The Pirates returned to the NLCS after a one-year hiatus, making it four appearances in five years from 1970-74. However, it wasn't easy, as they were tied for first in the East with just three games remaining on their regular-season schedule. But it was the Dodgers' bats that had the final say in this NLCS, as Los Angeles put an exclamation mark on the series with a 12-1 romp in Game 4.

After the Dodgers took Games 1 and 2, Pittsburgh's Bruce Kison and Ramon Hernandez combined for a shutout in Game 3. But Steve Garvey (with two home runs) and the L.A. bats put the series to bed with the Game 4 victory that featured runs in six of their eight times at bat. Garvey and Bill Russell both finished with seven hits in the series for Los Angeles, while Willie Stargell had six (including two homers) for the Pirates.

Don Sutton gave up one run in 17 innings (two starts, both victories) in the series.

Path to the NLCS: The Pirates (88-74) won the NL East by 1 1/2 games. The Dodgers (102-60) won the NL West by four games.?

Managers: Walter Alston, LAD; Danny Murtaugh, PIT