Expert: Tom Schott - 7/7/2011

Question
QUESTION: I've been told that the 1981 NLDS and NLCS are the only post-season series (playoffs and World Series) to go to their limit where the losing team scored 1 run or less in each game.

Can you tell me if that is true?

Thank you,

Bill

ANSWER: Bill,

 Yes, your information is correct. But it apples only to the 1981 NLCS and the NL Western Division series, but not the NL Eastern Division. See:

NLCS : http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1981_NLCS.shtml

Western NLDS : http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1981_NWDIV.shtml


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tom,

I just wanted to try and clarify your answer a bit.  You wrote that my information pertaining to the 1981 NLDS and NLCS was correct but only as it applies to the 1981 NLCS and the NL Western Division Series, not the NL Eastern Division Series.

I looked up the 1981 NL Eastern Division Series but found that the losing teams in that series scored more than 1 run in two different games.

So, to make sure I understand your answer, Tom, it sounds like what you're answer means is that the 1981 LAD-HOU NLDS and the 1981 NLCS are the only post-season series, which include both the playoff and World Series history, to go to their limit where the losing team scored 1 run or less in each game.

Am I right here?

Thanks again, Tom,

Bill

Answer
Research did not take long: there have been two World Series where the losing team in each game scored either no runs or just one run.

== the 1905 World Series, NY Giants v Philadelphia A's (all the games in this series were shutouts)
== the 1920 World Series, Cleveland Indians v Brooklyn Robins


Yes, you are correct, but I neglected to check the World Series games. I will do that and get back to you. I don't think I'll find anything to contradict the original finding. Give me a day or so.

Tom