NLCS Game 1

Bottom of the 9th with the Cards leading 4-3, the Cardinals made the decision to leave Bob Gibson in for the ninth. That proved to be a mistake, as Richie Hebner took Gibson deep on 2-2 pitch and tied the game up at 4. Still Gibson was left in for one more batter (WHY!?) and the relief pitcher Dave Guisti hit a single off Gibson. That was enough and Joe Hoerner the closer was brought in. After an out and another single from Roberto Clemente, the Pirates had the perfect setup. With 1 out and runners on 1st and 3rd, Willie Stargell faced Hoerner, who was lights out all year, and delivered. He hit a base hit that scored the pinch runner Vic Davalillo home and the Pirates take Game 1 by a score of 5-4. Stargell went 5-5 with 2 RBIs. Gibson the loss and Guisti the win. And all the chirping from the cardinal outside my window wasn't enough for St. Louis. This game was like a heavyweight bout. Both teams went back and forth until a knockout in the 9th. PIRATES 1 CARDINALS 0

Player of the Game: Willie Stargell