The Reds, a mainstay in the NLCS for much of the decade, met their match with the Pirates in this three-game Pittsburgh sweep that featured four extra-base hits from series MVP Willie Stargell.

Game 1 was up for grabs until extra innings, when Stargell broke the 2-2 tie with a three-run game-winning homer in the 11th inning. Dave Parker, who singled in the winning run in the 10th inning of Game 2, was the hero of the second game. Then Bert Blyleven's complete-game victory was the story of the clincher.

Dave Concepcion had six hits for the Reds in the series.

Path to the NLCS: The Pirates (98-64) won the NL East by two games. The Reds (90-71) won the NL West by 1 1/2 games.

Managers: Chuck Tanner, PIT; John McNamara, CIN

MVP: Willie Stargell