Editor’s note: The 1994 playoff games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will be used for the American League contests as well as when those teams are at home during the World Series. Injuries will only be used during the game when they occur. For this tournament, the rules include a three-man pitching rotation using the best lineups available.
Tom Browning answered the call from Cincinnati Reds manager Davey Johnson.
With the Atlanta Braves left-handed sluggers hurting Cincinnati in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series, Johnson’s decision to send Browning to the mound in the fifth game turned out to be a good one as the Reds posted a 5-3 victory.
The win gives the Reds a 3-2 edge in the series as the teams head back to Cincinnati for the sixth game. Jose Rijo (2-1) gets the start for the Reds, while the Braves counter with Greg Maddux (1-2).
Cincinnati grabbed a 3-0 advantage after batting in the top of the second.
Deion Sanders led off the contest with a triple off Braves starter Kent Mercker in the first. Sanders scored on a sacrifice fly by Hal Morris.
In the second, it was Browning that slapped a double that drove in two runs and the Reds were up by three.
A two-run homer by Joe Oliver in the fourth made it 5-0.
Atlanta scored an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth. Fred McGriff doubled with two outs before David Justice drilled a ball to right field that was misplayed by Reggie Sanders allowing the run to score.
In his first start of the playoffs, Browning (1-0) tired in the seventh. Javy Lopez smashed a solo homer and Jeff Blauser ended Browning’s day with a RBI single. Browning gave up five hits and fanned three.
The Braves had runners at first and third with two outs as Johnson sent Chuck McElroy in to pitch to Ryan Klesko. McElroy fanned the Braves outfielder to stop the threat.
Reds lefty Tim Fortugno tossed a perfect eighth as he retired McGriff and Justice on grounders before Terry Pendleton hit a fly ball to center.
Jeff Brantley earned his third save with a scoreless ninth to close out the Reds victory.
Mercker (1-1) gave up all of Cincinnati’s runs on three hits over five innings with five strikeouts. Mike Stanton, Gregg Olson and Greg McMichael finished up on the mound for the Braves as they held the Reds scoreless the last four frames.
1994 Post-Season Tournament
National League Championship Series
(WC) Atlanta Braves 7, (2) Cincinnati Reds 5 (15)
(2) Cincinnati Reds 1, (WC) Atlanta Braves 0
(2) Cincinnati Reds 9, (WC) Atlanta Braves 4
(WC) Atlanta Braves 9, (2) Cincinnati Reds 8
(2) Cincinnati Reds 5, (WC) Atlanta Braves 3
(WC) Atlanta Braves at (2) Cincinnati Reds
(WC) Atlanta Braves at (2) Cincinnati Reds, if necessary
American League Championship Series
** White Sox win series 4-0
(2) Chicago White Sox 5, (WC) Cleveland Indians 1
(2) Chicago White Sox 3, (WC) Cleveland Indians 0
(2) Chicago White Sox 4, (WC) Cleveland Indians 3
(2) Chicago White Sox 5, (WC) Cleveland Indians 3 (10)
National League Divisional Series
** Braves win series 3-2
(1) Montreal Expos 5, (WC) Atlanta Braves 4
(WC) Atlanta Braves 5, (1) Montreal Expos 1
(1) Montreal Expos 9, (WC) Atlanta Braves 8
(WC) Atlanta Braves 5, (1) Montreal Expos 2
(WC) Atlanta Braves 4, (1) Montreal Expos 3
** Reds win the series 3-2
(2) Cincinnati Reds 3, (3) Los Angeles Dodgers 1
(2) Cincinnati Reds 8, (3) Los Angeles Dodgers 3
(3) Los Angeles Dodgers 5, (2) Cincinnati Reds 3
(3) Los Angeles Dodgers 11, (2) Cincinnati Reds 4
(2) Cincinnati Reds 10, (3) Los Angeles Dodgers 8
American League Divisional Series
** Indians win series 3-2
(1) New York Yankees 5, (WC) Cleveland Indians 4 (10)
(1) New York Yankees 4, (WC) Cleveland Indians 2
(WC) Cleveland Indians 7, (1) New York Yankees 0
(WC) Cleveland Indians 7, (1) New York Yankees 5
(WC) Cleveland Indians 3, (1) New York Yankees 0
** White Sox win series 3-2
(3) Texas Rangers 4, (2) Chicago White Sox 1
(3) Texas Rangers 7, (2) Chicago White Sox 2
(2) Chicago White Sox 6, (3) Texas Rangers 3
(2) Chicago White Sox 7, (3) Texas Rangers 6 (12)
(2) Chicago White Sox 14, (3) Texas Rangers 5