In a matchup of pitching staffs, the Reds emerged victorious with a team ERA of 0.96 while holding the Pirates to a .225 batting average in the three-game series sweep. The Pirates' staff was almost as sharp with a 2.67 ERA and limiting the Reds to a .220 average.

Gary Nolan pitched nine shutout innings as part of a 10-inning Game 1 victory.

Offensively, Bobby Tolan led the way for the Reds with five hits (including a home run) in the series, and Tony Perez added four more. Willie Stargell paced the Pirates, recording six hits in 12 at-bats.

Path to the NLCS: The Pirates (89-73) won the NL East by five games. The Reds (102-60) won the NL West by 14 1/2 games. 

Managers: Sparky Anderson, CIN; Danny Murtaugh, PIT