The 2003 National League Division Series (NL DS) was the opening round of the National League playoffs in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the 2003 season. It consisted of two best‑of‑five series that determined the National League Championship Series (NL CS) participants.
Participating Teams
- Atlanta Braves (NL East champions, 101–61) vs. Chicago Cubs (NL Central third place, 88–74)
- San Francisco Giants (NL West champions, 100–61) vs. New York Mets (NL Wild Card, 92–70)
Series Summaries
Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs
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Result: Braves won series 3–2.
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Games:
- Game 1 (Oct 7, 2003, Turner Field, Atlanta): Braves 5, Cubs 2.
- Game 2 (Oct 8, 2003, Turner Field): Cubs 6, Braves 2.
- Game 3 (Oct 10, 2003, Wrigley Field, Chicago): Cubs 4, Braves 3 (13 innings).
- Game 4 (Oct 11, 2003, Wrigley Field): Braves 6, Cubs 5 (10 innings).
- Game 5 (Oct 13, 2003, Turner Field): Braves 9, Cubs 3.
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Key performances:
- Kurt Suzuki (Braves) recorded a decisive two‑run single in Game 5.
- Sammy Sosa (Cubs) hit a solo home run in Game 1 and contributed several RBIs.
The Braves advanced to the NL CS, where they faced the Chicago Cubs' fellow NL East opponent, the New York Mets, in the 2003 NL CS.
San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets
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Result: Giants won series 3–2.
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Games:
- Game 1 (Oct 7, 2003, Shea Stadium, New York): Mets 5, Giants 4 (10 innings).
- Game 2 (Oct 8, 2003, Shea Stadium): Giants 5, Mets 4 (10 innings).
- Game 3 (Oct 10, 2003, Pacific Bell Park, San Francisco): Giants 4, Mets 2.
- Game 4 (Oct 11, 2003, Pacific Bell Park): Mets 6, Giants 5 (10 innings).
- Game 5 (Oct 13, 2003, Shea Stadium): Giants 4, Mets 1.
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Key performances:
- Bobby Estalella (Giants) hit a walk‑off single in Game 2.
- Steve Clemens (Mets) earned two wins, including the Game 4 victory.
The Giants advanced to the NL CS, where they faced the Atlanta Braves.
Historical Context
- Both NL DS winners—the Braves and the Giants—recorded 100‑plus regular‑season wins, a rarity in MLB postseason history.
- The series featured multiple extra‑inning games (four total), reflecting closely contested matchups.
- The 2003 NL DS marked the final postseason appearance for the Chicago Cubs under manager Dusty Baker before his dismissal later that season.
Aftermath
- National League Championship Series: Atlanta Braves defeated San Francisco Giants 4–2 to win the NL CS.
- World Series: The New York Yankees (American League champions) defeated the Atlanta Braves 4–2 in the 2003 World Series.
All data are derived from the official MLB season records and contemporaneous game summaries.
