Doubleday Baseball League Announces 1996 Division Series Results
The 1996 Doubleday Baseball League Division Series have concluded, and four teams now stand on the brink of the World Series. It was a round filled with drama, late-inning heroics, and two thrilling seven-game showdowns in the Federal League.
The St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators, and Arizona Diamondbacks have advanced to their respective League Championship Series.
Federal League
St. Louis Cardinals defeat Florida Marlins, 4–3
In a tightly contested series, the St. Louis Cardinals edged out the Florida Marlins in seven games to punch their ticket to the Federal League Championship.
St. Louis jumped out to a 2–0 series lead before the Marlins fought back to even things up. The two teams traded wins through the next three games, setting up a decisive Game 7. Behind masterful pitching, St. Louis held off Florida 1–0 to clinch the series.
Series Results:
- GM1: STL 8 – 1 FLA
- GM2: STL 5 – 4 FLA
- GM3: FLA 5 – 2 STL
- GM4: FLA 8 – 6 STL
- GM5: FLA 5 – 6 STL
- GM6: STL 2 – 3 FLA
- GM7: STL 1 – 0 FLA
St. Louis wins series, 4–3.
Cincinnati Reds defeat Kansas City Royals, 4–3
In another back-and-forth seven-game thriller, the Cincinnati Reds outlasted the Kansas City Royals to advance. Both clubs traded momentum throughout the series, with Cincinnati finally breaking through in Game 7 thanks to a relentless offensive performance that sealed a 13–8 victory.
Series Results:
- GM1: CIN 9 – 1 KC
- GM2: CIN 3 – 2 KC
- GM3: KC 5 – 3 CIN
- GM4: KC 6 – 4 CIN
- GM5: KC 1 – 5 CIN
- GM6: CIN 3 – 4 KC
- GM7: CIN 13 – 8 KC
Cincinnati wins series, 4–3.
United League
Washington Senators sweep Toronto Blue Jays, 4–0
The Washington Senators dominated their matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays, sweeping the series in four straight games. Washington’s pitching staff silenced Toronto’s offense throughout, outscoring them 32–9 over the series. With the sweep, Washington advances to the United League Championship Series riding strong momentum.
Series Results:
- GM1: TOR 0 – 5 WAS
- GM2: TOR 3 – 8 WAS
- GM3: WAS 12 – 3 TOR
- GM4: WAS 7 – 3 TOR
Washington wins series, 4–0.
Arizona Diamondbacks defeat Montreal Expos, 4–3
The Arizona Diamondbacks battled through a hard-fought seven-game series to eliminate the Montreal Expos and advance to the United League Championship Series. The two clubs traded wins throughout the matchup, with Arizona’s Game 7 shutout sealing their spot in the next round.
Series Results:
- GM1: MON 0 – 6 ARI
- GM2: MON 6 – 1 ARI
- GM3: ARI 0 – 6 MON
- GM4: ARI 7 – 5 MON
- GM5: ARI 2 – 1 MON
- GM6: MON 14 – 0 ARI
- GM7: MON 0 – 4 ARI
Arizona wins series, 4–3.
League Championship Matchups Set
With the Division Series complete, the 1996 DBL League Championship Series are set:
- Federal League Championship Series: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds
- United League Championship Series: Washington Senators vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Both series will be best-of-seven matchups, with winners advancing to the 1996 DBL World Series.