1999 National League Division Series

Infobox LDS


year = 1999
champion1 = Atlanta Braves (3)
champion1_manager = Bobby Cox
champion1_games = 103-59, .636, GA: 6½
runnerup1 = Houston Astros (1)
runnerup1_manager = Larry Dierker
runnerup1_games = 97-65, .599, GA: 1½
date1 = October 5–October 9
television1 = ESPN
announcers1 = Jon Miller and Rick Sutcliffe (Games 1, 3, 4) / Joe Morgan (Game 2)
champion2 = New York Mets (3)
champion2_manager = Bobby Valentine
champion2_games = 97-66, .595, GB: 6½
runnerup2 = Arizona Diamondbacks (1)
runnerup2_manager = Buck Showalter
runnerup2_games = 100-62, .617, GA: 14
date2 = October 5–October 9
television2 = ESPN (Game 1-2)
NBC (Game 3)
ESPN2 (Game 4)
announcers2 = Chris Berman , Ray Knight (Games 1, 2, 4), and Buck Martinez (Game 1-2)
Bob Costas and Joe Morgan (Game 3)
umpires2 = Mike Winters, Charlie Williams, Rich Rieker, Gerry Davis, Bruce Froemming, Jerry Meals (Braves-Astros, Games 1-2; Mets-Diamondbacks, Games 3-4)
Brian Gorman, Wally Bell, Mark Hirschbeck, Dana DeMuth, Randy Marsh, Paul Schrieber (Mets-Diamondbacks, Games 1-2; Braves-Astros, Games 3-4)The by|1999 National League Division Series (NLDS), the opening round of the 1999 National League playoffs, began on Tuesday, October 5, and ended on Saturday, October 9, with the champions of the three NL divisions – along with a "wild card" team – participating in two best-of-five series. They were:

*(1) Atlanta Braves (Eastern Division champion, 103-59) vs. (3) Houston Astros (Central Division champion, 97-65): Braves win series, 3-1.
*(2) Arizona Diamondbacks (Western Division champion, 100-62) vs. (4) New York Mets (Wild Card, 97-66): Mets win series, 3-1.

"The higher seed (in parentheses) had the home field advantage (Games 1, 2 and 5 at home), which was determined by playing record. Although the team with the best record was normally intended to play the wild card team, the Braves played the Astros, rather than the wild card Mets, because the Braves and Mets are in the same division. The Mets had won the wild card spot through a one-game playoff with the Cincinnati Reds, winning 5-0 on October 4."

The Diamondbacks were participating in the postseason in only their second year of existence, the fastest any expansion team had ever qualified. The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets went on to meet in the NL Championship Series (NLCS). The Braves became the National League champion, and were defeated by the American League champion New York Yankees in the 1999 World Series.

Matchups

Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros

Atlanta wins the series, 3-1

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets

New York wins the series, 3-1

Atlanta vs. Houston

Game 1, October 5

Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaLinescore
Road=Houston|RoadAbr=HOU
R1=0|R2=1|R3=0|R4=0|R5=0|R6=1|R7=0|R8=0|R9=4|RR=6|RH=13|RE=0
Home=Atlanta|HomeAbr=ATL
H1=0|H2=0|H3=0|H4=0|H5=1|H6=0|H7=0|H8=0|H9=0|HR=1|HH=7|HE=0
RSP=|HSP=
WP=Shane Reynolds (1-0)|LP=Greg Maddux (0-1)|SV=
RoadHR=Ken Caminiti (1), Daryle Ward (1)|HomeHR=|

A pitcher's duel between Shane Reynolds and Greg Maddux highlighted Game 1. The Astros struck first in the top of the 2nd when Tony Eusebio singled in Carl Everett. Gerald Williams would tie the game in the bottom of the 5th, singling home Jose Hernandez. Daryle Ward would give the Astros the lead on a solo home run in the top of the 6th. The score would remain the same until the 9th. With Mike Remlinger pitching for Atlanta, Houston garnered 4 runs in the 9th, an inning capped by a 3 run homer by Ken Caminiti. The Braves would post their first loss of the postseason and would not lose again until Game 4 of the NLCS.

Game 2, October 6

Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaLinescore
Road=Houston|RoadAbr=HOU
R1=0|R2=1|R3=0|R4=0|R5=0|R6=0|R7=0|R8=0|R9=0|RR=1|RH=1|RE=1
Home=Atlanta|HomeAbr=ATL
H1=1|H2=0|H3=0|H4=0|H5=0|H6=1|H7=3|H8=0|H9=X|HR=5|HH=11|HE=1
RSP=|HSP=
WP=Kevin Millwood (1-0)|LP=Jose Lima (0-1)|SV=
RoadHR=Ken Caminiti (2)|HomeHR=|

A brilliant performance by Kevin Millwood stole the show. Had it not been for Ken Caminiti's solo home run in the 2nd and an error, Millwood would have pitched a perfect game. The Braves would take Game 2 behind his masterful performance.

Game 3, October 8

Astrodome in Houston, TexasLinescore
Road=Atlanta|RoadAbr=ATL
R1=0|R2=0|R3=0|R4=0|R5=0|R6=3|R7=0|R8=0|R9=0|R10=0|R11=0|R12=2|RR=5|RH=12|RE=0
Home=Houston|HomeAbr=HOU
H1=2|H2=0|H3=0|H4=0|H5=0|H6=0|H7=1|H8=0|H9=0|H10=0|H11=0|H12=0|HR=3|HH=9|HE=2
RSP=|HSP=
WP=John Rocker (1-0)|LP=Jay Powell (0-1)|SV=Kevin Millwood (1)
RoadHR=Brian Jordan (1)|HomeHR=|

The turning point of the series occurred in Game 3. Tom Glavine faced Mike Hampton, who were both coming off career years. The Astros scored two in the 1st to take an early lead. The Braves would respond with a towering 3 run homer by Brian Jordan. The Astros would tie the game and would send the game to extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th, with the bases loaded and nobody out, John Rocker was called in to save the game. There was no margin for error. An unbelievable play by Walt Weiss prevented Jeff Bagwell from scoring off Carl Everett's hit up the middle. Weiss dived and stopped the ball and threw home. Another forceout at the plate made it 2 outs. Ricky Gutierrez struck out to end the threat. Brian Jordan, who helped bring the Braves back, would get them the win in the top of the 12th. He would double in two runs and put the Braves one game away from the NLCS.

Game 4, October 9

Astrodome in Houston, TexasLinescore
Road=Atlanta|RoadAbr=ATL
R1=1|R2=0|R3=1|R4=0|R5=0|R6=5|R7=0|R8=0|R9=0|RR=7|RH=15|RE=1
Home=Houston|HomeAbr=HOU
H1=0|H2=0|H3=0|H4=0|H5=0|H6=0|H7=1|H8=4|H9=0|HR=5|HH=8|HE=1
RSP=|HSP=
WP=John Smoltz (1-0)|LP=Shane Reynolds (1-1)|SV=John Rocker (1)
RoadHR=|HomeHR=Ken Caminiti (3), Tony Eusebio (1)|

Shane Reynolds was once again called on to save the Astros. But facing him this time would be John Smoltz. Chipper Jones put the Braves on the board in the top of the 1st with a sac fly. A Bret Boone single drove in the 2nd Atlanta run in the 3rd. A 7 hit inning gave the Braves 5 more in the top of the 6th. They had built a 7-0 lead and appeared to be cruising into the NLCS. But Tony Eusebio homered to cut the lead to 6 in the 7th. Another 3 run homer by Ken Caminiti brought the Astros to within 3. A double cut the lead to 2 with 5 outs to go. But Atlanta's bullpen would halt the Houston rally and bring the Braves back to the NLCS for the 8th straight year.

Composite Box

1999 NLDS (3-1): Atlanta Braves over Houston AstrosLinescore
Road=Atlanta Braves
R1=2|R2=0|R3=1|R4=0|R5=1|R6=9|R7=3|R8=0|R9=0|R10=0|R11=0|R12=2|RR=18|RH=45|RE=2
Home=Houston Astros
H1=2|H2=2|H3=0|H4=0|H5=0|H6=1|H7=2|H8=4|H9=4|H10=0|H11=0|H12=0|HR=15|HH=31|HE=4Total Attendance: 178,210 Average Attendance: 44,553|

Arizona vs. New York

Game 1, October 5

Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, ArizonaLinescore
Road=New York|RoadAbr=NYM
R1=1|R2=0|R3=2|R4=1|R5=0|R6=0|R7=0|R8=0|R9=4|RR=8|RH=10|RE=0
Home=Arizona|HomeAbr=ARI
H1=0|H2=0|H3=1|H4=1|H5=0|H6=2|H7=0|H8=0|H9=0|HR=4|HH=7|HE=0
RSP=|HSP=
WP=Turk Wendell (1-0)|LP=Randy Johnson (0-1)|SV=
RoadHR=Edgardo Alfonzo 2 (2), John Olerud (1)|HomeHR=Luis Gonzalez (1), Erubiel Durazo (1)|

The Arizona Diamondbacks were in the playoffs for the first time ever behind Buck Showalter and their 100-win season. The New York Mets won the Wild Card and were in for the first time since the 1988 National League Championship Series.

Masato Yoshii faced Randy Johnson in Game 1. Edgardo Alfonzo got the scoring started for the Mets in the top of the 1st with a one out solo home run. Then a two run homer by John Olerud made it 3-0 Mets in the 3rd. Jay Bell's sac fly made it 3-1 in the bottom of the 3rd. But Rey Ordonez's sacrifice bunt made it 4-1 Mets in the 4th. Erubiel Durazo's solo home run made it 4-2 in the bottom of the 4th. Then a two run homer by Luis Gonzalez tied the game at 4. The game remained tied into the 9th inning. A controversial move by manager Showalter allowed Johnson to stay in the game. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases and knocked Johnson out of the game. After the second out, Alfonzo hit a grand slam to put the Mets out in front 8-4. Armando Benitez shut the D'Backs down 1-2-3 in the bottom half to finish the game.

Game 2, October 6

Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, ArizonaLinescore
Road=New York|RoadAbr=NYM
R1=0|R2=0|R3=1|R4=0|R5=0|R6=0|R7=0|R8=0|R9=0|RR=1|RH=5|RE=0
Home=Arizona|HomeAbr=ARI
H1=0|H2=0|H3=3|H4=0|H5=2|H6=0|H7=2|H8=0|H9=X|HR=7|HH=9|HE=1
RSP=|HSP=
WP=Todd Stottlemyre (1-0)|LP=Kenny Rogers (0-1)|SV=|

Kenny Rogers took on Todd Stottlemyre, hoping to even the series before moving to New York. Both pitchers were on even terms into the 3rd inning. The Mets got on the board thanks to an RBI groundout by Olerud in the 3rd. But the Diamondbacks would load the bases against Rogers in the bottom of the 3rd after two men were out. Then Greg Colbrunn walked to tie the game at 1. Then Steve Finley gave the Diamondbacks their first ever postseason lead with a two run single to right field. Then Finley had two more RBIs with a double to center in the 5th. Two more runs with the bases loaded made it 7-1 Diamondbacks and the score would stand as the D'Backs evened the series at a game a piece.

Game 3, October 8

Shea Stadium in New York, New YorkLinescore
Road=Arizona|RoadAbr=ARI
R1=0|R2=0|R3=0|R4=0|R5=2|R6=0|R7=0|R8=0|R9=0|RR=2|RH=5|RE=3
Home=New York|HomeAbr=NYM
H1=0|H2=1|H3=2|H4=0|H5=0|H6=6|H7=0|H8=0|H9=X|HR=9|HH=11|HE=0
RSP=|HSP=
WP=Rick Reed (1-0)|LP=Omar Daal (0-1)|SV=
RoadHR=Turner Ward (1)|HomeHR=|

In Game 3, Omar Daal faced Rick Reed. The Diamondbacks blew opportunities in the first two innings and that would cost them as the Mets would take a 1-0 lead on Ordonez's RBI single that scored Benny Agbayani. An RBI single by Olerud and an error by Andy Fox gave the Mets a 3-0 edge. But the Diamondbacks made it a one run game when pinch hitter Turner Ward hit a two run homer in the 5th. The game would be put away, however, in one half inning. In the bottom of the 6th, the Mets put together 4 RBI hits that scored 6 runs. That made it 9-2 and that would be the final score.

Game 4, October 9

Shea Stadium in New York, New YorkLinescore
Road=Arizona|RoadAbr=ARI
R1=0|R2=0|R3=0|R4=0|R5=1|R6=0|R7=0|R8=2|R9=0|R10=0|RR=3|RH=5|RE=1
Home=New York|HomeAbr=NYM
H1=0|H2=0|H3=0|H4=1|H5=0|H6=1|H7=0|H8=1|H9=0|H10=1|HR=4|HH=8|HE=0
RSP=|HSP=
WP=John Franco (1-0)|LP=Matt Mantei (0-1)|SV=
RoadHR=Greg Colbrunn (1)|HomeHR=Edgardo Alfonzo (3), Todd Pratt (1)|

In the potential clinching Game 4, Brian Anderson faced Al Leiter. The game would remain scoreless until the bottom of the 4th. Then Edgardo Alfonzo's leadoff homer made it 1-0 Mets. But the D'Backs would respond when Greg Colbrunn homered to tie the game in the 5th. Then Agbayani's RBI double made it 2-1 Mets. But Jay Bell's two run double gave the Diamondbacks the lead in the 8th. It appeared that Game 5 was going to be a reality. But the Mets tied the game in the bottom half thanks to a pinch hit sacrifice fly by Roger Cedeno. As the game moved to extra innings, John Franco came on in relief in the 10th and shut the Diamondbacks down 1-2-3. Against Matt Mantei, the Mets would win the series when Todd Pratt hit a solo home run to center field.

Composite Box

1999 NLDS (3-1): New York Mets over Arizona DiamondbacksLinescore
Road=New York Mets
R1=1|R2=1|R3=5|R4=2|R5=0|R6=7|R7=0|R8=1|R9=4|R10=1|RR=22|RH=34|RE=0
Home=Arizona Diamondbacks
H1=0|H2=0|H3=4|H4=1|H5=5|H6=2|H7=2|H8=2|H9=0|H10=0|HR=16|HH=26|HE=5Total Attendance: 211,269 Average Attendance: 52,817|

Quotes

*"It's outta here! It's outta here! The Mets win the ballgame! The Mets have won the series 3 games to 1!" - Mets announcer Gary Cohen on Todd Pratt's series-ending homer in Game 4 versus the Diamondbacks

Notes