WASHINGTON — The rain fell. The winds blew. But Rafael Palmeiro stayed hot.
With a soaked RFK Stadium crowd of 46,102 roaring behind him, Palmeiro went 3-for-4 with a home run and a double to lead the Washington Senators to a 7–3 win over the San Francisco Giants in Game 4 of the League Championship Series. The victory ties the series at 2–2 and guarantees a return trip to San Francisco.
Palmeiro Leads the Charge
After going hitless in the first three games of the series, Palmeiro broke out in a big way. His two-out solo homer in the third made it 3–0, and he doubled and scored again in the fifth. The veteran first baseman drove in one and scored two as part of Washington’s 11-hit attack.
Washington built a 6–1 lead through five innings, taking advantage of a shaky outing from Giants starter Mike Harkey, who allowed 10 hits and 6 earned runs before being chased in the fifth.
Box Score Highlights
Washington Senators
- Rafael Palmeiro: 3-for-4, HR (1), 2B, 2 R, RBI
- Jarvis Nunnally: 2-for-4, 3B, 2 RBI
- Carl Everett: 2-for-5, 2B, R
- Wilton Guerrero: 2-for-3, 2B, BB
- Mike Morgan (W, 1–0): 7.1 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 6 K
San Francisco Giants
- Jay Bell: 3-for-4, now batting .419 in postseason
- Moises Alou: 2-for-4, RBI
- Steve Finley: RBI double in the 8th
- Robin Ventura: RBI double in the 4th
- Mike Harkey (L, 1–1): 4.2 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 1 HR
Rain Delay, Then a Downpour of Runs
The game was paused for 40 minutes due to rain in the bottom of the fourth, but the Senators didn’t lose focus. They came out of the delay and immediately scored three runs across the fourth and fifth innings, punctuated by Palmeiro’s double and a triple from Nunnally.
Senators Bullpen Slams the Door
Mike Morgan exited in the 8th after allowing two late runs, but Geoff McMichael entered and recorded the final five outs for his first postseason save, stranding two inherited runners in the process.
What’s Next
The pivotal Game 5 is set for tomorrow night at RFK Stadium. San Francisco will turn to Bob Sebra, while the Senators hand the ball to their workhorse lefty Andy Pettitte. First pitch at 8:05 PM.
Series Status: Tied 2–2.