2002 NLDS Game 5
Giants edge Braves 3-1 in NLDS Game 5 to clinch series.
The 2002 National League Division Series (NLDS) was a best-of-five playoff series between the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves. The Giants won the series three games to two.
- outcome_significance
- Giants trailed 1-0 early but tied it 1-1, and the game remained 1-1 until the Giants took a 3-1 lead in the eighth
Lore & Background
In Game 5, the Giants defeated the Braves 3-1. The Giants trailed 1-0 early, then tied it 1-1. The game remained 1-1 until the eighth inning, when the Giants took a 3-1 lead on a David Bell single. The tying run in the bottom of the sixth scored on a double by Benito Santiago. The game ended 3-1 with the final out in the ninth.
In Their Own Story
The fog rolled off the bay, clinging to the outfield grass as the seventh inning began. Inside the dugout, the mood was somber; seven runs down felt like a mountain too high to climb. Then, the sound of the bat cracking echoed through the night air—a deep drive that sailed over the left-field wall. The stadium erupted from silence to a deafening roar in seconds. Bonds jogged around the bases, the momentum shifting palpably with every step, as the Giants began their improbable march toward extra innings.
Reader's Guide
The Giants won the series three games to two after being brought to the brink of elimination, winning Games 4 and 5.
Did You Know?
- Kenny Lofton was acquired by the Giants on July 28, 2002.
- David Bell was acquired by the Giants on January 25, 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams played in the 2002 NLDS Game 5?
The San Francisco Giants played against their cross-bay rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. This matchup served as a critical clincher in the National League Division Series.
What key moment defined the Giants' comeback in this game?
Barry Bonds delivered a crucial home run that helped spark the team's momentum during the contest. The squad managed to erase a seven-run deficit to stay alive in the playoffs.
How did the series status change after this match?
The win tied the series at two games each, necessitating a decisive Game 6 between the opponents. This result kept San Francisco's season hopes intact against Los Angeles.
Why is 2002 NLDS Game 5 considered iconic by fans?
It is cited as one of the most dramatic episodes in franchise history and defines the modern era for supporters. Fans remember it for the sheer resilience shown to overcome such a large hole at home.
Where and when was this dramatic contest held?
The game took place on October 9, 2002, at Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco. This venue is currently known as Oracle Park but was named differently during that season.
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