the first inning
Danny Jackson (1990) pitching.

–Pete Rose singles to CF.
–Joe Morgan walks. Rose advances to second.
–Johnny Bench strikes out. One out.
–Tony Perez fouls out to C Oliver. Two outs.
–George Foster strikes out. Three outs.
End of first inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 0

Top of the second inning
–Hal Morris triples to RF.
–Chris Sabo walks.
–Joe Oliver strikes out. One out.
–Mariano Duncan grounds into double play, 6-4-3. Sabo forced out at second. Three outs.

Bottom of the second inning
–Davey Concepcion flies out to CF. One out.
–Ken Griffey singles to CF.
–Cesar Geronimo flies out to CF. Two outs.
–Jack Billingham triples to RF. Griffey scores (Billingham, 1 RBI).1975 Reds lead 1-0
–Pete Rose pops out to 1B. Three outs.
End of second inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 1

Top of the third inning
–Danny Jackson strikes out. One out.
–Barry Larkin pops out to first base. Two outs.
–Billy Hatcher doubles.
–Paul O’Neill grounds out to SS. Three outs.

Bottom of the third inning
–Joe Morgan singles to CF.
–Johnny Bench strikes out. One out.
–Tony Perez grounds into double play, 4-6-3. Morgan out at second. Three outs.
End of third inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 1

Top of the fourth inning
–Eric Davis grounds out to SS. Davis suffers slight ankle sprain, but remains in the game. One out.
–Hal Morris flies out to RF. Two outs.
–Chris Sabo singles to LF.
–Joe Oliver grounds out to 2B. Three outs. Oliver pulls hamstring and is replaced in lineup by Jeff Reed. Oliver will miss game three.

Bottom of the fourth inning
–George Foster flies out to CF. One out.
–Davey Concepcion pops out to SS. Two outs.
–Ken Griffey grounds out to 1B. Three outs.
End of fourth inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 1

Top of the fifth inning
–Danny Jackson strikes out. One out.
–Barry Larkin grounds out to SS. Two outs.
–Billy Hatcher singles to left.
–Paul O’Neill flies out to RF. Three outs.

Bottom of the fifth inning
–Cesar Geronimo strikes out. One out.
–Jack Billingham walks.
–Pete Rose grounds into double play, 5-4-3. Billingham out at second. Three outs.
End of fifth inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 1

Top of the sixth inning
–Eric Davis walks.
–Hal Morris grounds into double play, 5-4-3. Davis out at second. Two outs.
–Chris Sabo flies out to CF. Three outs.

Bottom of the sixth inning
–Joe Morgan grounds out to the pitcher. One out.
–Johnny Bench strikes out. Two out.
–Tony Perez strikes out. Three out.
End of sixth inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 1

Top of the seventh inning
–Jeff Reed flies out to CF. One out.
–Mariano Duncan lines out to 3B. Two outs.
–Danny Jackson singles to LF.
–Barry Larkin singles to RF. Jackson advances to second.
–Billy Hatcher flies out to RF. Three outs.

Bottom of the seventh inning
–George Foster singles to CF.
–Davey Concepcion singles past the second baseman. Foster advances to second.
–Ken Griffey grounds into fielder’s choice. Concepcion is out at second base, 3-6. Foster advances to third. One out.
–Cesar Geronimo doubles to right-centerfield. Foster scores (Geronimo, 1 RBI). Griffey advances to third base. 1975 Reds lead 2-0
–P Norm Charlton replaces P Jackson on the mound.
–Merv Rettenmund pinch-hits for P Billingham.
–Merv Rettenmund walks. Bases loaded.
–Pete Rose singles to CF. Griffey scores (Rose, 1 RBI). Geronimo advances to 3B. Rettenmund advances to 2B. Bases loaded.1975 Reds lead 3-0
–Joe Morgan grounds out to 2B Duncan. Geronimo scores (Morgan, 1 RBI). Rettenmund advances to third; Rose advances to second. Two outs. 1975 Reds lead 4-0
–Johnny Bench flies out to CF. Three outs.
End of seventh inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 4

Top of the eighth inning
Will McEnaney is now pitching for the 1975 Reds.

–Paul O’Neill walks.
–Eric Davis strikes out. One out.
–Hal Morris flies out to right field. Two outs.
–Chris Sabo lines out to second base. Three outs.

Bottom of the eighth inning
Double switch. Todd Benzinger enters the game, replacing Norm Charlton, batting ninth. Rob Dibble is now pitching. He replaces Hal Morris in the lineup, batting fifth.

–Tony Perez walks.
–George Foster singles. Perez advances to third base.
–Davey Concepcion strikes out. One out.
–Ken Griffey strikes out. Two outs.
–Cesar Geronimo strikes out. Three outs.
End of eighth inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 4

Top of ninth inning
Rawley Eastwick is now pitching for the 1975 Reds.
–Jeff Reed singles to RF.
–Mariano Duncan strikes out. One out.
–Todd Benzinger homers to RF. Benzinger and Reed score (Benzinger, 2 RBI). 1975 Reds lead 4-2.
–Barry Larkin grounds out to the pitcher. Two outs.
–Billy Hatcher doubles down the third base line.
–Captain Hook, Sparky Anderson, replaces Eastwick on the mound with LHP Freddie Norman.
–Paul O’Neill flies out to CF. Three outs.

Final
1990 Reds 2
1975 Reds 4
WP: Jack Billingham (1-0)
LP: Danny Jackson (0-1)
S: Freddie Norman (1)

1975 Reds lead series two games to zero.

FINAL 1990 Cincinnati Reds 2 1975 Cincinnati Reds 9 WP: Gullett (1-0) LP: Rijo (0-1) PLAY BY PLAY

Player of the Game –Johnny Bench. Bench went 3-4 with a double, a homer, an RBI, and a BB.

Tonight, the 1975 World Champion “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds will be facing the 1990 World Champion “Wire to Wire” Cincinnati Reds in the first game of a “dream” seven-game series. The games are to be played out at Redleg Nation World [...]]]>

Welcome to Game One of the Inaugural Redleg Nation Dream Series.

Tonight, the 1975 World Champion “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds will be facing the 1990 World Champion “Wire to Wire” Cincinnati Reds in the first game of a “dream” seven-game series. The games are to be played out at Redleg Nation World Headquarters, i.e., my living room, using the Strat-O-Matic board game.

The 1975 Reds won a coin-toss, so they will be the home team, hosting Game One at 1975 Riverfront Stadium. Starting lineups are below (the actual starting lineups these teams used in their own game ones in 1990 and 1975).

I will be posting updates as I get time to play the game out tonight (around the childrens’ bathtimes and bedtimes). Discuss the game here!

Play by Play

Top of the first inning
Don Gullett (1975) pitching.

–Barry Larkin walks.
–Billy Hatcher hits into a double play, 6-4-3. Two outs.
–Paul O’Neill walks.
–Eric Davis strikes out. Three outs.

Bottom of the first inning
Jose Rijo (1990) pitching.

–Pete Rose strikes out. One out.
–Joe Morgan strikes out. Two out.
–Johnny Bench singles to left field.
–Tony Perez strikes out. Three out.
End of first inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 0

Top of the second inning
–Hal Morris lines out to second base. One out.
–Chris Sabo strikes out. Two out.
–Joe Oliver singles to right field.
–Mariano Duncan flies out to left field. Three outs.

Bottom of the second inning
–George Foster fouls out to the catcher. One out.
–Davey Concepcion hit by pitch. Concepcion injured, and will miss the rest of the game. Darrel Chaney pinch runs.
–Ken Griffey triples. Chaney scores (Griffey, 1 RBI). 1975 Reds lead 1-0.
–Cesar Geronimo walks. Runners on first and third, one out.
–Don Gullett walks. Bases loaded.
–Pete Rose doubles. Griffey and Geronimo score (Rose, 2 RBI). Gullett advances to third. 1975 Reds lead 3-0.
–Joe Morgan hits a sacrifice fly to RF. Gullett scores (Morgan, 1 RBI). Rose holds at 2B. 1975 Reds lead 4-0. Two out.
–Johnny Bench walks.
–Tony Perez singles past 1B. Rose scores (Perez, 1 RBI). Bench advances to 3B. 1975 Reds lead 5-0.
–George Foster reaches 1B on error by P Rijo. Johnny Bench scores. Perez advances to 2B. 1975 Reds lead 6-0.
–Double switch. P Jack Armstrong replaces 2B Mariano Duncan, batting 8th. 2B Billy Doran replaces P Jose Rijo, batting 9th.
–Darrell Chaney singles off new pitcher Armstrong. Runners advance one base. Bases loaded.
–Ken Griffey doubles to center. Perez and Foster score (Griffey, 2 RBI). Chaney advances to 3B. 1975 Reds lead 8-0.
–Cesar Geronimo grounds out to 2B. Three outs.
End of second inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 8

Top of the third inning
–Billy Doran grounds out to 2B. One out.
–Barry Larkin grounds out to 3B. Two outs.
–Billy Hatcher hit by pitch.
–Paul O’Neill grounds out to 2B. Three outs.

Bottom of the third inning
Jack Armstrong (1990) pitching.

–Don Gullett strikes out. One out.
–Pete Rose flies out to RF. Two outs.
–Joe Morgan walks.
–Johnny Bench strikes out. Three outs.
End of third inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 8

Top of the fourth inning
–Eric Davis grounds out to 3B. One out.
–Hal Morris flies out to CF. Two out.
–Chris Sabo strikes out. Three out.

Bottom of the fourth inning
–Tony Perez walks.
–George Foster strikes out.
–Darrell Chaney grounds into double play, 4-6-3. Three outs.
End of fourth inning. 1990 Reds 0, 1975 Reds 8

Top of the fifth inning
–Joe Oliver homers (Oliver, 1 RBI). 1975 Reds lead 8-1.
–Glenn Braggs pinch-hits for P Armstrong. Braggs flies out to CF. One out.
–Billy Doran flies out to RF. Two outs.
–Barry Larkin walks.
–Billy Hatcher fouls out to the catcher. Three outs.

Bottom of the fifth inning
Norm Charlton (1990) is now pitching.

–Ken Griffey grounds out to 2B. One out.
–Cesar Geronimo doubles to RF.
–Don Gullett flies out to RF. Runner holds. Two outs.
–Pete Rose grounds out to 3B. Three outs.
End of fifth inning. 1990 Reds 1, 1975 Reds 8

Top of the sixth inning
–Paul O’Neill singles to RF.
–Eric Davis singles to CF. O’Neill advances to 2B.
–Hal Morris pops out to 1B. One out.
–Chris Sabo singles to LF. O’Neill scores (Sabo, 1 RBI). Davis advances to 3B. 1975 Reds lead 8-2.
–Joe Oliver grounds into double play, 6-4-3. Three outs. Oliver is injured on the play and is replaced by Jeff Reed, who will catch and bat 7th.

Bottom of the sixth inning
–Joe Morgan lines out to 2B. One out.
–Johnny Bench homers to deep CF. 1975 Reds lead 9-2.
–Tony Perez strikes out. Two outs.
–George Foster strikes out. Three outs.
End of sixth inning. 1990 Reds 2, 1975 Reds 9

Top of the seventh inning
–Todd Benzinger pinch-hits for P Charlton. Benzinger pops out to SS. One out.
–Billy Doran strikes out. Two outs.
–Barry Larkin grounds out to 3B. Three outs.

Bottom of the seventh inning
Scott Scudder is now pitching for the 1990 Reds.

–Darrell Chaney strikes out. One out.
–Ken Griffey grounds out to 2B. Two outs.
–Cesar Geronimo strikes out. Three outs.
End of seventh inning. 1990 Reds 2, 1975 Reds 9

Top of the eighth inning
–Billy Hatcher grounds out to SS. One out.
–Paul O’Neill strikes out. Two outs.
–Eric Davis singles to RF.
–Hal Morris flies out to CF. Three outs.

Bottom of the eighth inning
–Don Gullett flies out to RF. One out.
–Pete Rose singles to CF.
–Joe Morgan grounds into fielders choice. Rose forced out at second, 1-6. Morgan safe at first. Two outs.
–Johnny Bench doubles to LF. Morgan advances to third.
–Tony Perez pops out to SS. Three outs.
End of eighth inning. 1990 Reds 2, 1975 Reds 9

Top of the ninth inning
–Chris Sabo flies out to LF. One out.
–Jeff Reed doubles to RF.
–Luis Quinones pinch-hits for P Scudder. Quinones grounds out to SS. Runner holds at second. Two outs.
–Billy Doran singles to CF. Reed advances to third.
–Barry Larkin lines out to 3B. Three outs.

Final
1990 Reds 2
1975 Reds 9

1975 Reds lead series, one game to zero.