The opening round of the 1996 DBL postseason delivered everything fans could hope for — heartbreak, heroics, blowouts, shutouts, and three unforgettable winner-take-all Game 7’s. When the dust finally settled, four clubs stood tall: St. Louis, Cincinnati, Washington, and Arizona. Together, they move on to the League Championship Series with their World Series dreams still burning.
FEDERAL LEAGUE — Chaos in the Heartland
Cardinals Survive Marlins in a Seven-Game Classic
In a series defined by sudden momentum swings, the St. Louis Cardinals held on for dear life and emerged triumphant in a nail-biting Game 7, edging the Florida Marlins 1–0.
St. Louis looked ready to cruise after jumping out to a 2–0 series lead, but Florida’s offense roared back with 21 runs over Games 3 and 4. The two clubs traded punches the rest of the way until St. Louis turned to its pitching staff in the finale. They delivered — a four-hit shutout and the biggest outs of the season when it mattered most.
St. Louis moves on. Florida goes home knowing they pushed the Cardinals to the absolute limit.
Reds Outslug Royals in a Heavyweight Fight
The Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals didn’t just play baseball — they played a street fight.
Across seven games, both offenses exploded, combining for 61 total runs, but it was Cincinnati who landed the last blow. In Game 7, the Reds’ lineup erupted for 13 runs, overwhelming Kansas City and punching their ticket to the Federal League Championship Series.
Cincinnati won the first two games, lost the next two, and battled through a tense split before unleashing a knockout performance in the finale. Kansas City matched them blow-for-blow most of the way, but the Reds’ depth and firepower proved too much in the end.
It’s Reds vs. Cardinals next — a rivalry matchup with a World Series berth on the line.
UNITED LEAGUE — A Sweep and a War
Senators Steamroll Blue Jays in Four
No drama. No hesitation. No opening for Toronto to breathe.
The Washington Senators didn’t just beat the Toronto Blue Jays — they overpowered them, swept them, and sent them home with an emphatic message. Washington outscored Toronto 32–9, leaning on elite pitching and a surging lineup that looks every bit like a pennant favorite.
The Senators advance in dominant fashion, rested and ready for the next challenge.
Diamondbacks Shock Expos in a Roller-Coaster Seven-Game Series
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Montreal Expos traded shutouts, blowouts, and late-inning heartbreak in a wildly unpredictable seven-game battle.
Arizona struck first in Game 1 before Montreal countered with a decisive Game 2. Then came the whiplash: shutouts, rallies, and momentum swings that made each game feel like its own story.
Game 6 saw Montreal explode for 14 runs, forcing a decisive Game 7 — but Arizona refused to wilt. Behind a brilliant pitching performance, the Diamondbacks shut out the Expos 4–0 to claim the series.
Arizona marches forward. Montreal is left wondering how a series this close slipped away in the final moments.
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AHEAD
The matchups are set — and they’re absolute heavyweight showdowns:
Federal League Championship Series
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds
United League Championship Series
Washington Senators vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Four teams. Two pennants. One step away from the World Series.
Grab your scorecards. Sharpen your pencils.
The best baseball of the year is still ahead.