OTD 1986: The Miraculous World Series Game 6 Comeback
What more can be said? In books, in films, and in memories, October 25, 1986 is among the greatest days in the history of the universe for Mets fans and among the worst for Red Sox fans (albeit it’s a lot easier for them to take now).
What unfolded in the bottom of the 10th inning has been relived and dissected to a tremendous degree. But how did it get there?
Here’s a brief recap of what led up the defining moment of the Mets’ greatest team.
After an exhausting NLCS with the Astros, it was expected that New York would have an easier time against Boston — coming off a dramatic playoff win of its own. Not so. The Mets were playing from behind very quickly: losing the first two games at home before taking the next two in Boston, but falling at Fenway in Game 5. That put them in a desperate situation against the soon-to-be Cy Young and MVP winner in the American League.
Roger Clemens looked the part, too. Through four innings, he didn’t allow a hit. He gave up two runs, which allowed the Mets to tie it in the fifth, but was otherwise dominant over seven frames. Controversy ensued when Clemens was removed for a pinch-hitter with the Red Sox threatening in the top of the eighth. Whether or not Clemens asked out because to a blister on his pitching hand or it was manager John McNamara‘s decision to replace his star pitcher, we’ll never know.
The Red Sox took the lead following a key seventh-inning throwing error by Ray Knight, but New York immediately jumped on Clemens’ replacement, Calvin Schiraldi. Lee Mazzilli singled and was safe at second when Schiraldi’s throw on Lenny Dykstra’s bunt couldn’t be handled cleanly by Spike Owen. A sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk loaded the bases for Gary Carter. On 3-0, Carter swung and lined it deep enough to left fielder Jim Rice to allow Mazzilli to score.
The Mets had a terrific chance to win in the ninth, starting with a walk and another botched defensive effort by Boston on a bunt. Howard Johnson, after initially attempting to move the two runners over, struck out. Fly-outs by Mazzilli and Dykstra sent the game to extras.
Red Sox center fielder Dave Henderson led off the 10th and added to his postseason heroics with a home run to left field. If that wasn’t enough of a back-breaker, Boston added to its lead with Marty Barrett‘s single to score Wade Boggs.
Backman and Hernandez flew out to start the bottom of the 10th to bring Boston within one out of its first title since 1918 and the Mets to within one out of a colossal disappointment.
The rest is, well, miraculous. Carter single, Mitchell single, Knight single, Stanley wild pitch, Mookie’s grounder. A sequence for the ages which carried them to an improbable win and a Game 7 victory two nights later.
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