* TOP OF THE 1st, Reds 0, Cardinals 0

Here we go again, sports fans! ... it's series time ... I'm Ernie Harwell

and welcome to St. Louis Cardinals baseball ... and this is WAPBA

the voice of baseball in your home since 1951 ... we're coming to you from out here at the park

today the visiting Cincinnati Reds ... will test the Cardinals at home

this is the Championship Series! ... Game Number Five ... in this 7-game series

the rest of the season is a few outs for these two teams ... bitter in loss ... sweet in glory

right now ... they're even ... 2 and... ... 2 ... at home ... their record now ... 1 and... ... 1

the Cardinals take the field here in the first ... get your score card

Duke Robinson, Jr has set his opening slate ... Keith HERNANDEZ '79 at first base

Tom HERR '85 at second ... Garry TEMPLETON '79 the shortstop ... Terry PENDLETON '91 at third

the trio in the outfield ... in left it's Jose CRUZ '83 ... in center Lance JOHNSON '96

and over in right Andy VAN SLYKE '92 ... Ted SIMMONS '75 is behind the plate

at DH, Todd ZEILE '99 ... he bats seventh ... and on the mound for St. Louis

the starboard-sider Bob GIBSON '68 ... this is GIBSON '68's 2nd appearance in the series

with one loss ... Bob has worked seven ... his series ERA at 5.14

he'll be facing Reds starter ... left-hander Mike CUELLAR '69

pitchers do not like pitching in this park

the ball carries and it's a short trip to the fence ... so settle in

this is a championship game

Here's Pete ROSE '69 to start it off

* P. ROSE '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0

The pitch ... it's roped hard to right ... VAN SLYKE '92's after it ... and takes it on the bounce

ROSE '69 has to hold first ... he's on with a single

for Pete ROSE '69, his 5th hit of the series

ROSE '69 on first ... now LARKIN '96 to face GIBSON '68 ... bats right

* B. LARKIN '96 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 1st, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 0-0

Firstbaseman HERNANDEZ '79 holding the runner on ... the pitch ... swung on

grounded hard to short ... off his chest ... he picks it up ... throws quickly to first

one away ... ROSE '69 moves up

Alright... ... for Cincinnati ... one gone ROSE '69 on second ... Tony PEREZ '70 up to hit

* T. PEREZ '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Tied 0-0

ROSE '69 now with an aggressive lead ... GIBSON '68 spins and fires to second

and it's in the dirt! ... scooped by TEMPLETON '79 ... the tag ... he's back

GIBSON '68's back on the rubber ... the pitch ... grounded hard to PENDLETON '91

he takes the high hop ... juggles it ... the long throw to first ... just in time

and ROSE '69 moves to third

Two gone 1st inning ... one on ... Johnny BENCH '70 steps up to face GIBSON '68

* J. BENCH '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 1st, 2 Outs, Runner on 3rd, Tied 0-0

ROSE '69 with a head fake at third ... GIBSON '68 comes to him

BENCH '70 hits a little fly to left ... CRUZ '83's racing over ... he won't get it

ROSE '69 will score ... BENCH '70 takes a big turn ... he's headed for second ... and he's

SAFE!...ahead of the throw ... double and an RBI

Reds 1, Cardinals 0

So the double scores one ... and the Reds go ahead by a run 1-0 ... 1st inning

for BENCH '70, his 2nd double of the series ... for Johnny BENCH '70, his 5th hit of the series

5 ribbies now for BENCH '70

Two down runner on second ... for Cincinnati ... the top of the first inning

we have DAVIS '87 to bat for the Reds

* E. DAVIS '87 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 1st, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 1-0

GIBSON '68 brings it ... DAVIS '87 grounds it toward short ... TEMPLETON '79 darts to his right

just under his outstretched glove ... rolls into left base hit ... BENCH '70's well around third

TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)

they're waving BENCH '70 in

THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*)

and he scores ... as the throw comes in to second ... DAVIS '87 holds at first with a single

Reds 2, Cardinals 0

So DAVIS '87 with a ribbie-single ... and the Reds now lead 2-0

for Eric DAVIS '87, his 4th hit of the series

DAVIS '87 has now knocked in 3 runs in this series

Here's MCRAE '82 to take his swings ... batting sixth ... two outs runner on first

Here's one for you figure filberts ... 4 consecutive games with a double

* H. MCRAE '82 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 1st, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-0

DAVIS '87 well off first ... the pitch ... hit deep ... JOHNSON '96 takes three steps to his right

backs ... this should do it ... and he makes the catch ... three down

For the Reds ... 2 runs 3 hits no errors ... they leave 1 ... and they capture the lead

Reds 2 Cardinals coming up

* BOTTOM OF THE 1st, Reds 2, Cardinals 0

The Reds take the field here in the first ... defensively for Cincinnati

Lee MAY '69 at first base ... Cookie ROJAS '71 at second ... Barry LARKIN '96 the shortstop

Tony PEREZ '70 at third ... and the outfield ... in left it's Pete ROSE '69

in center Eric DAVIS '87 ... and over in right Danny TARTABULL '91

Johnny BENCH '70 is behind the plate ... batting in the six spot and DHing ... Hal MCRAE '82

and the Cincinnati mound artist ... southpaw Mike CUELLAR '69

this is CUELLAR '69's 2nd appearance in the series ... he has one win

Mike has worked nine full innings ... his series ERA at 0.00

he's working on nine full innings consecutive shutout innings

he can get that big strikeout for you when you need it ... generally he will not beat himself

To get it going for the Cardinals here's Lance JOHNSON '96 ... he's a lefty

* L. JOHNSON '96 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-2

The pitch ... way outside ... JOHNSON '96 draws a base on balls ... that extends the streak

now 5 games in a row on base

No outs 1st inning ... one on ... Tom HERR '85 gets set to bat against CUELLAR '69

the switch-hitter will bat right-handed here

* T. HERR '85 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 1st, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-2

Firstbaseman MAY '69 holding the runner on ... he lets one go ... swung on

grounded hard to short ... off his chest ... he picks it up ... throws quickly to first

one down ... JOHNSON '96 moves up

One away JOHNSON '96 standing out at second ... for St. Louis

HERNANDEZ '79 is stepping up to hit against CUELLAR '69

* K. HERNANDEZ '79 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Behind 0-2

JOHNSON '96 edges a bit more off second ... the pitch ... a towering fly ball to right

over TARTABULL '91's head ... bounces at the base of the wall ... JOHNSON '96 scores

HERNANDEZ '79's heading for third ... here comes the throw ... and he's ... SAFE!...under the tag

triple and an RBI

Reds 2, Cardinals 1

So a run scores on HERNANDEZ '79's 1st triple ... the Cardinals are on the board

cutting that lead in half ... the fans want more

for Keith HERNANDEZ '79, his 3rd hit of the series

that's HERNANDEZ '79's first ribbie of the series

One down 1st inning ... one on ... we have Terry PENDLETON '91 coming up to hit

he'll bat from the right side this time

You couldn't blame CUELLAR '69 ... if he didn't want to give PENDLETON '91 a pitch to hit

he's gone deep 2 games in a row

* T. PENDLETON '91 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Behind 1-2

Infield deep ... HERNANDEZ '79 takes his lead at third ... CUELLAR '69 into the wind

there's a looping liner to left ... ROSE '69 got a great jump ... charging hard

and he makes the shoestring catch! ... HERNANDEZ '79's tagging

TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)

they're waving him home ... here comes the throw ... and he's ... out!...just missed getting in

double play! ... the coach was waving him on with two outs ... he streaked down the line

and they finished his story at the front door ... and HERNANDEZ '79's not happy

he's arguing with the ump ... but the manager cools him down ... that's three away

That'll do it for St. Louis ... a run on one hit ... they score ... but still trail by 1

after one 2-1 Reds

* TOP OF THE 2nd, Reds 2, Cardinals 1

GIBSON '68 will now face the bottom of the Reds lineup

TARTABULL '91 MAY '69 and ROJAS '71 coming up

Danny TARTABULL '91 will start it off here in the 2nd ... he bats right

* D. TARTABULL '91 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1

The offering to TARTABULL '91 ... rip and a miss by TARTABULL '91 ... and that's a strikeout

one down

Lee MAY '69 up

You couldn't blame GIBSON '68 ... if he didn't want to give MAY '69 a pitch to hit

he's swatted homers in 2 straight

* L. MAY '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 2nd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1

The pitch ... GIBSON '68 fans him ... two away

Cookie ROJAS '71 comes out to face GIBSON '68 ... bats right

* C. ROJAS '71 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 2nd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1

GIBSON '68 with the pitch ... ROJAS '71 lashes one to right ... it falls

and ROJAS '71's on with a single ... for Cookie ROJAS '71, his 2nd hit of the series

Two outs 2nd inning ... one on ... here's Pete ROSE '69 ... Pete is their lead-off man

* P. ROSE '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 2nd, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-1

Here's the delivery ... GIBSON '68 fans him ... that's three away

The line for the Reds ... no runs on one hit ... they leave 1

so the Reds fail to capitalize on the runner ... after one and a half Reds up by 1

* BOTTOM OF THE 2nd, Reds 2, Cardinals 1

SIMMONS '75 VAN SLYKE '92 and ZEILE '99 to bat next

Leading off Ted SIMMONS '75

* T. SIMMONS '75 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 2nd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2

And the pitch ... lined to right ... TARTABULL '91 will play it on the hop

and SIMMONS '75's on with a single ... for Ted SIMMONS '75, his 4th hit of the series

Andy VAN SLYKE '92 getting ready to go

* A. VAN SLYKE '92 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 2nd, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-2

CUELLAR '69 now ... swung on ... and it's pulled hard to right ... base hit

TARTABULL '91's got a long way to go ... he's there ... SIMMONS '75 rounds third

TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)

the throw comes in to LARKIN '96 ... they're holding SIMMONS '75 at third

and VAN SLYKE '92's in standing with a double ... for VAN SLYKE '92, his 2nd double of the series

for Andy VAN SLYKE '92, his 2nd hit of the series

Two on ... Todd ZEILE '99 is out to get his licks ... he bats right

* T. ZEILE '99 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 2nd, No Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Behind 1-2

Infield deep ... SIMMONS '75 and third base are good friends ... and now the pitch

lined to MAY '69 ... caught! ... spins and throws to second ... oh, double play

SIMMONS '75 hugs the bag ... and the Reds have cooled

a great comeback chance for the Cardinals ... but they must still face CRUZ '83

One on ... here's left-handed Jose CRUZ '83 to take his swings

* J. CRUZ '83 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 2nd, 2 Outs, Runner on 3rd, Behind 1-2

SIMMONS '75 frozen on third ... CUELLAR '69 deals ... CRUZ '83 started to go around

but he checked his swing in time ... he takes a walk to first

and there are runners at the corners

Garry TEMPLETON '79 is stepping up to hit against CUELLAR '69

the switch-hitter batting right against CUELLAR '69 ... for St. Louis

runners at the corners two away

* G. TEMPLETON '79 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 2nd, 2 Outs, 1st and 3rd, Behind 1-2

Now he throws to first ... and CRUZ '83 is back easily ... now CUELLAR '69 is back on the rubber

the pitch ... TEMPLETON '79 pops it up behind the plate ... BENCH '70 tosses his mask away

moves under it ... and makes the catch ... three down

That'll do it for St. Louis ... no runs on 2 hits ... no errors ... 2 men left on base

an opportunity wasted ... the score is still 2-1 Cincinnati

as we go to the top of the third inning

* TOP OF THE 3rd, Reds 2, Cardinals 1

The big hitters coming up against GIBSON '68 ... 2-3-4 ... LARKIN '96 PEREZ '70 and BENCH '70

Barry LARKIN '96 leading off the 3rd

* B. LARKIN '96 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1

GIBSON '68 now ... LARKIN '96 strokes it sharply toward short ... TEMPLETON '79 into the hole

plants himself for the long throw ... guns it hard to HERNANDEZ '79 ... got him! ... one down

Here's Tony PEREZ '70 coming to the plate

* T. PEREZ '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 3rd, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1

The pitch from GIBSON '68 ... breaking ball ... bounced up the middle ... HERR '85's there

spins...fires to first ... in time for the out ... and that's out number two

Now coming up Johnny BENCH '70

* J. BENCH '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 3rd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 2-1

The pitch is on the way ... BENCH '70 pounds it on the ground to short ... TEMPLETON '79 is there

that'll do it ... the throw ... in time ... three away

So the Reds are retired in order ... Reds still with a 1 run lead

we go to the bottom of the third inning

* BOTTOM OF THE 3rd, Reds 2, Cardinals 1

We're at the head of the order for the Cardinals ... Mike CUELLAR '69 will face

JOHNSON '96 HERR '85 and HERNANDEZ '79

Here's Lance JOHNSON '96 to lead it off

* L. JOHNSON '96 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 3rd, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 1-2

Here's the delivery ... way off the plate ... that'll be ball four

and a free pass for JOHNSON '96 ... and that's already the 3rd walk issued by CUELLAR '69

Now coming up Tom HERR '85

* T. HERR '85 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 3rd, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 1-2

JOHNSON '96 is off with the pitch ... CUELLAR '69 comes home

slashed into the hole on the right side ... and it's through

ROJAS '71 moved toward second base ... and the ball went right through the vacated spot

JOHNSON '96 moves easily to third ... and HERR '85 is on with a single ... a classic hit-and-run

for Tom HERR '85, his 6th hit of the series

Well ... Cardinals with ... runners at first and third no outs

we have Keith HERNANDEZ '79 coming up to hit

* K. HERNANDEZ '79 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 3rd, No Outs, 1st and 3rd, Behind 1-2

Infield back at double play depth ... the runners take their lead ... throw to first ... he's back

CUELLAR '69 gets the ball back ... now he's set again ... now he throws to first

and HERR '85 is back easily ... now CUELLAR '69 is back on the rubber ... the pitch

and it's batted sharply toward second base ... LARKIN '96 is over and snares it on one hop

steps on the bag ... and fires it on to MAY '69 ... they turn it! ... a double play

as JOHNSON '96 crosses the plate with the run

Reds 2, Cardinals 2

Here come the Cardinals ... they get back the run and even the score

The Cardinals have ... two down bases clear ... Terry PENDLETON '91 up to bat

* T. PENDLETON '91 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 3rd, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

CUELLAR '69 fires it in ... a towering fly ball to center ... this should do it

DAVIS '87 roams over ... plenty of room ... and hauls it in ... side retired

The line for the Cardinals ... one run one hit no errors ... they have tied this game

score 2-2 at the end of the 3rd

* TOP OF THE 4th, Reds 2, Cardinals 2

The Reds will have ... DAVIS '87 MCRAE '82 and TARTABULL '91 here in the 4th

Eric DAVIS '87 to lead it off for the Reds

* E. DAVIS '87 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

GIBSON '68 into his motion ... delivers ... grounder to second ... he's there ... plenty of time

and he throws him out ... one down

Okay ... one down ... Hal MCRAE '82 is stepping up to hit against GIBSON '68

he's a right-handed batter

* H. MCRAE '82 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 4th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

GIBSON '68 winds up ... poked to left center ... it's playable ... CRUZ '83 and JOHNSON '96 converge

JOHNSON '96 calls him off ... and he pulls it in ... two down

Danny TARTABULL '91 to face GIBSON '68

* D. TARTABULL '91 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 4th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

The pitch ... squibber in front of the plate ... SIMMONS '75 grabs it ... fires to first

and TARTABULL '91 is retired ... for the final out

GIBSON '68 sets them down in order ... this game is 2-2 after three and a half

* BOTTOM OF THE 4th, Reds 2, Cardinals 2

For St. Louis it'll be ... SIMMONS '75 VAN SLYKE '92 and ZEILE '99

Here's Ted SIMMONS '75 to start it off

* T. SIMMONS '75 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

CUELLAR '69 with the pitch ... swung on ... hot smash to ROJAS '71 ... just out of reach

and SIMMONS '75's aboard with a single ... 2nd hit for SIMMONS '75 in the game

for Ted SIMMONS '75, his 5th hit of the series

The next Cardinals batter is Andy VAN SLYKE '92 ... he's a left-handed batter ... the Cardinals have

no outs SIMMONS '75 on first

* A. VAN SLYKE '92 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 4th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 2-2

The pitch is on the way ... hit deep ... DAVIS '87 takes three steps to his right ... backs

he brings it down ... that's one down ... SIMMONS '75 retreats quickly

The next Cardinals batter is Todd ZEILE '99 ... right-hander ... the DH

for St. Louis one gone one on

* T. ZEILE '99 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 4th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Tied 2-2

Here comes the pitch ... grounder to second ... ROJAS '71 has it ... over to LARKIN '96

for the out ... back to MAY '69 ... double play

That'll do it for St. Louis ... no runs on one hit ... they leave none ... so they do not score

4 in the books here in St. Louis ... Cardinals Reds 2-2

* TOP OF THE 5th, Reds 2, Cardinals 2

MAY '69 ROJAS '71 and ROSE '69 due up for Cincinnati

Here's Lee MAY '69 to lead it off

* L. MAY '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

The pitch ... breaking ball ... bounced up the middle ... HERR '85's there

spins...fires to first ... in time for the out ... one away

It's now Cookie ROJAS '71 to bat ... he swings from the right side

* C. ROJAS '71 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 5th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

GIBSON '68 to the wind ... high fly ball to center ... JOHNSON '96 drifts back

he's at the warning track ... taps the glove ... and brings it down ... two away

Now at bat Pete ROSE '69

* P. ROSE '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 5th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

He comes home ... swung on ... blooped toward second ... HERR '85 back ... and he makes the catch

to retire the side

So the Reds go down 1-2-3 ... score 2-2 at the end of four and a half

* BOTTOM OF THE 5th, Reds 2, Cardinals 2

CRUZ '83 TEMPLETON '79 and JOHNSON '96 to bat next

Here's Jose CRUZ '83 to start it off

* J. CRUZ '83 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

CUELLAR '69 fires it in ... grounded to the right side ... wide of first

and it squirts by MAY '69 ... and on into right for a base hit

and CRUZ '83 has himself a single ... the go ahead run has reached

for Jose CRUZ '83, his 2nd hit of the series

Now at bat Garry TEMPLETON '79

* G. TEMPLETON '79 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 5th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 2-2

Space on the right ... CRUZ '83 leading off ... the pitch

TEMPLETON '79 hacks at a ball out of the strike zone ... he manages to tap it toward ROJAS '71

hit too slowly for the double play ... the quick toss to MAY '69

and he nails TEMPLETON '79 by a step ... one down! ... CRUZ '83 moves into scoring position

We have Lance JOHNSON '96 coming up to hit ... for St. Louis ... one gone CRUZ '83 on second

* L. JOHNSON '96 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 5th, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Tied 2-2

CRUZ '83 edges a bit more off second ... the offering to JOHNSON '96 ... cut on ... way out in front

strike three ... that's two!

Alright... ... for St. Louis two away one on ... we have Tom HERR '85 to bat for the Cardinals

the switch-hitting Tom will bat right

* T. HERR '85 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 5th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Tied 2-2

CRUZ '83 at second takes a big lead ... the pitch to HERR '85 ... swing and a miss

hang up a K for CUELLAR '69 ... three down!

That'll do it for St. Louis ... no runs on one hit ... one left ... they waste the baserunner

there's no change ... score 2-2 end of five

* TOP OF THE 6th, Reds 2, Cardinals 2

The big hitters coming up against GIBSON '68 ... 2-3-4 ... LARKIN '96 PEREZ '70 and BENCH '70

Barry LARKIN '96 will start it off here in the 6th ... and he hacks from the right

* B. LARKIN '96 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

The pitch ... LARKIN '96 grounds it foul at the plate ... strike one

* B. LARKIN '96 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 2-2

He lets one go ... way off the plate ... that'll be ball four ... and a free pass for LARKIN '96

and that's the 1st walk issued by GIBSON '68

Here comes Tony PEREZ '70 to take his cuts

* T. PEREZ '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 6th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 2-2

Firstbaseman HERNANDEZ '79 perched right in front of the bag ... and now the pitch ... swung on

popped up ... TEMPLETON '79's backing up quickly ... still backing ... he's under it

and makes the catch ... LARKIN '96 trots back to first

We have Johnny BENCH '70 coming up to hit ... he hits from the right ... he's their clean-up hitter

one down runner on first ... score tied

* J. BENCH '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 6th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Tied 2-2

LARKIN '96 well off first ... the pitch ... it's hit hard over third ... base hit

CRUZ '83's racing to the line ... still running ... he picks it up ... LARKIN '96 rounds third

TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)

the throw comes in to TEMPLETON '79 ... they're holding LARKIN '96 at third

and BENCH '70's in standing with a double ... the go ahead run is now on third

that's his 2nd double of the game ... for BENCH '70, his 3rd double of the series

for Johnny BENCH '70, his 6th hit of the series

Two on ... DAVIS '87 is stepping up to hit against GIBSON '68

* E. DAVIS '87 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 6th, 1 Out, 2nd and 3rd, Tied 2-2

Infield drawn in ... the runners take their lead ... and the pitch comes in

grounded to TEMPLETON '79

TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)

he has it ... looks LARKIN '96 back to third ... goes to first ... in time for the out

Well ... Hal MCRAE '82 up ... for Cincinnati

LARKIN '96 and BENCH '70 at third and second two down

* H. MCRAE '82 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 6th, 2 Outs, 2nd and 3rd, Tied 2-2

GIBSON '68 watching LARKIN '96 at third ... here he comes ... blasted over first into right

VAN SLYKE '92 is racing over ... LARKIN '96 scores ... BENCH '70 is well around third

TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)

they're waving BENCH '70 in

THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*)

here comes the throw home

TRY FOR SECOND ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*)

here's the play at the plate ... and he's ... out by inches! ... go to town, Cardinals!

they cut off the run! ... the coach was waving him on with two outs

Duke Robinson, Jr has his boys running ... but he comes up short here

Reds 3, Cardinals 2

So the single drives in one big run ... and the Reds break the tie and now lead 3-2

here in the 6th ... for Hal MCRAE '82, his 7th hit of the series

that's MCRAE '82's first ribbie of the series

The half for the Reds ... one run on 2 hits no errors ... they leave 1 ... they move in front

Cardinals down 3-2

* BOTTOM OF THE 6th, Reds 3, Cardinals 2

The Cardinals now send up ... the heart of their order to face CUELLAR '69

HERNANDEZ '79 PENDLETON '91 and SIMMONS '75

Keith HERNANDEZ '79 to lead it off for the Cardinals ... he's a port-sider

* K. HERNANDEZ '79 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 6th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 2-3

He wheels and deals ... hit to straightaway center field ... even here, that doesn't have enough

it's playable ... DAVIS '87 moves under it ... and takes it in ... one away

One down 6th inning ... St. Louis now sends Terry PENDLETON '91 to bat

the switchy goes to the third-base side of the plate

* T. PENDLETON '91 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 6th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 2-3

The pitch ... rapped back to the mound ... and he spears it! ... over to first

and PENDLETON '91's retired

Ted SIMMONS '75 comes up to bat

* T. SIMMONS '75 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 6th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 2-3

The pitch comes in ... SIMMONS '75 pops it up behind the plate ... BENCH '70 moves under it

and hauls it in ... to retire the side

So the Cardinals go down 1-2-3 ... the score still stands 3-2 Cardinals down

as we head for the top of the seventh inning

* TOP OF THE 7th, Reds 3, Cardinals 2

Bottom of the lineup ... TARTABULL '91 MAY '69 and ROJAS '71 coming up

Danny TARTABULL '91 will start it off here in the 7th ... right-handed hitter to face Bob GIBSON '68

* D. TARTABULL '91 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-2

GIBSON '68 winds up ... strike three ... he's out of there ... one down

Right-handed batter Lee MAY '69 ... steps up to face GIBSON '68

* L. MAY '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 7th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-2

The pitch ... the heater ... it's in there ... strike three ... two down

Cookie ROJAS '71 walking up to bat

* C. ROJAS '71 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 7th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 3-2

The pitch ... hit in the air to right ... VAN SLYKE '92 drifts over ... plenty of room

and ROJAS '71's gone ... for the third out

So the Reds go quietly ... the score still 3-2 ... Reds leading

okay, all you Reds fans listening at home ... on your feet

take a break for the 7th inning stretch

* BOTTOM OF THE 7th, Reds 3, Cardinals 2

VAN SLYKE '92 ZEILE '99 and CRUZ '83 due up for St. Louis

Andy VAN SLYKE '92 starts it for the Cardinals

* A. VAN SLYKE '92 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 7th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 2-3

CUELLAR '69 delivers ... VAN SLYKE '92 lofts a routine fly ball to center

DAVIS '87 drifts under it ... and hauls it in ... one down

Here comes Todd ZEILE '99 to take his cuts

* T. ZEILE '99 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 7th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Behind 2-3

The pitch ... and ZEILE '99 takes CUELLAR '69 for a ride ... going back is ROSE '69 ... he'll look

but he won't touch it ... it's long gone!

Reds 3, Cardinals 3

So they collect a big solo homer ... his 1st home run of the series ... oh, those Cardinals

they have tied this game ... for Todd ZEILE '99, his 1st hit of the series

that's ZEILE '99's first ribbie of the series

One gone 7th inning ... it's now Jose CRUZ '83 to bat

* J. CRUZ '83 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 7th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

The offering to CRUZ '83 ... swing and a miss ... hang up a K for CUELLAR '69 ... two away

Next batter...Garry TEMPLETON '79

* G. TEMPLETON '79 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 7th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

The pitch comes in ... grounded to the right side ... wide of first ... and it squirts by MAY '69

and on into right for a base hit ... and TEMPLETON '79 has himself a single

for Garry TEMPLETON '79, his 4th hit of the series

Lance JOHNSON '96 is now up

* L. JOHNSON '96 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 7th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 3-3

Firstbaseman MAY '69 perched right in front of the bag ... now he comes home with it

slow chopper toward LARKIN '96 ... he charges ... barehands it

makes the off-balance throw to first ... to retire the side

The line for the Cardinals ... one run on 2 hits no errors ... they leave 1

they have tied this game ... score knotted at 3

* TOP OF THE 8th, Reds 3, Cardinals 3

We're at the head of the order for the Reds ... Bob GIBSON '68 will face

ROSE '69 LARKIN '96 and PEREZ '70

Okay ... Pete ROSE '69 will lead off the 8th

* P. ROSE '69 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

He wheels and deals ... lined hard to right ... toward the gap ... VAN SLYKE '92

cuts it off on the bounce ... ROSE '69 has to hold first ... the go ahead run has reached

2nd safety for ROSE '69 ... for Pete ROSE '69, his 6th hit of the series

Okay, folks, listen up ... ROSE '69 on at first ... Barry LARKIN '96 is out to take his hacks

and he hacks from the right

* B. LARKIN '96 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 8th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 3-3

ROSE '69 two full strides off first ... quick move to the plate ... checked swing

they check with the first base ump ... and he didn't go around ... ball one

* B. LARKIN '96 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 8th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 3-3

Space on the right ... ROSE '69 leading off ... now he throws to first ... and ROSE '69 gets back

not his best move ... GIBSON '68 gets the ball back ... now he's set again

here comes the pitch ... punched to left ... PENDLETON '91 snags it! ... the long throw

ROSE '69 scampers back

One down 8th inning ... one on ... Tony PEREZ '70 to hit

* T. PEREZ '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 8th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Tied 3-3

Firstbaseman HERNANDEZ '79's on the bag ... ROSE '69 with a substantial lead

now he throws to first ... and ROSE '69's ... back safely

now GIBSON '68 is back on the rubber ... GIBSON '68 rocks and fires ... ground ball to first

HERNANDEZ '79's up with it ... throws to second for one ... back to first for two ... yes!

two for the price of one ... Reds gone!

That'll do it for Cincinnati ... nothing across ... there were no errors ... they leave none

this game is 3-3 after seven and a half

* BOTTOM OF THE 8th, Reds 3, Cardinals 3

The big hitters coming up against CUELLAR '69 ... 2-3-4 ... HERR '85 HERNANDEZ '79 and PENDLETON '91

Tom HERR '85 will get it started for the Cardinals ... the switch-hitter will bat right-handed here

* T. HERR '85 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

Here's the delivery ... lofted down the line to right ... TARTABULL '91 digging ... he has room

and makes the one-handed grab ... one down

One away 8th inning ... next up Keith HERNANDEZ '79

* K. HERNANDEZ '79 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 8th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

CUELLAR '69 fires it in ... checked swing ... and a roller back to the mound

CUELLAR '69 is up with it ... takes his time ... and tosses it to MAY '69 for the putout

PENDLETON '91 now walks out to bat

* T. PENDLETON '91 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 8th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

CUELLAR '69 to the wind ... swing and a little looper ... shortstop LARKIN '96 might have a play

running back ... he twists and reaches ... but it drops just beyond his glove

ROSE '69 gets it back in ... PENDLETON '91 checks in at first with a single

the go ahead run has reached ... for Terry PENDLETON '91, his 5th hit of the series

Two outs 8th inning ... one on ... Ted SIMMONS '75 to hit

* T. SIMMONS '75 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 3-3

PENDLETON '91's off and running ... CUELLAR '69 comes home ... grounded weakly to first

MAY '69's up with it ... and he tags the bag ... and that's it

For the Cardinals ... nothing across ... one left ... Cardinals Reds 3-3

* TOP OF THE 9th, Reds 3, Cardinals 3

For Cincinnati here in the 9th ... BENCH '70 DAVIS '87 and MCRAE '82

Here's Johnny BENCH '70 to lead it off ... he's a right-handed batter

* J. BENCH '70 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

He lets it go ... bounced to TEMPLETON '79 ... he fields it ... takes his time

throws over to HERNANDEZ '79 ... and BENCH '70 is gone ... one away

One down ... we have Eric DAVIS '87 coming up to hit ... he hits from the right

* E. DAVIS '87 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 9th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

He lets one go ... a screaming liner ... but right at HERNANDEZ '79 ... he snatches it in mid-air

and DAVIS '87 barely got out of the box ... for out number two

Here's Hal MCRAE '82 ... two outs

* H. MCRAE '82 facing B. GIBSON '68, T 9th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

He brings it home ... it's a shot to left center ... JOHNSON '96's over ... still after it

and he makes the running catch ... that's three away

GIBSON '68 sets them down in order ... score even at 3 ... we go to the bottom of the ninth inning

* BOTTOM OF THE 9th, Reds 3, Cardinals 3

For St. Louis here in the 9th ... VAN SLYKE '92 ZEILE '99 and CRUZ '83

Andy VAN SLYKE '92 to lead it off for the Cardinals

* A. VAN SLYKE '92 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 3-3

To the plate ... lined to right ... TARTABULL '91 will play it on the hop

and VAN SLYKE '92's on with a single ... the game-winner is now at first

that's VAN SLYKE '92's 2nd hit of the game ... for Andy VAN SLYKE '92, his 3rd hit of the series

No outs 9th inning ... one on ... the next Cardinals batter is ZEILE '99

* T. ZEILE '99 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 9th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 3-3

And there goes VAN SLYKE '92!

MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no)

the throw ... the play at second ... and VAN SLYKE '92 slides under the tag

that's his 1st steal of the series ... so here we go, sports fans

that puts the winning run in scoring position

* T. ZEILE '99 facing M. CUELLAR '69, B 9th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Tied 3-3

VAN SLYKE '92 extending his lead ... now the delivery ... he swings

it's smashed deep to left center ... that's good for extra bases ... it's all over!

DAVIS '87 doesn't even bother ... VAN SLYKE '92 scores

Reds 3, Cardinals 4

Oh, those Cardinals ... they win it here at home ... the Reds let it get away at the end

the game-winner comes on the last play of the game

an exciting series game nevertheless, sports fans ... the Cardinals win a squeaker 4-3

here's the line ... for the Cardinals ... 4 runs on 11 hits ... no errors ... they leave 6

for the Reds ... 3 runs on 7 hits ... no errors ... and they leave 3

GIBSON '68 gets his 1st win ... his record now 1 and 1 ... CUELLAR '69 takes his 1st loss

his record now 1 and 1 ... so the Cardinals gain a step ... in this 7-game series

they now stand at ... 3-2 ... in the next game, the Reds will have another try

in this 7-game series ... they now stand at ... St. Louis with ... 3 wins ... Cincinnati ... 2

that puts the wraps on this one ... Ernie Harwell and WAPBA leaving you from St. Louis

Cardinals take this one from the Reds ... 4-3

FINAL SCORE : Reds 3, Cardinals 4