The 1997 National League Division Series (NLDS), the opening round of the 1997 National League playoffs, began on Tuesday, September 30, and ended on Friday, October 3, with the champions of the three NL divisions – along with a "wild card" team – participating in two best-of-five series. They were:
The higher seed (in parentheses) had the home field advantage, which was not tied to playing record but was predetermined – a highly unpopular arrangement which was discontinued after the conclusion of the 1997 playoffs. Also, the team with home field "advantage" was required to play the first two games on the road, with potentially the last three at home, in order to reduce travel. The Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins went on to meet in the NL Championship Series (NLCS). The Marlins became the National League champions, and defeated the American League champion Cleveland Indians in the 1997 World Series.
MatchupsSan Francisco Giants vs. Florida MarlinsFlorida wins the series, 3-0
Houston Astros vs. Atlanta BravesAtlanta wins the series, 3-0
San Francisco vs. FloridaThe San Francisco Giants made it back to the postseason for the first time since the 1989 World Series. The Florida Marlins were in the postseason for the first time ever. Game 1, September 30Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida
WP: Dennis Cook (1-0) LP: Julian Tavarez (0-1) Game 1 was a matchup between Kirk Rueter and Kevin Brown. Both pitchers were on even terms, allowing one run and four hits through seven innings. Both teams struck in the 7th with leadoff solo homers by Bill Mueller and Charles Johnson. The game was tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 9th. With the bases loaded, Edgar Rentería singled to right to give the Marlins their first ever postseason win with a walkoff. Game 2, October 1Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida
WP: Robb Nen (1-0) LP: Liván Hernández (0-1) Shawn Estes faced Al Leiter in an exciting Game 2. An RBI single by Mark Lewis made it 1-0 Giants in the 1st. But the Marlins would strike back in the bottom half. Bobby Bonilla hit a two run homer to make it 2-1 Marlins. But a solo homer by Brian Johnson tied the game in the 2nd. Then Barry Bonds hit a sacrifice fly to give the Giants a 3-2 lead in the 3rd. But the Marlins tied it in the bottom half with an RBI single by Bonilla. Stan Javier's infield hit gave the Giants the lead back in the 4th. But hits by Alex Arias and Kurt Abbott gave the Marlins the lead in the bottom half. The Marlins would add another run on the strength of a solo homer by Gary Sheffield in the bottom of the 6th. It was 6-4, but the Giants refused to concede. An RBI double by Bonds made it a one run game in the 7th. The one run lead would stand into the 9th. With Robb Nen pitching, the Giants managed to tie the game thanks to a key error by Craig Counsell. However, the Marlins would not wait until extra innings to try and win. Sheffield led the inning off with a single; then he stole second. After Bonilla walked, Moisés Alou hit the game winning single to center field. The throw was good, but the ball dropped and hit the mound, allowing Sheffield to score easily. The Marlins led the series 2-0. Game 3, October 33Com Park at Candlestick Point in San Francisco, California
WP: Alex Fernandez (1-0) LP: Wilson Alvarez (0-1) In Game 3, Wilson Alvarez was looked on by the Giants to keep them alive. Opposing him would be Alex Fernandez, hoping to close out the series. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the 4th. Jeff Kent hit a solo home run with one out to make it 1-0 Giants. But the Marlins would put the series away when Devon White hit a stunning grand slam into the left field bleachers in the top of the 6th. Kent would hit another solo home run in the bottom half. But two RBI doubles by Charles Johnson and Craig Counsell put any hopes of a Giants comeback out of reach. Robb Nen got Damon Berryhill to ground out to end the series. Composite Box1997 NLDS (3-0): Florida Marlins over San Francisco Giants
Houston vs. AtlantaThe Houston Astros finally made it back to the postseason for the first time since the 1986 National League Championship Series. The Atlanta Braves were hosting their first postseason series at Turner Field. Game 1, September 30Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia
WP: Greg Maddux (1-0) LP: Darryl Kile (0-1) Game 1 was a matchup between Darryl Kile and Greg Maddux. Kenny Lofton led off the bottom of the 1st with a double, the first postseason hit at Turner Field. Keith Lockhart flied to right, putting Lofton at third. Then Chipper Jones hit a sacrifice fly to left field to make it 1-0 Braves in the 1st. Then Ryan Klesko homered to lead off the 2nd, a homer which would prove to be the game winner. The Astros would strike for a run in the 5th, thanks to an RBI single by Kile. Maddux and Kile dueled for 7 innings. Kile allowed only two hits and Maddux pitched a complete game. The Astros left 5 men on base, a fatal error, as the Braves won 2-1. Game 2, October 1Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia
WP: Tom Glavine (1-0) LP: Mike Hampton (0-1)
Game 3, October 3
WP: John Smoltz (1-0) LP: Shane Reynolds (0-1) Game 3 was a battle between John Smoltz and Shane Reynolds. Chipper Jones got the Braves started with a two out homer to give the Braves a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st. An RBI single by Jeff Blauser made it 2-0 in the 2nd. An RBI single by Michael Tucker made it 3-0 in the 7th. John Smoltz pitched brilliantly, allowing one run, a solo homer by Chuck Carr, in a complete game victory. A passed ball allowed another run to make it 4-1 Braves in the 8th. Smoltz would allow only 3 hits as Bill Spiers grounded out to end the series. Composite Box1997 NLDS (3-0): Atlanta Braves over Houston Astros
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