Division Series News

Postseason

American League:
• Twins-Yankees, Gm 4
• Red Sox-Angels, Gm 3
National League:
• Dodgers-Cards, Gm 4
• Astros-Braves, Gm 5

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10/11: GAME 5: Astros 12, Braves 3 Wrap >

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Astros headed to NLCS

By Alyson Footer / MLB.com 10/11/2004

It's somewhat ironic that after all of the twists and turns the Astros took since Aug. 15 to even get to the playoffs, they beat the Braves at Turner Field quite handily, breaking out with a five-run seventh to top Atlanta, 12-3. Full story >

Astros have date with rival Cards Club has won six of its last seven games vs. St. Louis

Plenty to cheer about Braves authored improbable script to 2004 season

Astros exorcise playoff demons Bagwell, Biggio & Co. relish first playoff series win

Game balls: Rating Game 5 Beltran's mammoth series leads Astros into NLCS

Press Row: Astros make history Houston breaks streak of winless postseason series

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Beltran leads swarm of Killer B's Newcomer joins veterans in tasting playoff success

Astros' bosses are starstruck Management revels in first postseason triumph

Game 5 win huge for veterans Reliever ready to bring on the Cardinals

Garner makes room for Munro Astros manager to go with four-man rotation in NLCS

Astros short hops Record-setting offense lifts Astros to NLCS berth

Facts machine Wild Card clubs make playoff impact

Notes: Oswalt not on pitch count Harville, Wheeler unused in first four games

Astros reflect on Caminiti Bagwell, Biggio remember former teammate

Baseball Daily News / Braves

Braves fall to Astros in Game 5 Atlanta bows out of NLDS with heartbreaking loss

Busy Braves bullpen fades in finale Atlanta's relievers hit hard by Houston in Game 5 loss

Tough way to end impressive year Painful loss will motivate me during the offseason

Braves short hops Atlanta offense can't keep up with Astros, Killer B's

Notes: Giles dropped to seventh Second baseman moved to bottom half of order

10/10, GAME 4: Braves 6, Astros 5 Wrap >

Molony: Game 4 a tense thriller

By Jim Molony 10/10/2004

This one was a must-win for the Braves, and once again they showed why they have made the playoffs 13 years in a row. Full story >

Game balls: Rating Game 4 Rookie LaRoche reenergizes victorious Braves

It all comes down to Game 5 Braves host Astros in decisive NLDS matchup

Johnny on the spot Smoltz delivers again when it matters most

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Astros let Game 4 lead get away Five-run second inning erased by Braves rally

Clemens does his part in Game 4 Rocket solid through five innings on three days' rest

'Must-win' nothing new for Astros Club played several pivotal games in their stretch run

NLDS similar to heavyweight fight Astros take confident attitude to Atlanta for Game 5

Astros short hops Offense clicking, bullpen struggles lead to Game 4 loss

It all comes down to Game 5 Braves host Astros in decisive NLDS matchup

Astros pin NLCS hopes on Oswalt Starter pitches on three days' rest in decisive Game 5

Notes: Garner not looking ahead Beltran will consider staying; Astros playing clutch ball

Garner postgame quotes Manager discusses deciscions made during game

At home, Braves have slight edge Hurler says Oswalt will be tough to beat in Game 5

Baseball Daily News / Braves

Braves rally past Astros in Game 4 Atlanta ends Houston's 19-game home winning streak

Coming through in the clutch Struggling Drew delivers timely RBI base knock

NLCS berth on the line Braves' season again comes down to decisive Game 5

Another inspiring rally Despite deficit, we never lost faith in Game 4

Braves short hops Staff allowing lots of runners, not a lot of runs

Facts machine Smoltz sets postseason wins mark

It all comes down to Game 5 Braves host Astros in decisive NLDS matchup

Wright to get ball on Monday Braves' ace hoping for redemption in Game 5 start

Notes: Cox shakes up order Giles, Drew switched to try to get something going

Cox postgame quotes Manager is proud of his bullpen

Smoltz postgame quotes Closer loves the pressure of the postseason

LaRoche postgame quotes Three-run homer gave team emotional boost

At home, Braves have slight edge Hurler says Oswalt will be tough to beat in Game 5

10/9, GAME 3: Astros 8, Braves 5 Wrap >

Beltran gives Astros big lift

By Jim Molony 10/9/2004

Houston's 42-year-old string of playoff futility could be coming to an end, and if it does, the man who deserves a large share of the credit is Carlos Beltran. Full story >

Game balls: Rating Game 3 Contributions come from all over in Astros' triumph

Astros can close it out Houston hoping to reach NLCS with win on Sunday

Long day for Braves' bullpen Byrd's early appearance kicks off tough day for relievers

Backe 'living a dream' with Astros Saturday's big game another gem for starter and family

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Astros one win away from clinching Game 4 victory would give club first playoff series win

Astros short hops Small-ball approach puts Astros on brink of series win

Facts machine Astros continue to feast on home cookin'

Astros can close it out Houston hoping to reach NLCS with win on Sunday

Loud crowd fuels Game 3 win Grounds crew doing its part to keep streak alive

Down in series, Braves won't panic Hurler says former team must focus on Game 4

Garner's faith in Clemens is strong On three days' rest, Rocket tabbed to start Game 4

Notes: Ryan confident in Astros Garner a strong supporter for struggling Biggio

Beltran postgame quotes Oufielder comments on his first trip to the postseason

Garner postgame quotes Houston manager looks ahead to Game 4 vs. Braves

Backe postgame quotes Game 3 winner shares what it means to play for Astros

Ensberg postgame quotes Third baseman comments on Astros' timely hitting

Baseball Daily News / Braves

Braves drop Game 3 to Astros Atlanta trails Houston 2-1 in NLDS after loss

Thomson leaves after four pitches Righty done for year after aggravating injury in Game 3

Braves short hops Innings starting to add up for bullpen

Astros can close it out Houston hoping to reach NLCS with win on Sunday

Time to get hot Frustrating defeat puts our backs against the wall

Down in series, Braves won't panic Hurler says former team must focus on Game 4

Russ is rested and ready Ortiz to face The Rocket in Game 4 after long layoff

Notes: Ryan praises Braves Hall of Fame pitcher speaks glowingly of Cox

Cox postgame quotes Braves skipper discusses Game 3 loss to Houston

10/8, OFF DAY

Series shifts to Houston

By Jim Molony / MLB.com 10/8/2004

The Astros, who finished the season on an 18-game winning streak at home, search for further Minute Maid Park magic on Saturday, when the NLDS between Houston and Atlanta continues with Game 3. Full story >

Astros' skipper situation curious Houston to follow guidelines amid Garner's success

Drew, Chipper searching at plate Braves' big boppers struggling so far in NLDS

Garner workout day quotes Manager discusses Game 2, looks ahead to Game 3

Cox workout day quotes Braves skipper discusses the Astros' home success

Backe workout day quotes Lifelong Astros fan ready to take on the Braves

Thomson workout day quotes Game 3 starter looks to snap Astros' home win streak

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Backe back in big-game spotlight Converted outfielder clinched Astros' playoff berth

Notes: Clemens to start Game 4 Club not worried about righty going on three days' rest

Small ball looms large for Astros Houston homer binge masks need for offensive spark

Glavine: Astros get slight edge Former Brave sees advantages for both teams

Baseball Daily News / Braves

Thomson not intimidated by streak Astros' home success doesn't faze veteran righty

Notes: Ortiz ready for Sunday Workhorse righty excited to oppose Clemens in Game 4

LaRoche calm under pressure Rookie first baseman not frazzled by postseason stage

Thrill of victory Emotional comeback victory could change series

10/7, GAME 2: Braves 4, Astros 2 Wrap >

Molony: Braves alive, kicking

By Jim Molony 10/7/2004

The Braves knew they couldn't afford to go to Houston down two games to none. While the Braves might have the momentum heading into Game 3, the Astros took solace in gaining a split in Atlanta. Full story >

Glavine: Astros get slight edge Former Brave sees advantages for both teams

Game balls: Rating Game 2 Furcal's homer gives Braves an essential victory

Smoltz, Lidge big factors in Game 2 Closers rack up innings and pitches in wild contest

Try and try again Braves' frustrating day ended by Furcal's clutch hit

Hampton injures left forearm Starter leaves in seventh after impressive outing

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Game 2 gets away from Astros Two-run lead wiped out; Furcal's homer ends it in 11

Astros short hops Houston leaves Atlanta with split, eyes more offense

Beltran is a go for Game 2 Outfielder still sore, but says he's ready to play

GM: Game 2 enormous for Astros Hunsicker calls contest the biggest game in club history

Even series moves to Houston Astros return home, where they have won 18 straight

Astros looking forward to home Club excited to host Braves at packed Minute Maid

Notes: Astros won't retaliate Club contends playoffs not forum to avenge Beltran

Facts machine Chavez joins Lane in exclusive long-ball club

Garner postgame quotes Skipper give impressions on Game 2

Bagwell pregame quotes Astros first-sacker impressed with interim skipper

Garner pregame quotes Astros manager says Backe will start Game 3

Baseball Daily News / Braves

Braves win Game 2 thriller Furcal's two-run homer earns split at home for Atlanta

Dial P for protest Braves' complaint rendered moot by walk-off win

Braves short hops Atlanta seals Game 2 win despite RISP woes

Press Row: Can you hear me now? Braves rally to even series with Astros

Even series moves to Houston Astros return home, where they have won 18 straight

Chipper to start in Game 2 Braves' Jones far from 100 percent, but will play

Notes: Thomson ready for Game 3 Righty good to go after throwing bullpen session

Cox postgame quotes Braves manager recounts Game 2 victory

Cox pregame quotes Braves manager discusses injury-plagued squad

Smoltz pregame quotes Closer shares postseason outlook

10/6, GAME 1: Astros 9, Braves 3 Wrap >

Molony: Killer B's display might

By Jim Molony 10/6/2004

October has normally been the time when killer bees go into their dormant stage and Houston bats begin their long hibernation for the winter. But something is decidedly different about this Houston Astros offense, and it showed in Game 1. Full story >

Game balls: Rating Game 1 Beltran, Clemens lead Astros to romp in Atlanta

Toiling Rocket completes mission Recovering from flu, Clemens battles for victory

Beltran exits with bruised ribs Outfielder plunked after big day, unsure about Game 2

No more Mr. Nice Guy Hampton eager to face former teammates in NLDS

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Astros rout Braves in opener Clemens wins first career postseason Game 1

Dierker: A real Rocket At 42 years old, Clemens pitching as if in his prime

Red-hot Oswalt gets nod in Game 2 20-game winner makes his first postseason start

Astros short hops Houston's offense backs Clemens in Game 1 win

Notes: Clemens option for Game 4 A homecoming for Everett; Astros to face old friend

Facts machine Clemens breaks Game 1 jinx with big win over Atlanta

Garner postgame quotes Astros manager talks about the Game 1 victory

Oswalt pregame quotes Game 2 starter addresses the media

Clemens postgame quotes Game 1 starter discusses performance

Garner pregame quotes Astros manager discusses club's surge to playoffs

Baseball Daily News / Braves

Braves drop NLDS opener Long balls plague Wright in Game 1 loss to Houston

Wright bounced around in Game 1 Braves ace struggles in short start against hot Astros

Chipper aggravates hand injury Jones plans to play through pain, be in Game 2 lineup

Braves must forget about Game 1 Atlanta needs to keep calm and focused

Braves short hops Missed opportunities haunt Atlanta in Game 1

Notes: Fresh faces abound Braves feature nine postseason newcomers on roster

Cox postgame quotes Braves manager talks about Game 1 pitching matchup

Cox pregame quotes Braves manager discusses his players' health

Wright Game 1 quotes Braves pitcher on facing the powerful Astros offense

Hampton pregame quotes Braves pitcher talks about facing friends on the Astros

Braves announce NLDS roster Cox opts to go with 11-man pitching staff

ASTROS-BRAVES PREVIEW

Turnaround teams to meet

By Jim Molony / MLB.com 10/5/2004

Two teams who weren't supposed to be here and two pitchers who were thought to be finished. The National League Division Series matchup between Houston and Atlanta seemed improbable not too long ago, but here it is, Game 1 at Turner Field with two of the surprise teams in baseball meeting with a League Championship Series berth at stake. Full story >

Braves-Astros: Position analysis Spotlight centers on center field

Braves-Astros: Starting pitching Clemens well-rested for playoffs

NLDS forecast: Astros vs. Braves Series will come down to starting rotations

Astros-Braves season series Teams split six games during regular season

Astros-Braves NLDS Probables Wright gets first game starts for Braves

Baseball Daily News / Astros

Beltran investment pays off Whether outfielder stays in Houston remains to be seen

Molony: Lidge brings lethal slider Closer's emergence and wicked pitch has fueled Astros

Gallo: Playoffs are a privilege Postseason is opportunity of a lifetime for any player

Turnaround teams ready to meet Clemens, Wright eager to toe rubber in Game 1 in Atlanta

Astros treat fans to 'Rally Monday' Over 8,000 attend playoff party at Minute Maid Park

Astros drop in on postseason party Houston comes out of nowhere to grab NL Wild Card

Meet Houston's Minute Maid Park Astros' home has game's most original features

Astros facts and figures Houston riding 18-game home win streak

Astros' defining moments Signing Clemens in offseason a key move

Astros postseason history Houston seeks its first World Series berth

How the Astros were built Team a nice blend of youth and veteran talent

Astros feel good going to Atlanta Club confident for fourth playoff turn with Braves

Baseball Daily News / Braves

Franco keeps defying his age Oldest player in Majors ready to face Astros at 46

Thomas: Ready to get started First postseason game will be memorable experience

Turnaround teams ready to meet Clemens, Wright eager to toe rubber in Game 1 in Atlanta

Fans get pumped on 'Rally Monday' Braves backers celebrate club at CNN Center

Braves enjoying underdog role New crop of talent, same success in Atlanta

Braves to play Astros in NLDS Wright faces Clemens in Game 1 on Wednesday

Braves facts and figures Atlanta brings second-best record in NL into playoffs

How the Braves were built Team able to replace big names with quality

Braves postseason history Atlanta won World Series in 1995

Turnaround at The Ted Braves hope to end Turner Field postseason slump

Braves monthly recap Atlanta rolls to division lead in July

Braves' defining moments Moving Chipper back to third a key decision