Reds vs. Red Sox Game 7

The atmosphere was electric as the crowd filed into Fenway Park for Game 7. Boston fans hoped tonight would finally end the curse that had plagued their team since 1918. Cincinnati backers hoped their 108-win team could claim the crown and take their place as one of the all-time greats in baseball history. The starting pitchers were Bill Lee for Boston and Don Gullett for the Reds. What followed was one of the most unusual Diamond Legacies games I have ever played.

Leading off the game, Pete Rose reached second after Red Sox left fielder Bernie Carbo misplayed a slicing fly ball. Joe Morgan followed with a drive that looked like it would find the gap in right-center before Fred Lynn made a diving catch. Rose alertly advanced to third on the fly out. With Johnny Bench at the plate Lee threw a wild pitch that allowed Rose to score. Bench drew a walk and scored on Tony Perez's double to right. Cincinnati led 2-0, but that would be their only hit of the game.

The losing pitcher in his two previous starts in this series, Gullett brought his best stuff to Game 7. Boston's best chance to score came in the third when Dwight Evans lined a shot that hit high off the Green Monster, just missing a home run by a couple feet. With Dewey on second, Rick Burleson laid down a bunt to advance the runner to third with one out. Darrell Johnson sent Juan Beniquez to pinch hit for Lee, ending the Spaceman's night after just three innings. Unfortunately for the Red Sox, Beniquez hit a one-hopper to Gullett that forced Evans to remain at third. Carbo then flied out to end the inning.

With one out in the sixth, Joe Morgan reached first after a third strike got past Carlton Fisk. Bench then followed with what looked like a double to right, before Evans made a diving catch to rob the hit. Cincinnati bats remained cold the rest of the game. It was even worse for Boston's offense. After the third inning, Gullett did not allow a single baserunner. The Reds ace allowed only two hits in a brilliant shutout performance.

Much like the real '75 Reds, the Big Red Machine was pushed to the brink before narrowly claiming the championship on the road in Game 7. It was a fun series to play with plenty of drama and tense at-bats over the seven games. Now it's time to review the stats and determine the MVP. 

Reds 2, Red Sox 0