Dodgers’ Playoff Moment: Valenzuela Leads Dodgers To World Series

As the Dodgers head home to try to turn the NLCS around, we take a look back at the 1981 NLCS against the Montreal Expos. This version of the Dodgers team was down 2-0 in the NLDS and won three straight against the Houston Astros.

The Dodgers took Game 1 at Dodger Stadium before losing the next two games, one at home and one at Olympic Stadium in Montreal. The NL West champions would take Game 4 on the road forcing a winner-take-all Game 5.

Dodger rookie starter Fernando Valenzuela would take the mound against the Expos’ Ray Burris.Valenzuela allowed a run in the first inning and the Dodgers remained off the scoreboard until the fifth when they tied the score at one.

The game continued to be tied until the ninth inning when the Expos brought their ace, Steve Rogers, to try to get the team to the bottom of the inning.

Rogers got two quick outs before going 3-1 against Dodger Rick Monday. The next pitch was a home run by Monday to give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead that they would try to preserve. Valenzuela got the first two batters out in the bottom of the ninth before walking back-to-back hitters.

The Dodgers brought in Bob Welch to try and close the game out and he would get the out and send the Dodgers to the World Series. Facing them in the World Series was the New York Yankees and the Dodgers completed their magical season beating them in five games.

Here’s video of the Dodgers winning the NLCS against the Expos: