WASHINGTON — Behind another lights-out performance from Andy Pettitte and a clutch pinch-hit by Félix José, the Washington Senators edged the San Francisco Giants 2–1 in Game 5 of the League Championship Series at RFK Stadium. With the win, the Senators now lead the best-of-seven series 3 games to 2, pushing the Giants to the brink of elimination.
Pettitte, the 23-year-old lefty, delivered 7 innings of one-run baseball, striking out 8 and allowing just 5 hits. He outdueled San Francisco’s Bob Sebra, who tossed six shutout innings of his own before the Washington offense finally broke through in the eighth.
“Andy’s composure is beyond his years,” said Senators manager Alexander Cumana. “Every time we’ve needed a lift this postseason, he’s delivered.”
Turning Point: Félix José Delivers
In the bottom of the eighth, trailing 1–0, the Senators mounted their only real rally of the night. After a pair of walks and a single by James Mouton loaded the bases, Cumana called on veteran Félix José to pinch-hit. José lined a two-run single into center off reliever Chris Ricci, turning the game around and electrifying the RFK crowd.
Game Highlights
Washington Senators
- Andy Pettitte (ND): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
- Félix José: 1-for-1, 2 RBI (game-winning hit in the 8th)
- Juan Nunnally: 2-for-2, SB
- Albert Belle: 1-for-3, BB, SB
- Lee Smith (W, 1–1): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
San Francisco Giants
- Bob Sebra: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 9 K
- Robin Ventura: 2-for-3, HR (5th inning solo shot), 2B
- Jose Canseco: 1-for-4
- Carols Baerga: 1-for-4
Defensive and Baserunning Notes
- The Senators used their speed effectively with 4 stolen bases, including 2 by Carl Everett.
- Washington committed two errors but avoided major damage thanks to double plays and timely pitching.
- The Giants had opportunities, leaving five runners on base, including several in scoring position.
What’s Next
Game 6 shifts back to Candlestick Park on Friday, October 13. The Senators will give the ball to right-hander Erik Hanson, while the Giants counter with Floyd Youmans. With one win separating Washington from its first World Series berth in franchise history, the pressure now swings to San Francisco.
Series Status: Washington leads 3–2.