1989 World Series Game 3: A Full Box Score Breakdown

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey baseball fans! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most memorable games in World Series history: Game 3 of the 1989 series. This matchup featured the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants, a Bay Area showdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats. We'll be breaking down the full box score, giving you all the nitty-gritty details of what happened on that fateful day. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's relive some baseball magic!

The Prelude to Game 3: An Unforeseen Interruption

Before we get into the box score itself, it's crucial to set the stage. The 1989 World Series, often referred to as the "Earthquake Series," was already etched in history due to a devastating earthquake that struck the Bay Area just before Game 3 was set to begin. Candlestick Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants, was significantly impacted, leading to a 10-day postponement of the series. This unprecedented event cast a shadow over the games, but the resilience of the city and the players meant the series would eventually resume. The anticipation for Game 3, whenever it would be played, was immense. Both teams were coming off dominant performances in the first two games, with the Oakland A's taking a commanding 2-0 lead. The Giants, playing in their home park, were desperate to claw their way back into the series. The atmosphere, despite the recent tragedy, was charged with a unique blend of sporting fervor and a collective sense of community spirit. The players, too, had to navigate the emotional weight of the situation, returning to play under circumstances no one could have ever predicted. This context makes the box score of Game 3 even more significant, as it represents a return to normalcy, or at least a semblance of it, in the face of overwhelming adversity. The sheer willpower required to focus on the game amidst such a backdrop is a testament to the human spirit and the unifying power of sports. The A's, with their "Bash Brothers" slugging prowess, were heavily favored, but the Giants, fueled by home crowd support and a desire to represent their shaken city, were ready to fight. This game wasn't just about baseball; it was about hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Bay Area.

Oakland Athletics vs. San Francisco Giants: Game 3 Box Score

Let's get down to business and dissect the box score for Game 3 of the 1989 World Series. This game took place on October 27, 1989, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The Oakland Athletics, managed by Tony La Russa, faced the San Francisco Giants, managed by Roger Craig. The A's had already showcased their dominance in the first two games, and they were looking to continue that momentum. The Giants, on the other hand, were playing for pride and for their city, which was still recovering from the Loma Prieta earthquake.

The Final Score:

Oakland Athletics: 5 runs, 10 hits, 0 errors San Francisco Giants: 0 runs, 4 hits, 1 error

Pitching Highlights:

  • Oakland Athletics:

    • Dave Stewart (W, 1-0): The "Dave" Stewart, the ace of the A's, delivered a masterful performance. He pitched 9 shutout innings, striking out 4 batters and allowing only 4 hits. Stewart was in complete control from start to finish, showcasing why he was one of the most feared pitchers in the game. His ability to mix his fastball, slider, and changeup kept the Giants hitters off balance throughout the entire contest. He commanded the strike zone with authority, and when hitters did make contact, they often hit weak ground balls or pop-ups. The A's defense behind him was also stellar, turning in a flawless performance to support their dominant pitcher. Stewart's outing in Game 3 is considered one of his finest moments in a career filled with them, a true testament to his clutch pitching in the biggest of games. He set the tone early, retiring the first nine batters he faced in order. The Giants struggled to string together any meaningful rallies against him, and by the time the game was in its later innings, the outcome seemed all but decided. His confidence seemed to grow with each batter he faced, and the Giants hitters, sensing their own struggles, began to press, leading to more unproductive at-bats. The sheer dominance displayed by Stewart was a crucial factor in the A's victory, and it further solidified their reputation as a powerhouse team.
    • No other A's pitchers were used.

  • San Francisco Giants:

    • Scott Garrelts (L, 0-1): Garrelts struggled to find his rhythm. He pitched 6 innings, giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits, walking 2 and striking out 3. He bore the brunt of the A's early offensive onslaught.
    • Donnie Moore: Pitched 2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits, with 1 walk and 1 strikeout.
    • Robby Thompson: Pitched 1 inning, allowing 0 runs on 0 hits, with 1 walk and 1 strikeout.

Hitting Highlights:

  • Oakland Athletics:

    • Walt Weiss (SS): Weiss had a fantastic game, going 2-for-4 with a crucial 2-run home run in the 3rd inning that put the A's up 3-0. His defense at shortstop was also impeccable, shutting down any potential Giants rallies before they could start.
    • Dave Henderson (CF): Henderson contributed with a 2-for-4 performance, including a double and an RBI.
    • Don Brown (C): Brown chipped in with a 2-for-4 day at the plate, showing solid hitting from the catcher position.
    • Jose Canseco (RF): While not his most explosive offensive game, Canseco still managed a hit and an RBI, demonstrating his consistent threat at the plate.
    • Mark McGwire (1B): McGwire went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI, continuing his solid World Series.

  • San Francisco Giants:

    • The Giants' offense was virtually non-existent. Their hitters struggled against the masterful pitching of Dave Stewart. Kevin Mitchell had one of the few bright spots, going 1-for-3 with a double, but he couldn't drive in any runs.
    • Willie McGee: Went 0-for-4, a rare off-night for the veteran.
    • Darren Lewis: Was also hitless in his 3 at-bats.

Key Moments and Plays:

The game was tight early, with both pitchers dealing. However, the Oakland Athletics broke the scoreless tie in the top of the 3rd inning. Walt Weiss stepped up with runners on first and second and blasted a two-run home run, giving the A's a 3-0 lead. This was a huge momentum swing, and the Giants' pitcher Scott Garrelts could never quite recover. The A's added two more runs in the 7th inning, one of which was driven in by Dave Henderson with a double, and another by Mark McGwire on a sacrifice fly, sealing their 5-0 victory. Stewart's pitching performance was the story of the game, as he completely stifled the Giants' offense, allowing only four hits over nine innings. The Giants' lone error in the game, a costly one in the 7th inning that allowed a run to score, further compounded their struggles. The A's executed flawlessly, playing clean defense and capitalizing on their scoring opportunities, a hallmark of their championship-caliber team. The victory put the A's up 3-0 in the series, putting them just one game away from clinching the World Series title. The crowd at Candlestick Park, though subdued by the score, was still supportive of their Giants, but the A's relentless pressure proved too much to overcome.

Analyzing the Impact of Game 3

The Game 3 box score tells a story of utter dominance by the Oakland Athletics. Dave Stewart's performance was a clinic in pitching, shutting down the San Francisco Giants and preventing them from gaining any traction. The A's offense, led by Walt Weiss's timely home run, provided just enough support to secure the victory. This win was pivotal, extending the Athletics' lead to a commanding 3-0 in the series. It placed immense pressure on the Giants to win every subsequent game, a task that proved too daunting. The game also highlighted the stark contrast in the teams' performances during the series. While the A's showcased their championship pedigree with consistent hitting and stellar pitching, the Giants struggled to find their offensive rhythm. The earthquake's impact, both physically and emotionally, might have played a role in the Giants' struggles, but the A's were simply the better team on the field during these games. The box score doesn't explicitly show the emotional toll the earthquake had, but it's undeniable that the Giants were playing under extraordinary circumstances. For the A's, this game was a statement of intent, a clear indication that they were on a mission to win the World Series. The series would eventually conclude in Game 4, with the Athletics sweeping the Giants. Game 3, however, remains a significant chapter in the narrative of the 1989 World Series, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of athletic excellence, even in the face of unprecedented adversity. It was a game where baseball provided a much-needed distraction and a symbol of hope for a city in recovery, all meticulously documented in its detailed box score.

Looking Back: A Memorable Series

Game 3 of the 1989 World Series, as revealed by its box score, was a defining moment. The Oakland Athletics' 5-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants was a showcase of pitching prowess and timely hitting. Dave Stewart's shutout performance was legendary, and Walt Weiss's home run provided the crucial offensive spark. This game, embedded within the unique context of the