Expos Triumph Over Braves in Thrilling Series Despite Losing Josh Gibson

 

MONTREAL, May 16, 1986 — The Montreal Expos clinched a thrilling series victory against the Atlanta Braves, taking two out of three games in a tightly contested matchup at Olympic Stadium. Despite losing their star player, Josh Gibson, to injury in Game 3, the Expos showcased their resilience and depth, with standout performances from several key players.

 

Game 1: Expos Rally Late to Secure Victory (Expos win 5-4)

 

The series opener saw the Braves take an early lead in the first inning, thanks to a series of singles and walks that put Billy Rollins across the plate. The Expos quickly responded with a flurry of walks and a timely single by George Scott, bringing the score to 2-1 by the end of the first inning.

 

In the top of the third inning, Ernie Banks hit a two-run homer to give the Braves a 3-2 lead. Red Rolfe extended the Braves' lead with a solo homer in the fourth. However, the Expos staged a dramatic comeback in the eighth inning. Key hits from Denny Walling and Rupert Simmons, along with a clutch double by Alex Pelow, helped Montreal score three runs to take a 5-4 lead, which they held onto for the win.

 

Game 1 Box Score Highlights:

• Final Score: Braves 4, Expos 5
• Ernie Banks (ATL): 1 HR, 2 RBI
• Alex Pelow (MON): 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI
• Winning Pitcher: Jose Deleon (1-0)
• Losing Pitcher: Ron Perranoski (0-1)

Game 2: Braves Shut Out Expos in Dominant Performance (Braves win 4-0)

 

In Game 2, the Braves bounced back with a dominant performance. Ron Guidry delivered a stellar outing, shutting out the Expos over six innings while striking out four. The Braves' offense came alive in the sixth inning, with Red Rolfe hitting a solo home run to break the scoreless tie. The Braves added three more runs in the seventh inning, highlighted by key hits from Larry Johnson and Billy Rollins, resulting in a 4-0 victory.

 

Game 2 Box Score Highlights:

• Final Score: Braves 4, Expos 0
• Red Rolfe (ATL): 2-for-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI
• Ron Guidry (ATL): 6 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 4 SO
• Losing Pitcher: Bob Gibson (0-1)

Game 3: Expos Overcome Early Deficit, Lose Josh Gibson to Injury (Expos win 9-5)

 

The decisive Game 3 started with the Braves taking an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Expos responded in the bottom of the second, tying the game with a two-run double from Sam Rice. The Braves reclaimed the lead in the third inning, but the Expos countered with a four-run rally, thanks to errors and crucial hits from Bill O'Sheehan and George Scott.

 

Tragedy struck when Josh Gibson suffered a hamstring injury, sidelining him for the next 12 days. Despite this setback, the Expos continued their strong play. Alex Pelow's home run in the fourth inning extended their lead to 7-4. The Braves managed to score one more run in the sixth, but the Expos sealed the game with two additional runs in the seventh inning, leading to a 9-5 victory.

 

Game 3 Box Score Highlights:

• Final Score: Braves 5, Expos 9
• Sam Rice (MON): 4-for-5, 1 2B, 4 RBI
• Alex Pelow (MON): 1-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI
• Winning Pitcher: Steve Rogers (1-0)
• Losing Pitcher: Kirk McCaskill (0-1)

Series MVP: Sam Rice

 

Sam Rice was the standout player for the Expos in this series. His consistent hitting and crucial RBIs were instrumental in the Expos' victories. In Game 1, Rice's triple set the stage for the Expos' rally, and in Game 3, his four RBIs, including a two-run double, were vital to their success. Rice's performance, especially in the absence of Josh Gibson, earned him the Series MVP.