1986 World Series Game 6: An Epic Play-by-Play

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

The 1986 World Series Game 6 is etched in baseball history as one of the most dramatic and unforgettable games ever played. This article provides a detailed, play-by-play account of that legendary night, capturing the tension, excitement, and ultimate heartbreak and triumph that defined the game. For baseball fans and historians alike, revisiting each moment of this classic matchup offers a chance to relive the magic and understand why it remains a pivotal event in sports lore. So, let's dive into the exhilarating details of that iconic game!

Setting the Stage

Before diving into the play-by-play, it’s crucial to understand the context. The 1986 World Series pitted the New York Mets against the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox, carrying the weight of the “Curse of the Bambino,” were one game away from breaking their decades-long championship drought. Having won Games 4 and 5 in Boston, they held a 3-2 series lead as they headed to Shea Stadium for Game 6. The Mets, on the other hand, were fighting to stay alive, hoping to force a decisive Game 7 and keep their championship hopes alive. The atmosphere at Shea Stadium was electric, filled with anxious fans aware of the high stakes. The starting pitchers were Bob Ojeda for the Mets and Roger Clemens for the Red Sox, setting the stage for what promised to be an intense battle. Little did anyone know that they were about to witness a game that would defy expectations and become an instant classic. The pressure was immense, with every pitch, hit, and defensive play carrying significant weight. Both teams had fought hard to reach this point, making the impending showdown all the more captivating. As the players took their positions, the world watched, unaware that they were about to witness a game that would be forever etched in baseball history. The energy in the stadium was palpable, with fans on the edge of their seats, ready to erupt with every twist and turn. The stage was set for a night of high drama, unforgettable moments, and ultimately, a legendary conclusion.

The Play-by-Play

First Inning

  • Red Sox Start Strong: The Red Sox came out swinging, immediately putting pressure on Mets pitcher Bob Ojeda. Wade Boggs led off with a walk, setting the tone for an aggressive offensive approach. Marty Barrett followed with a single, advancing Boggs to second and putting runners on first and second with no outs. Jim Rice then hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Boggs and giving the Red Sox an early 1-0 lead. Ojeda managed to limit the damage, but the Red Sox had drawn first blood, adding to the tension in Shea Stadium. The Mets needed to respond quickly to prevent the game from slipping away early. The Red Sox's fast start underscored their determination to close out the series, while the Mets faced the challenge of overcoming early adversity.

  • Mets Unable to Answer: In the bottom of the first, the Mets faced Roger Clemens, one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball at the time. Mookie Wilson led off with a groundout, followed by Wally Backman, who also grounded out, quickly putting two outs on the board. Keith Hernandez managed to get a hit, giving the Mets some hope, but Darryl Strawberry struck out to end the inning, leaving Hernandez stranded on first. The Mets' inability to score in the first inning was a missed opportunity to seize momentum and answer the Red Sox's early run. Clemens looked sharp, showcasing his overpowering stuff and making it difficult for the Mets hitters to get comfortable. The pressure mounted on the Mets as they headed into the second inning, still trailing by a run and needing to find a way to crack Clemens's dominance.

Second to Fifth Innings

  • Pitching Duel: The middle innings evolved into a tense pitching duel between Ojeda and Clemens. Both pitchers settled into a rhythm, keeping the opposing offenses in check. Ojeda managed to keep the Red Sox from adding to their lead, while Clemens continued to stymie the Mets' hitters. There were occasional hits and baserunners, but neither team could break through with a crucial run. The tension in Shea Stadium remained high as each inning passed without a significant change in the score. The pitchers' ability to command the strike zone and mix their pitches kept the game close and intensified the drama. Each out felt significant, and the crowd hung on every pitch, sensing that one swing could change the entire complexion of the game. The chess match between the two teams played out meticulously, with both managers closely monitoring their pitchers' performances and strategizing for any potential advantage. As the game approached the later innings, the pressure continued to build, with the outcome still very much in doubt.

Sixth Inning

  • Red Sox Extend Lead: The Red Sox finally broke the stalemate in the top of the sixth. Dave Henderson, who had entered the game as a substitute, hit a solo home run off Ojeda, extending the Red Sox lead to 2-0. The home run was a crucial blow, further silencing the Shea Stadium crowd and putting the Mets in a deeper hole. The Red Sox's ability to manufacture runs, even with Ojeda pitching well, demonstrated their resilience and determination. The Mets now faced an even greater challenge, needing to find a way to score against Clemens and overcome the two-run deficit. The atmosphere in the stadium grew more tense as the Mets' chances of forcing a Game 7 appeared to diminish. The Red Sox, on the other hand, gained confidence from Henderson's timely hit, edging closer to their long-awaited championship victory.

Seventh Inning

  • Mets Finally Score: In the bottom of the seventh, the Mets finally managed to get on the board. Gary Carter led off with a single, providing a spark for the offense. After a couple of outs, Keith Hernandez delivered an RBI single, driving in Carter and cutting the Red Sox lead to 2-1. The hit ignited the Shea Stadium crowd, injecting new life into the Mets' dugout. Hernandez's clutch hit was a significant moment, giving the Mets hope and shifting the momentum slightly in their favor. The Mets still trailed, but the gap had narrowed, and the possibility of a comeback seemed more realistic. Clemens, who had been dominant for much of the game, began to show signs of fatigue, which the Mets hoped to exploit. The atmosphere in the stadium intensified as the Mets looked to capitalize on their newfound momentum and tie the game.

Eighth Inning

  • Red Sox Add Insurance Runs: The Red Sox responded immediately in the top of the eighth, dealing a significant blow to the Mets' comeback hopes. After a pitching change, with Roger McDowell now on the mound for the Mets, the Red Sox rallied. Bill Buckner reached first on an error, and Jim Rice followed with a single. Dwight Evans then hit an RBI single, scoring Buckner and increasing the Red Sox lead to 3-1. Dave Henderson then delivered another clutch hit, a sacrifice fly that scored Rice, pushing the lead to 4-1. These insurance runs were crucial, seemingly putting the game out of reach for the Mets. The Red Sox's ability to capitalize on the Mets' mistakes and deliver timely hits underscored their determination to win the championship. The Shea Stadium crowd grew silent as the Red Sox extended their lead, with many fans beginning to lose hope. The Mets now faced a daunting task, needing to score three runs in the final two innings against a dominant Red Sox team.

Tenth Inning

  • The Unbelievable Comeback: The tenth inning is where the game transformed from a tense battle into a legendary moment in baseball history. With the Red Sox leading 5-3, the Mets were down to their last chance. After Wally Backman and Keith Hernandez made outs, it seemed like the Red Sox were on the verge of victory. However, Gary Carter kept the Mets alive with a single. Then, Kevin Mitchell singled, advancing Carter to second. With two outs and two runners on, the Mets needed a miracle. Ray Knight stepped up to the plate and delivered an RBI single, scoring Carter and cutting the lead to 5-4. The crowd erupted as the Mets inched closer. With Mitchell on second and Knight on first, Mookie Wilson came to bat. On a 3-2 count, Wilson hit a slow ground ball to first base. Bill Buckner, who had replaced Dave Stapleton at first base, attempted to field the ball, but it went through his legs, allowing Mitchell to score the tying run and Knight to score the winning run. The Mets had completed an improbable comeback, winning the game 6-5 and forcing a Game 7. The stadium erupted in pandemonium as the Mets celebrated their stunning victory. Buckner's error became an iconic moment, forever associated with the game. The Mets' improbable comeback in the tenth inning remains one of the most dramatic and memorable moments in World Series history.

Aftermath

The Mets' Game 6 victory was more than just a win; it was a turning point in the series. The Red Sox, stunned by the improbable loss, couldn't recover. The Mets went on to win Game 7, completing their comeback and winning the World Series. Game 6 is remembered not only for its dramatic finish but also for the emotional rollercoaster it took fans on. It's a game that epitomizes the unpredictable nature of baseball and the never-say-die attitude of the New York Mets. For Red Sox fans, it remains a painful reminder of the