The 1979 NLCS Playoff Replay has the NL West winning Cincinnati Reds (90-71) versus the NL East Champion Pittsburgh Pirates (98-64). The starters for Game 1 are John Candelaria (14-9 3.22 Grade 12Z) for the visiting Pirates and Tom Seaver (16-6 3.14 Grade 13YZ) for the Reds.
In a 5 game set the first game is even more important and both pitchers come out strong as we go scoreless through 3 innings. In the 4th the Pirates break through against Tom Terrific. After 2 outs to start the inning, Dave Parker and Willie Stargell would draw walks. Next man up John Milner lines a huge homer down the right field line to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead. In the 6th the Pirates would add to their lead and knock Seaver out of the game. Ed Ott would double home 2 runs and Phil Garner would hit a 2 run homer for a big 4 spot.
7-0 going into the 8th and the Reds would finally dent the scoreboard as Ray Knight would take Candelaria deep for a 2 run shot to center. It would way too little and way too late as Candelaria would get the last 4 outs in a row for the 8-2 victory in Game 1. Reds had their chances early stranding 5 runners through 3. Big win on the road knowing they have the last 3 games at Three Rivers. Game 2 starters are Jim Bibby for the Pirates and Frank Pastore for the Reds.
Final Score: Pirates 8, Reds 2
WP: John Candelaria (1-0)
LP: Tom Seaver (0-1)
HR’s: Pirates – John Milner (1), Phil Garner (1), Reds – Ray Knight (1)