query: when did houston win their last world series

pos: Houston Astros the U.S. crewed space program—was adopted three years later, when they moved into the Astrodome, the first domed sports stadium. The Astros played in the NL from 1962 to 2012, first in the West Division from 1969 to 1993, followed by the Central Division from 1994 to 2012. The team was reclassified to the American League West from 2013 onward. While a member of the NL, the Astros played in one World Series in 2005, losing in four games to the Chicago White Sox. In 2017, they became the first franchise in MLB history to have won a pennant in

pos: 2018 World Series team since the 1992 Atlanta Braves, to lose consecutive Fall Classics. The Boston Red Sox' most recent World Series appearance was their 2013 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who last won a World Series in 1988 over the Oakland Athletics, made their second consecutive appearance, after losing to the Houston Astros in 2017. The two franchises faced each other in the 1916 World Series; the Red Sox won the series in five games against the then-Brooklyn Robins. Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts were teammates on the Dodgers in 2002, 2003,

pos: 2018 American League Championship Series teams with 100 wins, though the third since the 2017 World Series. The 211 combined regular season wins for both teams was the second-most of any postseason series ever, just behind the 1998 World Series. It was also the first ALCS to feature two 100-win teams since 1977, when the New York Yankees (100–62) defeated the Kansas City Royals (102–60). Boston and Houston had met once before in the postseason, with the Astros winning the 2017 ALDS, 3–1. Houston was 4–3 in their seven games against Boston during the 2018 regular season. For the 2018 regular season. Three time All-Star

pos: Sports in Houston (MLS), Houston Dash (NWSL), and Houston SaberCats (MLR) . Houston does not have an NHL team. The Astros won the 2017 World Series for the first World Series win in franchise history. In 2006, the Dynamo won the MLS Cup in their first year after moving from San Jose, California, and in 2007 became the first MLS franchise since 1997 to repeat a championship. The Rockets won back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros) and Toyota Center (home of the Rockets) are located in Downtown Houston—contributing to an urban renaissance that has transformed

pos: 2003 World Series Chicago Cubs and most recently the 2017 Houston Astros. They also became the second expansion team in the National League to win two World Series titles, following the New York Mets who achieved this feat in ; the Toronto Blue Jays of the American League, who pulled this off in and , are the third major-league expansion franchise to do so. The Kansas City Royals, also of the American League, became the 4th expansion franchise to win two World Series titles, adding the 2015 title to their 1985 win. The Marlins also became the fastest expansion team to win two

pos: 1981 World Series one World Series title during the 1980s. However, since their 1988 World Series win, the Dodgers would not appear in another World Series until 2017 (which they lost to the Houston Astros), despite reaching the NLCS in 2008, 2009, 2013, and 2016. The Yankees, on the other hand, appeared in seven World Series (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2009) in that span, winning all but 2001 and 2003. 1981 World Series (4–2): Los Angeles Dodgers (N.L.) over New York Yankees (A.L.) SERIES STATS | REGULAR SEASON SERIES STATS | REGULAR SEASON SERIES STATS | REGULAR SEASON SERIES STATS

pos: World Series is awarded to the league champion team with the better regular season win-loss record. If both league champions have the same record, the second tie-breaker would be head-to-head record, and if that does not resolve it, the third tie-breaker would be best divisional record. The Houston Astros won the 2017 World Series in 7 games against the Los Angeles Dodgers on November 1, 2017, winning their first World Series since their creation in 1962. The Boston Red Sox won the 2018 World Series, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in 5 games for their fourth title since 2004. American League (AL)

pos: 2017 World Series 2017 World Series The 2017 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2017 season. The 113th edition of the World Series, it was played between October 24 and November 1. The series was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (NL) champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the American League (AL) champion Houston Astros. It was sponsored by the Internet television service YouTube TV and officially known as the "2017 World Series presented by YouTube TV". The Astros defeated the Dodgers, four games to three, to win their first World Series in franchise history, also becoming the

neg: 1977 World Series having been denied access to the Yankees' clubhouse during the series, asserting that her 14th Amendment right was violated. Ludtke won her case. The 1977 television movie "Murder at the World Series" centered around a fictionalized version of this year's Fall Classic, in which the Houston Astros were playing the Oakland Athletics. At the time, it had been three years since the A's last appeared in a World Series, and would be eleven years until their next appearance; the Astros did not make the playoffs until 1980, win their first pennant until , or their first championship until . 1977

neg: 1980 Philadelphia Phillies season ERA = Earned run average; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts" "Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts" October 7: Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia October 8: Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia October 10: Astrodome, Houston, Texas October 11: Astrodome, Houston, Texas October 12: Astrodome, Houston, Texas When the modern-day World Series began in 1903, the National and American Leagues each had eight teams. With their victory in the 1980 World Series, the Phillies became the last of the "Original Sixteen" franchises to win

neg: 2005 Houston Astros season and the first 1-0 game in any Series game since Game 5 of the 1996 World Series when the New York Yankees shut out the Braves in the last game ever played at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium. 2005 World Series (4-0): Chicago White Sox (A.L.) over Houston Astros (N.L.) 2005 Houston Astros season The Houston Astros' 2005 season was a season in which the Houston Astros qualified for the postseason for the second consecutive season. The Astros overcame a sluggish 15–30 start to claim the wild card playoff spot, and would go on to win the National League pennant to advance

neg: 1985–86 Houston Rockets season Boston Celtics in a rematch of the 1981 NBA Finals, where the Celtics won in six games. Just like in their previous NBA Finals meeting, the Rockets would lose in six games against the Celtics. (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Sacramento Kings:"Rockets win series 3–0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1981 Western Conference Finals (Houston won 4–1; Kings were in Kansas City, Missouri) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Denver Nuggets: "Rockets win series 4–2" Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Rockets and Nuggets. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4–1" Last Playoff Meeting:

neg: David Price (baseball) Game 2 of the Championship Series against the Houston Astros, which the Red Sox won, 7–5, with Price allowing four runs, five hits, and four walks in innings; he received a no decision as he did not complete the fifth inning. When Chris Sale became unavailable to start Game 5 of that series for health reasons, Price was called on to start again on only three days' rest, and earned the win, holding Houston scoreless through six innings while allowing just three hits and striking out nine. Winning 4–1, the Red Sox clinched their first trip to the World Series

neg: 1954 World Series the Mets did not reach the postseason until after they moved to Shea Stadium. Game 4 was the last World Series and playoff game at Cleveland Stadium; the Indians did not return to the World Series or playoffs until , a year after Jacobs Field opened. The Indians, by winning the American League pennant, kept the Yankees from having a chance to win their sixth straight series. The last time the Yankees had not won the series or pennant beforehand was 1948, when, again, the Indians kept them out (although that year, they won the Series). It was also the

neg: 2005 World Series ways that patterns appear to emerge in sporting events, the White Sox World Series win in 2005, along with the Boston Red Sox win in 2004, symmetrically bookended the two teams' previous World Series winners and the long gaps between, with the Red Sox and White Sox last Series wins having come in 1918 and 1917, respectively. 2005 World Series (4–0): Chicago White Sox (A.L.) over Houston Astros (N.L.) As per their contract, Fox Sports carried the World Series on United States television. Joe Buck provided play-by-play for his eighth World Series while analyst Tim McCarver worked his sixteenth. ESPN

neg: 2017 National League Championship Series to win the NL pennant for the first time in 29 years, their last one in 1988. This was the first time in history that the NLCS and ALCS teams were from the four most populous U.S. cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. For the first time, Major League Baseball sold presenting sponsorships to all of its postseason series; this NLCS was sponsored by Camping World and was officially known as the "National League Championship Series presented by Camping World". The Dodgers would go on to lose to the Houston Astros in the World Series in seven games.

neg: 1992–93 Houston Rockets season their record with Seattle, and losing home court advantage due to their match-up tie-breaker against the Sonics, and ended up losing the decisive Game 7 in overtime at Seattle. Following the season, Sleepy Floyd signed as a free agent with the San Antonio Spurs. (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Los Angeles Clippers: "Rockets win series 3-2" Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Seattle SuperSonics: "Sonics win series 4-3" Last Playoff Meeting: 1989 Western Conference First Round (Seattle won 3-0) 1992–93 Houston Rockets season The 1992–93 NBA season was the Rockets' 26th season in

neg: History of the Chicago White Sox a championship series was in the 1956 World Series between the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees, and the 1928 Yankees were the last team to win four consecutive complete games in a championship series. In fact, the last time any major league pitching staff had hurled four straight complete game victories was near the end of the 1983 regular season, when the Texas Rangers accomplished the feat. The White Sox now advanced to the World Series, where they would take on the National League champion Houston Astros. The White Sox' appearance in the World Series was bittersweet for longtime

neg: 1993–94 Houston Rockets season and 1986. Olajuwon was the only player of the 1985–86 Rockets to still be on the 1993–94 team. The Rockets also became the first team from the Midwest Division since the Milwaukee Bucks 23 years ago to win the NBA title. (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Portland Trail Blazers: "Rockets win series 3–1" Last playoff meeting: 1987 Western Conference First Round (Houston won 3–1) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Phoenix Suns: "Rockets win series 4–3" Last playoff meeting: This was the first meeting between the Rockets and Suns. (2) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Utah Jazz: "Rockets win series 4–1" Last

neg: 1972 World Series franchise since the days of Connie Mack when the team was in Philadelphia and had won in 1930. The victory ensured manager Dick Williams' return for another year. It was the Athletics' sixth World Series title, and the first of three consecutive titles. This was the last time to date that an American League team had won a World Series Game 7 on the road until , when the Houston Astros did so in Los Angeles. 1972 World Series (4–3): Oakland A's (A.L.) over Cincinnati Reds (N.L.) 1972 World Series The 1972 World Series matched the American League champion Oakland

neg: 1980–81 Houston Rockets season of 60 set in 1976, and achieving a free-throw percentage of .958, breaking Barry's record set with the Rockets in 1979. Notes (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 2-1" Last playoff meeting: This the first playoff meeting between the Lakers and the Rockets (2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4-3" Last playoff meeting: 1980 Eastern conference first round (Houston won 2-1) (5) Kansas City Kings vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4-1" Last playoff meeting: This is the first meeting between the Kings and the Rockets 1980–81 Houston Rockets

neg: 1998–99 New York Knicks season Houston 21.6. The Knicks defense did not allow any opponent to score more than 96 points against them in their 20 playoff games. Following the season, Williams retired. The team's season roster is featured in NBA 2K18. C – NBA Champions E – Eastern Conference Champions Feb. Player G MPG FG% 3p% FT% REB APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG (1) Miami Heat vs. (8) New York Knicks: "Knicks win series 3-2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1998 Eastern Conference First Round (New York won 3-2) (4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (8) New York Knicks: "Knicks win series 4-0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1971

neg: Tommy Houston race in 9th position. The very next week, Houston started 15th at the series first ever short track race Richmond Fairgrounds Raceway. From there, Houston moved solidly through the field and held off Bubba Nissen for the win. After problems at Bristol, Houston put together a run of 5 top-10 finishes. However, inconsistency through the year cost him. He did not finish the last 3 races as well as 7 others. That cost him any shot at the title. At Hickory Speedway in August, however, Houston held off Tommy Ellis for his second career win after starting 4th. All told,

neg: 1977 NBA Playoffs series 2–1" Last playoff meeting: 1976 Eastern Conference Semifinals (Cleveland won 4-3) (4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) San Antonio Spurs: "Celtics win series 2–0" Last playoff meeting: This is the first meeting between the Celtics and the Spurs. (1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (4) Boston Celtics: "76ers win series 4–3" Last playoff meeting: 1969 Eastern Division Semifinals (Boston won 4-1) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Washington Bullets: "Rockets win series 4–2" Last playoff meeting: This is the first meeting between the Rockets and the Bullets. (1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (2) Houston Rockets: "76ers win series 4–2" Last playoff meeting: This is

neg: Curse of the Billy Goat never win another National League (NL) pennant (at least for the remainder of Sianis's life). The Cubs lost the 1945 World Series to the Detroit Tigers, and did not win a World Series championship again until 2016. The Cubs had last won the World Series in 1908. After the incident with Sianis and Murphy, the Cubs did not play in the World Series for the next 71 years until, on the 46th anniversary of Billy Sianis's death, the "curse" was broken when they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5–0 in game 6 of the 2016 National League Championship Series to

neg: History of the Miami Marlins Yankee Stadium since 1981, when the Los Angeles Dodgers did it. The Marlins are also the last team to win a World Series at the original Yankee Stadium; the Yankees themselves would not participate in another World Series until 2009, when they defeated the then-defending champion Philadelphia Phillies at the new Yankee Stadium. The Marlins won the series despite scoring fewer runs (17) than the Yankees (21). The offseason after their second World Series title, the Marlins made a questionable cost-cutting move as Derrek Lee was traded to Chicago Cubs for Hee-seop Choi and pitcher Mike Nannini. The Marlins also

neg: Bob Lemon and win the pennant. Lemon's Yankees then beat the Royals in the ALCS and defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the World Series title. With the Series win, Lemon became the first AL manager and third MLB manager to take over a team mid-season and win a World Series. Before the World Series, one columnist wrote, "...many observers feel that Lemon's low-keyed approach with the Yankees' temperamental millionaires as compared to the combativeness of Martin served to mold a spirit of togetherness among the Yankees that did not even exist last year when they won it all." Lemon and

neg: 1972–73 WHA season headed into overtime tied at 2; a Houston goal would even the series while a Los Angeles goal would give the Sharks a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Aeros scored in overtime to even the series, then won game 5 in Houston, 6-3. Game six in L.A. was another thriller, with Houston scoring late to win the game 3-2 and win the series. New England Whalers defeated the Winnipeg Jets, 4 games to 1. The Whalers defeated the Jets 9 to 6 in the deciding game, with Larry Pleau scoring a hat trick. Upon their win, The Avco World Trophy

neg: 2014 Houston Astros season 2014 Houston Astros season The 2014 Houston Astros season was the 53rd season for the franchise in Houston, their 50th as the Astros and their 15th season at Minute Maid Park. The Astros failed to make the playoffs, but made a nineteen win improvement from the previous season, finishing 70-92. The Astros also avoided last place in the AL West, finishing three games ahead of the Rangers. It was the first time since 2010 that the Astros did not finish in last place for their division, and featured the best overall season record since that season as well. "Note: G

neg: 1986 World Series Super Bowl XX and the Boston Celtics won the 1986 NBA Finals over the Houston Rockets. This was the last Red Sox loss in a World Series game until Game 2 of the 2013 World Series, when the Red Sox lost 4-2 to the St. Louis Cardinals after 9 consecutive wins in World Series play. Their intervening World Series appearances included their sweep against the St. Louis Cardinals, ending the Curse of the Bambino, their sweep against the Colorado Rockies, and their victory over the Cardinals in six games. The 2013 series marked the first time that the Red Sox

neg: 1994–95 Houston Rockets season Phoenix Suns vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4-3" Last Playoff Meeting: 1994 Western Conference Semifinals (Houston won 4-3) (1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4-2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1981 Western Conference Semifinals (Houston won 4-3) Head Coach: Rudy Tomjanovich <br> Hakeem Olajuwon | Clyde Drexler | Kenny Smith | Robert Horry | Sam Cassell | Mario Elie | Carl Herrera | Vernon Maxwell | Chucky Brown | Pete Chilcutt | Tracy Murray | Tim Breaux | Žan Tabak | Charles Jones | Adrian Caldwell | Although both centers played well, Olajuwon is generally

neg: Nicknames of Houston be "Choke City". It was revived in 2005, as the Houston Astros had a late-season rally to win the pennant and clinch their first-ever World Series appearance, and again in 2006, when the Houston Dynamo won the MLS Cup in their inaugural season. The Rockets' mascot, "Clutch the Bear", was named the 5th-most recognizable mascot in sports by "USA Today" in February 2005, and was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006. Crush City is a nickname that derived from the 2015 Houston Astros season. "Crush" is a reference to the high amount of home runs delivered by

neg: Jesse Orosco extra-inning walk-off wins. Orosco pitched the last four innings of the first game and the final inning of the second game, and both times was the pitcher of record when the Mets rallied to win. Orosco's clutch relief pitching in the postseason was one of the key reasons the Mets won the World Series. He was on the mound for the final pitch of the final game of both the NLCS against the Houston Astros, and the World Series against the Boston Red Sox. Orosco ended both series by striking out the final batter. Orosco also provided one of the

neg: 1954 World Series who would move west to become the San Francisco Giants, would not win a World Series again until the 2010 season. This was the first time the Cleveland Indians had been swept in a World Series and the first time the New York Giants had swept an opponent without qualification. They had won four games without a loss in the 1922 World Series, but there was also one tie. Game 2 was the last World Series and playoff game at the Polo Grounds, because the Giants did not win another pennant until after their move to San Francisco and because

neg: 1986 Houston Astros season Red Sox, a series in which they would pull off one of the greatest comebacks of all time. The Mets had won the series with a .189 batting average, the lowest average ever recorded by a winning team in a postseason series. Their pitching had been the key. All-Star Game 1986 Houston Astros season The Houston Astros' 1986 season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Houston Astros attempting to win the National League West, which they did for their third time in seven seasons. Scott was the first pitcher in the National League and the second overall

neg: 2013 Chicago White Sox season In the finale of that series, the Sox achieved their first walk-off win of the season in extras. Last season, the Sox did not achieve their first walk-off win until June 7. Since 2008, the Sox went 19-4 at home against Seattle. The Sox went to Washington, D.C. where they took on one of the World Series contending teams, the Nationals. The Sox were unsurprisingly been swept and fall to 4-5 all time against the Nationals. Until 2013, April was the only baseball month when Sox never faced NL teams along with all other AL teams. The Sox swept the

neg: 1980–81 Boston Celtics season Points; AVG = Average" The Celtics have a first-round bye. Boston defeats the Chicago Bulls four games to none (4-0) in a best of seven series. (1) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Chicago Bulls: "Celtics win series 4–0" Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series) Boston defeats the Philadelphia 76ers four games to three (4-3) in a best of seven series after making a comeback when they were losing 3-1. (1) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Philadelphia 76ers: "Celtics win series 4–3" Last Playoff Meeting: 1980 Eastern Conference Finals (Philadelphia won 4-1) (E1) Boston Celtics vs. (W6) Houston Rockets: "Celtics win

neg: Ozzie Guillén crowd of 37,706 Chicagoans when introduced before his first game as a manager at U.S. Cellular Field on April 13, 2004. On May 30, 2005, the White Sox extended Guillén's contract, making the move while the team had the best record in the majors (33–17). In 2005, he led the White Sox to their first American League pennant since 1959, and their first World Series win since 1917 with a 4-game sweep of the Houston Astros. Guillén claimed that he might retire after the 2005 season should the White Sox win the World Series, but at the parade celebrating the

neg: Jazz–Rockets rivalry a game in the second round until 2013 despite the Rockets advancing in 2009, which McGrady missed due to a season-ending injury. Utah Jazz win series 3–2. Houston Rockets win series 4–1. Houston Rockets win series 3–2. Utah Jazz win series 4–2. Utah Jazz win series 3–2. Utah Jazz win series 4–3. Utah Jazz win series 4–2. Houston Rockets win series 4–1. Jazz–Rockets rivalry The Jazz–Rockets rivalry is a National Basketball Association (NBA) rivalry between the Utah Jazz and the Houston Rockets. The rivalry began in the 1990s when the Rockets, led by dominant center Hakeem Olajuwon and college teammate

neg: 2008 Houston Cougars football team departure of Watson Brown to the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, and the appointment of former Georgia Bulldogs and Houston Cougars assistant Neil Callaway as head coach. The game was televised by the CBS College Sports Network. Former Southwest Conference and current Conference USA members, the SMU Mustangs faced the Cougars in their twenty-fourth meeting. The first game between the two teams took place during the 1975 season when Houston joined the Southwest Conference, and the teams have regularly played each other since. The Cougars led the series 13-9-1, including a 38-28 win against the Mustangs last season. This season, June

neg: 1985–86 Los Angeles Lakers season lose games to receive the number one pick. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) San Antonio Spurs: "Lakers win series 3–0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 Western Conference Finals (Los Angeles won 4–2) (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Dallas Mavericks: "Lakers win series 4–2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1984 Western Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles won 4–1) (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1981 Western Conference First Round (Houston won 2–1) "Note: GP= Games played; MPG= Minutes per Game; REB = Rebounds; AST = Assists; STL = Steals; BLK = Blocks; PTS =

neg: 1964 World Series Cardinals defeated the Boston Red Sox to win their next world championship. The first non-World Series postseason games to be played in St. Louis occurred in 1982, when the Cardinals defeated the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS and the then-American League Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. The Cardinals also ended their first season at the current Busch Stadium with a World Series win over the Detroit Tigers in ; the Yankees (then in their first season at the current Yankee Stadium) did the same thing in by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in that year's World Series. 1964 World Series

neg: Braves–Mets rivalry to win the division and face off against the Braves in the NLCS. The "Miracle Mets" swept the Braves in the series, en route to their first World Series championship against the Baltimore Orioles in the 1969 World Series. The series against the Braves was the first playoff appearance and series win by an expansion team and their World Series win by extension was the first won by an expansion team. Despite the early confrontation, the rivalry did not become especially heated until the 1990s, when division realignment put the Mets and Braves in the same division. During this time

neg: 1930 World Series six runs per game in the regular season, but could manage only two runs per game in this World Series. This was the Athletics' fifth World Series championship win (following , , and ), and their last in Philadelphia before moving to Kansas City in 1955 and then Oakland in 1968—where they have since won four more World Series titles (, , , and ). Their win this year tied them with the Boston Red Sox for most World Series wins as of that point (five) until , when the New York Yankees surged ahead of both in World Series

neg: 2005 Chicago White Sox season win the ALCS MVP award as the White Sox looked to win their first World Series since 1917. Final Score: White Sox 6, Los Angeles 3 This was the White Sox first pennant since 1959. Chicago's opponent in the 2005 World Series would be the National League Champion Houston Astros, who defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Championship Series to clinch a trip to their first World Series in franchise history. The night was special for Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, two longtime Astros making their first trip to the World Series. Game 1 was José Contreras

neg: 1993–94 Utah Jazz season Houston Rockets. Following the season, Tyrone Corbin was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. (4) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Utah Jazz: "Jazz win series 3-1" Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Spurs and Jazz. (5) Utah Jazz vs. (8) Denver Nuggets: "Jazz win series 4-3" Last Playoff Meeting: 1985 Western Conference Semifinals (Denver won 4-1) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Utah Jazz: "Rockets win series 4-1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1985 Western Conference First Round (Utah won 3-2) 1993–94 Utah Jazz season The 1993–94 NBA season was the Jazz's 20th season in the National Basketball Association, and

neg: 1990–91 Los Angeles Lakers season return to the Lakers midway through the 1995–96 NBA season. After losing to the Houston Rockets in that year's playoffs, Magic retired again for good. (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Lakers win series 3–0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1990 Western Conference First Round (Los Angeles won 3–1) (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (7) Golden State Warriors: "Lakers win series 4–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1987 Western Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles won 4–1) (1) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (3) Los Angeles Lakers: "Lakers win series 4–2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1989 Western Conference First Round (Los Angeles won 3–0) "Sunday, June

neg: Cardinals–Cubs rivalry also go on to win seven more pennants from then until 1945. The Cardinals would eventually put together a team to win the pennant and World Series in . It would be their first National League pennant and first championship since defeating the White Stockings. Although the Cubs would also win a few pennants, their championship run stopped in . Eventually, the Cubs' pennant wins would also stop in 1945, and they did not win another until , when they also won the World Series. The Cardinals have won the World Series more times (11) than any other National League

neg: Nellie Fox scored the only run when Sherm Lollar hit into a double play in the fourth inning (this was only the second time that a World Series game did not have an RBI). It was Fox's only postseason experience, and the White Sox did not make it back to the World Series until they swept the 2005 World Series from the Houston Astros. Fox played his final two seasons (1964–65) with the Houston Colt .45s and Astros. Joe Morgan later said that he looked up to Fox's example as a rookie with the Astros; Fox and Morgan were both diminutive second

neg: Vern Ruhle started Game 4 of the 1980 National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies; he left the game with a 2–1 lead in the eighth inning, with Houston needing only one last victory to reach their first World Series, but Philadelphia came back to win 5–3 in 10 innings and took the series in five games. Ruhle was the center of a controversial play in his Game Four League Championship Series start. With two runners on in the fourth inning, Ruhle fielded a soft liner off the bat of Garry Maddox and threw to first base for the double play.

neg: 2018 American League Championship Series for Houston, their World Series reign was over. Boston's Jackie Bradley Jr., who had nine RBIs in the series on three hits (a double and two home runs), was named ALCS MVP. 2018 ALCS (4–1): Boston Red Sox beat Houston Astros. 2018 American League Championship Series The 2018 American League Championship Series was a best-of-seven series pitting the Houston Astros against the Boston Red Sox, for the American League (AL) pennant and the right to play in the 2018 World Series. The series was played in a 2-3-2 format, with the first two and last two (if necessary) games played

neg: Rockets–Spurs rivalry season for the Rockets. The Rockets, known throughout the season for their prolific offense, were held to less than 100 points three times in the series after being held below 100 only five times in the regular season. Houston Rockets win series 2–1. Houston Rockets win series 4–3. Houston Rockets win series 4–2. San Antonio Spurs win series 4–2. Rockets–Spurs rivalry The Rockets–Spurs rivalry is an NBA rivalry between the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs. It is also known as the I-10 Rivalry since San Antonio and Houston lie on Interstate 10, it is one of the three

neg: John Lackey was a right biceps strain. On April 28, Lackey got his first win since the 2011 season, going six innings, giving up one run and five hits in a 6-1 win over the Houston Astros. On October 30, Lackey was the winning pitcher in Game 6 of the 2013 World Series, which clinched the Boston Red Sox' eighth World Series title. In doing so, Lackey became the first starting pitcher in Major League history to win two World Series "clinching" games with two different teams. Lackey garnered much media attention by his refusal to leave the game when Manager John

neg: 1990 NBA Playoffs the Pistons. The Indiana Pacers made only their third playoff appearance since their NBA debut in the 1976–77 season; they proceeded to make the playoffs 16 out of the next 17 years (missing only in 1997). The Dallas Mavericks made their only playoff appearance of the decade. They did not return until 2001. Game 5 of the NBA Finals was the last NBA game to be televised on CBS. Champion: Portland Trail Blazers (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Houston Rockets: "Lakers win series 3–1" This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Rockets winning the

neg: 2007 Houston Texans season causing it to roll into Carolina's end zone, where WR Kevin Walter landed on it for a touchdown, giving a huge momentum swing towards the Texans. In the fourth quarter, Houston put the out the game out of reach with Brown kicking a 33-yard field goal. The Panthers mustered up one last score as Delhomme completed a pass to Smith, who broke off many Texans defenders and ran 74 yards for a touchdown. In the end, Houston held on to win. With the win, not only did the Texans begin their season at 2–0 for the first time in franchise

neg: Bob Gibson two victories, Gibson set a new World Series record by striking out 31 batters. Gibson made the All-Star team again in 1965 season, and when the Cardinals were well out of the pennant race by August, attention turned on Gibson to see if he could win 20 games for the first time. Gibson was still looking for win number 20 on the last day of the season, a game where new Cardinals manager Red Schoendienst rested many of the regular players. Gibson still prevailed against the Houston Astros by a score of 5–2. The 1966 season marked the opening of

neg: 1932 World Series next two hitters to end the series. The Yankees had won their fourth World Series, and their 12th consecutive Series game. It was the last Series for Yankee mainstays Ruth, Combs and Pennock. The Cubs extended their World Series victory drought to 24 years with their humiliating loss, their fourth consecutive in the Fall Classic after 1910, 1918 & 1929 (to the A's, Red Sox and A's again respectively). The Cubs' drought would end up lasting 108 years, having been finally ended when the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in seven games to win the 2016 World Series. 1932 World

neg: Giants–Yankees rivalry pinstripes. The series proved to be the last Subway Series between the two clubs. The Giants would bounce back in to win the World Series over the Cleveland Indians in one of the finest seasons for a team. That would be their last World Series win in New York as well as franchise history up until . The Giants had been contemplating a move from New York when they were seeking a new stadium away from the crumbling Polo Grounds. Initially, Giants ownership was thinking of moving to Minnesota. However, San Francisco had its mayor at the time, George Christopher,

neg: 1918 World Series feature of baseball games and other sporting events. The winning pitcher of Game 1 was Babe Ruth, who pitched a shutout. The 1918 championship would be the last Red Sox win until . The drought of 86 years was often attributed to the Curse of the Bambino. The alleged curse came to be when Red Sox owner Harry Frazee traded the superbly talented but troublesome Babe Ruth (who was instrumental in their 1918 victory) to the New York Yankees for cash after the 1919 season. The Cubs would not win their next World Series until 2016. The Cubs, who last

neg: 1981 NBA Playoffs Sacramento after the 1984–85 season and didn't win a playoff series representing northern California until 2001. The Pacers became the last former ABA team to make their playoff debut, but were quickly swept by the 76ers 2–0. This is the last year to date that an NBA playoff game was played in March. The Celtics replicated their 1968 comeback by beating the Sixers in 7 after trailing 3–1. This is the only time a team came back from a 3–1 series deficit to win against the same team twice. Champion: Houston Rockets 1st Round (1) Phoenix Suns and (2) San

neg: Doug Harvey (umpire) 2-3), 1972, 1976, 1980, 1983, 1984 (Game 5), 1986, 1989 and 1991 – serving as crew chief for the last three; his record was later tied by Paul Runge, and broken by Bruce Froemming in 2000. Harvey was the home plate umpire for the single-game playoff to decide the NL's Western Division champion in 1980, between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Harvey was the home plate umpire for Game 1 of the 1988 World Series when Kirk Gibson hit a game-winning home run off Dennis Eckersley. The Los Angeles Dodgers would win the series in 5 games.

neg: 1979 NBA Playoffs Lakers: "Sonics win series 4–1" Last playoff meeting: 1978 Western Conference First Round (Seattle won 2–1) (2) Kansas City Kings vs. (3) Phoenix Suns: "Suns win series 4–1" Conference Finals (1) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (3) Phoenix Suns: "Sonics win series 4–3" Last playoff meeting:1976 Western Conference Semifinals (Phoenix won 4–2) Champion: Washington Bullets (1) Washington Bullets & (2) San Antonio Spurs have first round byes. (3) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (6) New Jersey Nets: "76ers win series 2–0" (4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks: "Hawks win series 2–0" Conference Semifinals (1) Washington Bullets vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks: "Bullets win series

neg: 2003–04 Houston Rockets season season, the team sported new uniforms and a new logo, which currently remains in use. (2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (7) Houston Rockets: "Lakers win series 4–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1999 Western Conference First Round (Los Angeles won 3-1) 2003–04 Houston Rockets season The 2003–04 NBA season was the Rockets' 37th season in the National Basketball Association, and their 33rd season in the city of Houston. The season saw the Rockets move their home games from Compaq Center to the new Toyota Center. During the offseason, the Rockets hired head coach Jeff Van Gundy, who is best known for his

neg: History of the Houston Astros Atlanta went on to win the division. The series against the Braves gave the Astros, and the fans, a taste of a race. It was also the first time in the team's history that they did not finish the season below .500. 1969 saw both the 1962 expansion teams improve, but it was the New York Mets that climbed to the top winning the World Series. In 1970 the Astros were expected to be a serious threat in the National League West. The year started with a bang when Doug Rader clobbered a shot into the upper reserve (gold) seats

neg: 1994–95 Houston Rockets season they faced the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. Both teams lacked home court advantage in the series, only winning on the road until the Rockets won Game 6 at The Summit and advanced to the NBA Finals. In the Finals, they swept the Orlando Magic in four straight games, and won their second consecutive championship. Following the season, Vernon Maxwell signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia 76ers, and Tracy Murray left in the 1995 NBA Expansion Draft. (3) Utah Jazz vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 3-2 Last Playoff Meeting: 1994 Western Conference Finals (Houston won 4-1) (2)

neg: Arizona State Sun Devils baseball final game of the series 6–0 advancing to the 1967 College World Series. They opened winning two blowout games 7–2 and 8–1 against Oklahoma State and Boston College before winning a close one against Stanford 5–3. They were shut out in the next game against the Houston Cougars 3–0 before coming back to beat Stanford 4–3 and avenging the loss against Houston to win a blowout 11–2 to win their second national championship. Once again, the Sun Devils followed up their national championship season with a second place conference finish and failed to receive a postseason berth. In 1969 the

neg: 1914 World Series in modern history (even worse than the 1962 New York Mets or the 2003 Detroit Tigers). Because the AL had won the last four World Series, including three in the last four years by the A's, and the fact that the Braves were in last place in July and rose to win the pennant, it was assumed the AL was superior to the NL. The heavily favored A's with all their hall-of-fame talent were assumed to win as they were the better team on paper. This attitude was reflected in the team's case when the pennant was assured in the

neg: History of the Houston Astros team for the ages, destined to win a World Championship. To add a hint of flavor to the matchup, both teams were celebrating their 25th season as MLB franchises that season. The 1986 NLCS was noted for great drama and is considered one of the best postseason series ever. In Game 3, the Astros were ahead at Shea Stadium, 5–4, in the bottom of the 9th when closer Dave Smith gave up a two-run home run to Lenny Dykstra, giving the Mets a dramatic 6–5 win. A historic bet on the series was made on live television between talk show

neg: 2001 National League Division Series four innings and Burkett cruised until giving up a two-run homer to Daryle Ward in the sixth. Chipper Jones's two-run homer provided insurance in the bottom of the eighth of off Octavio Dotel and Smoltz once again dominated the ninth. Ausmus flied to center to end the series. Once again, the Astros had been denied by the Braves for their first ever postseason series win. This, to date, is the last postseason series win by the Braves. 2001 NLDS (3–0): Atlanta Braves over Houston Astros The St. Louis Cardinals were making their second straight postseason appearance and they hoped to

neg: 1982 NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference Finals, the second of their three series wins in a four-year stretch. The Bullets' 2-0 sweep of the Nets was their last playoff series victory until 2005. This was the third straight year the Bucks failed to advance to the third round with the #2 seed despite a first-round bye. (1) Los Angeles Lakers and (2) San Antonio Spurs have 1st-round byes. (3) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "SuperSonics win series 2-1" This was the first playoff meeting between the Rockets and the SuperSonics. (4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Phoenix Suns: "Suns win series 2-1"

neg: 2010 Houston Astros season fine, after being hospitalized. The Astros would win that game 5–2. In the final game of the series, the Astros put up 10 runs and won 10–3, despite Pittsburgh outhitting the Astros 14–10, to secure the Astros first series sweep of the season, and their third consecutive series win. The Astros outscored the Pirates 19–8 on the backs of great pitching by Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodríguez, and Brett Myers, who combined to give up only 5 earned runs over 20.1 innings pitched over the course of the series. After the last game, the Astros had won 7 out of their

neg: 1997 National League Championship Series 1997 National League Championship Series The 1997 National League Championship Series (NLCS) pitted the Florida Marlins against the Atlanta Braves. The Marlins won the series, 4–2, and went on to defeat the Cleveland Indians in the 1997 World Series. Both teams hailed from the NL East division, the 101-win Braves being the division champions while the Marlins made the playoffs courtesy of the wild card. Both the Braves and Marlins swept their opponents during the Division Series. This was the second all-Southern postseason series, the first being in the previous round when Atlanta beat the Houston Astros. However, it was

neg: 1972–73 Los Angeles Sharks season special teams were solid, ranking 4th in the league in power play and 5th in penalty killing. Ultimately, the Sharks went 6–3–1 in their last 10 games, including winning their last two to climb from 5th place to 3rd. The Sharks' 3rd place finish enabled them to avoid a first round matchup with Bobby Hull's powerful Winnipeg Jets and earned them a series with the 2nd place Houston Aeros, who finished 2 points ahead of the Sharks in the standings. After opening in Houston with an uninspired 7–2 loss, the Sharks bounced back to win game two by a 4–2

neg: 1980 National League Championship Series took the loss. Both teams did get men to third on a few occasions: Houston in the first and fourth and Philadelphia in the third. But the staffs held firm until the bottom of the eleventh. Joe Morgan led off the inning for the Astros with a triple to right. After two intentional walks Denny Walling hit a sacrifice fly to bring home the game's only run and give Houston the victory. The Astros were now just one win away from the franchise's first-ever appearance in the World Series. In what was by now a familiar pattern, Game 4 turned

neg: 2005 World Series Radio was the nationwide radio broadcaster, as it had been since 1998. Jon Miller and Joe Morgan provided the play-by-play and analysis. Locally, KTRH-AM and WMVP were the primary carriers for the World Series in the Houston and Chicago markets. For KTRH long time Astros voice Milo Hamilton provided play-by-play while John Rooney called the games for the White Sox. Game 4 was Rooney's last call after seventeen years as the radio voice of the White Sox, as he left to take the same position with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals proceeded to win the 2006 World Series, making

neg: 2004 World Series Cardinals earned their berth into the playoffs by winning the NL Central division title, and had the best win–loss record in the NL. The Red Sox won the AL wild card to earn theirs. The Cardinals reached the World Series by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the best-of-five NL Division Series and the Houston Astros in the best-of-seven NL Championship Series. The Red Sox defeated the Anaheim Angels in the AL Division Series. After trailing three games to none to the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series, the Red Sox came back to win the series, advancing

neg: Jeff Bagwell played 4,714 games and their entire major league careers together in Houston, Bagwell and Biggio appeared in their first World Series in 2005. Bagwell was the Astros' designated hitter in the first two games against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field, and a pinch hitter in the two games played in Houston at Minute Maid Park. His last official major league plate appearance was in the seventh inning of Game 4, when he pinch hit for pitcher Brandon Backe and grounded out. The White Sox won this contest to sweep the Astros and secure the championship. With contributions of

neg: 2005 World Series American League Wild Card Game. The last two Series games technically ended on the same day, Game 3 having concluded after midnight, Houston time. The 1–0 shutout was the first game with a total of one run scored to end a World Series since the 1995 World Series, in which Game 6 was won by the Atlanta Braves over the Cleveland Indians, and the first 1–0 game in any Series game since Game 5 of the 1996 World Series when the New York Yankees shut-out the Braves in the last game ever played at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium. The 2005 White

neg: 1977 NBA Playoffs Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Golden State Warriors: "Lakers win series 4–3" Last playoff meeting: 1973 Western Conference Finals (Los Angeles won 4-1) (2) Denver Nuggets vs. (3) Portland Trail Blazers: "Blazers win series 4–2" Last playoff meeting: This was the first meeting between the Nuggets and the Trail Blazers. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (3) Portland Trail Blazers: "Blazers win series 4–0" Last playoff meeting: This is the first meeting between the Lakers and the Trail Blazers. Champion: Philadelphia 76ers (1) Philadelphia 76ers & (2) Houston Rockets have first round byes. (3) Washington Bullets vs. (6) Cleveland Cavaliers: "Bullets win

neg: 1986–87 Houston Rockets season "SuperSonics win series 4-2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1982 Western Conference First Round (Seattle won 2-1) 1986–87 Houston Rockets season The 1986–87 NBA season was the Rockets' 20th season in the NBA and 16th season in the city of Houston. The Rockets entered the season as runner-ups in the 1986 NBA Finals, having lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. In the playoffs, the Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the First Round before losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in six games in the Semifinals. (3) Portland Trail Blazers vs.(6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 3-1"

neg: Wang Zhelin Qi, and the China men's national basketball team lost 66-78 against the Houston Rockets. In the third game, Wang scored three points and the China men's national basketball team lost 42-73 against the Sacramento Kings. In the fourth game, the China men's national basketball team earned their first win of the summer, a 68-42 triumph over the Washington Wizards. Wang did not play in this game due to illness. In the last game of the series, China lost 62-66 against the Detroit Pistons. In August 2018, he played for China at the Asian Games. In the first game, China won

neg: 1981 World Series 1981 World Series The 1981 World Series was the championship series of the 1981 MLB season. It matched the New York Yankees against the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking their third meeting in the Series in five years as well as a record eleventh Series meeting overall and last Series meeting to date. The Dodgers won the Series in six games in a mirror image of the two teams' last Series meeting in , for their first title since and their first victory over the Yankees since and third World Series win over the Yankees, overall. This is the last World

neg: 2007 Houston Dynamo season to win back-to-back championships since D.C. United did it in the league's first two seasons. The victory sets up the first repeat MLS Cup Final in league history, as Dynamo will take on the New England Revolution at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 18. Dynamo won last year's final on penalty kicks after the teams played to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. The Houston Dynamo defended their title with a 2–1 win against the New England Revolution. For the second straight year, the same two teams faced each other in the final, the first time that it

neg: History of the Houston Rockets built a 3-1 lead over the Rockets, before the Rockets won the last three games in the series to return to the Conference Finals for the first time in 18 years, this time against the Golden State Warriors. With their win over the Clippers, the Rockets became just the ninth team in NBA history to win a playoff series in which they faced a 3-1 deficit. In the Conference Finals, the Warriors won the first three games before Harden scored 45 points to win Game 4 at the Toyota Center. The Warriors then finished the series in Game 5, winning

neg: 1992–93 Seattle SuperSonics season series. Following the season, Derrick McKey was traded to the Indiana Pacers, and Eddie Johnson and Dana Barros were both dealt to the Charlotte Hornets, who then sent Barros to the Philadelphia 76ers two days later. (3) Seattle SuperSonics vs. (6) Utah Jazz: "Sonics win series 3-2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1992 Western Conference Semifinals (Utah won 4-1) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Seattle SuperSonics: "Sonics win series 4-3" Last Playoff Meeting: 1989 Western Conference First Round (Seattle won 3-0) (1) Phoenix Suns vs. (3) Seattle SuperSonics: "Suns win series 4-3" Last Playoff Meeting: 1979 Western Conference Finals (Seattle won 4-3)

neg: 2016 Arizona Cardinals season Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series, their first title in 108 years, the Cardinals also finished the season with the longest active championship drought in the four major American professional sports, with their last championship in 1947 as the Chicago Cardinals. Notes The Cardinals preseason opponents and schedule was announced on April 7, 2016, the opponents being the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos. Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. With Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suspended and Jimmy Garoppolo starting, the Cardinals were huge favorites to win. The game was close, but was

neg: Ned Yost his interim replacement and served until the end of the season, leading the Brewers to clinch the wild card spot on the last day of the season for their first trip to the postseason since 1982 when they made it to the World Series. They were eliminated by the Phillies, the eventual World Series champions, in the 2008 National League Division Series, 3 games to 1. Following the 2009 season, Yost was a candidate to be the next manager of the Houston Astros, however the position was filled by Brad Mills. On May 13, 2010, Yost was named manager of

neg: 2009 Houston Astros season 2009 Houston Astros season The Houston Astros' 2009 season is the 48th season for the franchise in the National League in Houston, Texas and their 10th season at Minute Maid Park. The Houston Astros attempted to win the NL Central for the fifth time (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001), but failed. The Astros lost their season opening series against the Cubs, their one win coming off of former Cincinnati Red Jeff Keppinger's tenth inning RBI single in his first at bat with the club. They were then swept by the Cardinals in St. Louis in a three-game series, giving up

neg: 1985–86 Denver Nuggets season Nuggets. 1985–86 Denver Nuggets season The 1985–86 NBA season was the Nuggets' 10th season in the NBA and 19th season as a franchise. In the playoffs, the Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the First Round before losing to the eventual Western Conference Champion Houston Rockets in six games in the Semifinals. (3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers: "Nuggets win series 3–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1977 Western Conference Semifinals (Portland won 4–2) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Denver Nuggets: "Rockets win series 4–2" Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Rockets

neg: 1985–86 Denver Nuggets season 1985–86 Denver Nuggets season The 1985–86 NBA season was the Nuggets' 10th season in the NBA and 19th season as a franchise. In the playoffs, the Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the First Round before losing to the eventual Western Conference Champion Houston Rockets in six games in the Semifinals. (3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers: "Nuggets win series 3–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1977 Western Conference Semifinals (Portland won 4–2) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Denver Nuggets: "Rockets win series 4–2" Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Rockets and

neg: Damian Lillard overtime win over Houston. In Game 6 of the series, Lillard became the first player to make a buzzer-beating shot to win a playoff series since Utah's John Stockton against Houston in 1997. Lillard's 3-pointer as time expired gave Portland a 99–98 victory over Houston, as he finished with 25 points to lift the Trail Blazers to their first playoff series win since 2000. The Trail Blazers went on to lose in five games to the San Antonio Spurs in the second round. Lillard had a series-best game in Game 4 with a 25-point effort, helping the Trail Blazers win

neg: 1980–81 Kansas City Kings season Phoenix Suns vs. (5) Kansas City Kings: "Kings win series 4-3" (5) Kansas City Kings vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4-1" 1980–81 Kansas City Kings season The 1980-81 NBA season was the Kings 32nd season in the NBA and their ninth season in the city of Kansas City. Notes The Kings won two playoff rounds in 1981, their only such victories while playing in Kansas City. The wins over Portland and Phoenix were the franchise's first playoff wins in 17 years (since the Cincinnati Royals defeated Philadelphia in 1964) and would be their last for another 20 years

neg: Mookie Wilson the Houston Astros. However, he scored the only run allowed by NLCS MVP Mike Scott in game four of the series, and drove in and scored a run in the ninth inning of game six when the Mets scored three runs in their last at bat to send the game into extra innings. He was batting a far better .272 in the World Series when he came to the plate in the tenth inning of game six. The Boston Red Sox scored twice in the top of the tenth inning to go up 5-3 in a series they led three

neg: History of the Houston Rockets his performance, and he eventually opted for mid-season microfracture surgery which would keep him out for the season. Despite this, the team then went on to win 53 games that season and earned themselves a first-round match-up with the Portland Trail Blazers. Houston struck fast, blowing the Trailblazers out on the road in game one en route to a 4–2 series win and their first time advancing from the first round since 1997. The games against the Blazers were also the last ever of Dikembe Mutombo's career, as he injured his knee and was forced to retire after 18 seasons

neg: Alan Knott banned from Test cricket. When he returned to Tests after the end of World Series Cricket in 1980, he had very little success against a mighty West Indian side, averaging 5.14 in the series. He did not play in the tour of the West Indies that immediately followed, but was picked for the final two Tests of the famous 1981 Ashes series. Fittingly for one of England's greatest players, he ended his last Test against Australia at The Oval, with a score of 70 not out and an England series win. Knott's England career came to an end when he

neg: 1989–90 Los Angeles Lakers season a controversial voting over Charles Barkley of the Philadelphia 76ers. Johnson received fewer first-place votes (27 of the 92 cast) than Barkley (38), but totaled 636 points in the ballot compared to Barkley's 614. Three members of the team, Johnson, James Worthy and A.C. Green were all selected for the 1990 NBA All-Star Game. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Houston Rockets: "Lakers win series 3–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1986 Western Conference Finals (Houston won 4–1) (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Phoenix Suns: "Suns win series 4–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1989 Western Conference Finals (Los Angeles won 4–0) 1989–90

neg: Clutch City after Michael Jordan to win the award two years in a row. Shaquille O'Neal (00-02), Kobe Bryant (09-10), and LeBron James (12-13) have since accomplished this. The name Clutch City would be used by the city's Major League Baseball (MLB) club (the Houston Astros) after their first World Series appearance in , and by the city's Major League Soccer (MLS) club (the Houston Dynamo) after they won the MLS Cup in their inaugural season in 2006. The name Clutch City is now also associated with the Houston Aeros and their triumphant march to the Calder Cup Finals – the biggest

neg: 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers season the National League Championship Series before beating the New York Yankees to win the World Series. In the divisional series, the Dodgers fell behind the Houston Astros two games to zero but came back to win the next three games to take the series and advance to the LCS. October 6, The Astrodome, Houston, Texas October 7, The Astrodome, Houston, Texas October 9, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles October 10, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles October 11, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles The Dodgers faced the Montreal Expos in the 1981 NLCS and beat them three games to two, thanks to a ninth-inning

neg: Pete Incaviglia he cut down his strikeouts by 17. Incaviglia hit at least 20 home runs in his first five seasons, all with Texas. His playing time and production dropped thereafter in single seasons with Detroit and Houston, but his career received a boost when he was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies before the 1993 season. He and fellow outfielder Jim Eisenreich were key acquisitions for the team that would go on to win the division and reach the World Series (one year after finishing in last place). In just 368 at-bats, Incaviglia hit 24 home runs and drove in a career-best

neg: 2005 National League Championship Series Larry Walker advanced to third when the Astros failed to call timeout after the play at the plate. John Mabry ended the threat by grounding into a double play. La Russa's ejection marked the first time a manager was ejected from a postseason game since 1998, when Mike Hargrove was thrown out of a game between his Cleveland Indians and the New York Yankees. Houston was one game away from the franchise's first visit to the World Series after a 2–1 Game 4 win. Monday, October 17, 2005 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas The Astros struck first in

neg: 1992 National League Championship Series to concerns about his use of performance-enhancing drugs. Drabek signed with the Houston Astros and stayed there for four seasons, but did not maintain the consistency that he had in Pittsburgh and eventually retired in 1998. Manager Jim Leyland stayed with the Pirates through the 1996 season, with his team losing 80 or more games three of those four years. He moved on to the Florida Marlins, where his team beat Cox's Braves in the NLCS and went on to win the World Series in 1997. Leyland moved on to manage the Detroit Tigers to two World Series losses in