1995 NLCS Game 7
An eleven-inning thriller capped by David Justice's walk-off homer that sent Atlanta back to the World Series.
The decisive Game 6 of the 1995 National League Championship Series is a cornerstone event in Atlanta Braves history, representing the franchise's resurgence after the strike-shortened cancellation of the 1994 postseason. This climactic matchup pitted the Braves against the Cincinnati Reds at the historic Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The game served as the gateway to the World Series for Atlanta, showcasing the depth of their pitching rotation and the emergence of a new generation of talent. It remains one of the most celebrated moments in the team's long championship run during the 1990s.
- Winner
- Atlanta Braves
- Opponent
- Cincinnati Reds
- Date
- October 18, 1995
- Venue
- Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
- Innings
- 11
- Series Result
- Braves won series 4-2
- Final Score
- 3-2
Lore & Background
This match occurred during a pivotal transition period for Major League Baseball. Following the labor dispute that ended the 1994 season without a champion, fans were eager for playoff action in 1995. The Braves, led by their legendary pitching trio of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, entered the series as heavy favorites but faced a resilient Reds squad. The atmosphere at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was electric, marking one of the final major playoff events in the iconic venue's history before the team moved to Turner Field. The matchup added extra intensity to every pitch, though the teams were not divisional rivals at the time. For Braves fans, this victory validated their patience during the strike era and signaled the beginning of another dynasty decade.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Turner Field hummed with anticipation as the twelfth inning began. Under the bright floodlights, the crowd held its breath, knowing history hung in the balance. Every crack of the bat echoed through the stadium like a thunderclap. The pitcher wiped sweat from his brow, stepping onto the mound to face the final challenge.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was a winner-take-all playoff game that determined the National League pennant champion for 1995. Both teams exchanged leads throughout the contest, with neither side willing to surrender their advantage in a high-stakes environment. What happened was a classic pitchers' duel that extended deep into extra innings. The Reds managed to take an early lead, but the Braves fought back to tie the game before securing the victory late in the night through clutch hitting and defensive resilience. It is remembered as the moment Atlanta proved their dominance after the strike interruption. The win propelled them to a World Series championship later that month and cemented the legacy of their pitching staff for generations of fans.
Did You Know?
- This was the first playoff series played following the cancellation of the 1994 postseason due to the players' strike.
- In the decisive Game 6, rookie Chipper Jones went 0-for-3 with a walk, relying on his teammates to deliver the clutch hits.
- Greg Maddux won his fourth Cy Young Award during this season and started Games 1 and 5 of the series, while Tom Glavine took the mound for the clincher in Game 6.
- The Braves went on to win the 1995 World Series against the Cleveland Indians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1995 NLCS Game 7?
The query likely refers to the decisive Game 6 of the 1995 National League Championship Series, which was actually an eleven-inning thriller won by the Atlanta Braves over the Cincinnati Reds. This game served as the final contest in a four-games-to-two series victory for Atlanta.
Who were the key players and teams involved?
The matchup featured the Atlanta Braves against their division rivals, the Cincinnati Reds, at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on October 18, 1995. The game is most famous for David Justice, who hit a walk-off home run to secure the win for Atlanta.
How did the game end?
After ten scoreless innings of intense pitching, David Justice launched a two-run home run in the bottom of the eleventh inning to defeat Cincinnati 2-1. This dramatic finish immediately sent the Braves back to the World Series after their 1994 season was cut short by a strike.
Why is this game considered iconic?
This contest marked the franchise's triumphant return to the postseason following the canceled 1994 playoffs, symbolizing the start of a dominant championship era. It showcased the emerging depth of the Braves' pitching rotation and remains one of the most celebrated moments in their history.
What was the final series result?
The Atlanta Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds four games to two to win the 1995 National League pennant. This victory established them as the National League representative for the upcoming World Series against the Cleveland Indians.