Atlanta Braves in the decisive fifth game of the NLDS. Winning a postseason series for the first time in the 43-year history of the franchise, the Astros earn a spot in the best-of-seven NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals. October 20 – At Yankee Stadium, the Boston Red Sox pull off one of the greatest comebacks ever, beating the New York Yankees four straight times after losing the first three games of the ALCS. October 21 – At home, the St. Louis Cardinals advance to the 2004 World Series after a Game 7 victory over the Houston Astros. October 24 – The Red Sox win 6-2 at Fenway Park behind Curt Schilling, to take the Series lead 2-0. Schilling goes 6 innings, giving up only 1 run (not earned) and only 4 hits, while striking out 4. October 26 – Takashi Ishii goes six strong innings and Alex Cabrera hits a towering two-run homer as the Seibu Lions defeat the Chunichi Dragons 7-2 in Game 7 of the Japan Series to win their first championship since . The ball bounces off the glass-enclosed private boxes above the left field seats. It is Cabrera's third home run of the Series. The former Arizona Diamondbacks player also has a grand slam and a two-run homer in Game 3. For his part, Ishii is selected the Series Most Valuable Player. October 27 – The Boston Red Sox complete a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals to win the World Series for the first time since 1918. November November – The independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball announces former Major Leaguer Tom Herr as the manager of the Lancaster Barnstormers. November 22 – The recently relocated Washington, D.C. National League franchise announces its new name, logo and colors. Using the official original name of the district's team which uses the nickname the Senators from 1901 to 1972, the club clad in red, white, blue and gold is known as the Nationals. November 26 – Vladimir Guerrero, who hit .337 with 39 home runs and 126 RBI, earned the American League MVP Award, while receiving 21 of the 28 first-place votes. The former Montreal Expos outfielder had signed as a free agent with the Anaheim Angels after the New York Mets refused to guarantee his salary based on advice from their medical staff. December December 8 – Finally, Major League Baseball Players Association officials