| 2005 National League Championship Series |
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The 2005 National League Championship Series ('''NLCS'''), the second round of the 2005 National League playoffs, matched the Central Division champion and defending league champion St. Louis Cardinals against the wild card qualifier Houston Astros , a rematch of the 2004 NLCS . The Cardinals, by virtue of having the best record in the NL during the 2005 season, had the home field advantage. The Astros won the series 4 games to 2, and became the National League champions; they faced the American League Champion Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series . The Cardinals and Astros were victorious in the NL Division Series (NLDS), with the Cardinals defeating the Western Division champion San Diego Padres 3 games to 0, and the Astros defeating the Eastern Division champion Atlanta Braves 3 games to 1. St. Louis manager Tony La Russa , who won AL pennants with the Oakland Athletics in 1988-89-90 and the NL flag in 2004 , fell short in his bid to become the first manager in history to win multiple pennants in both major leagues. The NLCS also closed with the last game ever played at St. Louis' Busch Stadium , which the Cardinals departed after 40 seasons. Managers: Tony La Russa (St. Louis), Phil Garner (Houston) Umpires: Tim McClelland , Greg Gibson , Wally Bell , Phil Cuzzi , Larry Poncino , Gerry Davis Series MVP: Roy Oswalt , Houston '''Television (, Steve Lyons , and Bob Brenly MATCHUPS |
Game 1, October 12 In the series opener, the Cardinals won 5-3 behind a strong pitching performance by Cy Young Winner Chris Carpenter and a 2-run homerun by Reggie Sanders in the first inning. Houston starter Andy Pettitte was struck by a batted ball during batting practice but made the start as scheduled. Busch Stadium , St. Louis , Missouri Game 2, October 13 Roy Oswalt provided the lift the Astros needed, scattering five hits over seven innings. The Cardinal bullpen continued its playoff struggles, giving up two runs in the eighth. Brad Lidge continued his dominance over the Cardinals, pitching the final two innings for the save. Busch Stadium , St. Louis , Missouri Game 3, October 15 Roger Clemens pitched a solid six innings, Chad Qualls pitched two hitless innings, and Brad Lidge gave up the first run he has allowed against the Cardinals since May 29, 2003, but held on for the save. It was Clemens' 12th postseason career postseason win, and his 5th in League Championship Series games. The Astros now lead the series, 2-1. Minute Maid Park , Houston , Texas Game 4, October 16 Houston is one game away from the franchises first visit to the World Series. Brandon Backe provided a strong outing and the Astro bullpen continued its strong performance. Tony La Russa and Jim Edmonds were both ejected for arguing balls and strikes on separate instances, LaRussa in the bottom of the 7th, Edmonds in the top of the 8th. Edmonds' ejection came at a key situation with a 3-2 count, 2 outs, and a runner on base. Edmonds was replaced by pinch hitter John RodrÃguez , who proceeded to hit a fly out to deep center field to end the scoring threat. The Cardinals once again had an opportunity to tie the game or take the lead in the ninth inning against closer Brad Lidge . Albert Pujols and Larry Walker led off the inning with back-to-back singles, putting runners at first and third base with no outs. Reggie Sanders grounded to third; Pujols went home on contact and was thrown out at the plate. Larry Walker advanced to third when the Astros failed to call timeout after the play at the plate. John Mabry ended the threat by grounding into a Double Play . La Russa's ejection marked the first time a manager had been ejected from a postseason game since Cleveland Indian manager, Mike Hargrove , was thrown out of game during the 1998 postseason. Minute Maid Park , Houston , Texas Game 5, October 17 Albert Pujols hit a dramatic three-run home run off Astro closer Brad Lidge as the Astros were one out away from a date with the Chicago White Sox in the franchise's first ever trip to the fall classic. Instead, the Cardinals reclaimed home field advantage as the final two games of the series will be played in St. Louis. Lance Berkman gave the Astros a 4-2 lead with a three-run homer off starter Chris Carpenter in the bottom of the seventh. The win also broke the Cardinals' seven game losing streak in road NLCS games. The game was eerily reminiscent to Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS between the California Angels and the Boston Red Sox . The Angels were one strike away from going to the franchise's first trip to the World Series in front of their home crowd when Dave Henderson hit a 2-run home run off of Angel closer Donnie Moore in a game the Red Sox went on to win in extra innings. The Red Sox won the final two games of the series in Boston to complete the comeback from a 3 games to 1 deficit. The Astros' lead has been trimmed to 3 games to 2 in the series. Minute Maid Park , Houston , Texas Game 6, October 19 The Astros shook off the effects of their Game 5 loss, and rolled to win their first National League pennant in forty-four seasons of existence with a decisive 5-1 win over the Redbirds. Roy Oswalt pitched seven strong innings and Jason Lane contributed with a home run as the visitors closed out Busch Stadium with a champagne bath. Busch Stadium , St. Louis , Missouri MOST VALUABLE PLAYER (MVP) Houston pitcher Roy Oswalt was named the series MVP . In two starts, he went 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings. SEE ALSO |
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