1986 World Series Game 6: Play-by-Play Highlights

Let's dive into one of the most iconic games in baseball history: Game 6 of the 1986 World Series between the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox. This game is legendary not just for its nail-biting drama, but also for its improbable ending. Buckle up, baseball fans, as we relive each heart-stopping moment!

The Setup: A Series on the Brink

Before we jump into the play-by-play, let's set the stage. The Boston Red Sox, haunted by the "Curse of the Bambino," were one game away from their first World Series title since 1918. They held a 3-2 series lead over the New York Mets, who were looking to extend the series and keep their championship hopes alive. The pressure was immense, the stakes were incredibly high, and the atmosphere at Shea Stadium was electric. The air crackled with anticipation and anxiety as fans from both sides knew they were about to witness something special, regardless of the outcome. This game wasn't just another contest; it was a battle of wills, a clash of destinies, and a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball. It was a game where heroes would be made, and legends would be born, forever etching their names in the annals of baseball history. Remember guys, the energy in the stadium could almost be felt through the television screen! The weight of history bore down on the Red Sox, while the Mets fought tooth and nail to keep their season alive. It was more than just a game; it was a cultural event, a shared experience that transcended the sport itself. As the sun set over Shea Stadium, everyone knew they were about to witness something extraordinary, a moment in time that would be replayed and discussed for generations to come.

Game 6: The Play-by-Play

Early Innings: Red Sox Take the Lead

The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead, putting the Mets on their heels right away. In the first inning, Wade Boggs walked, and Marty Barrett singled, setting the stage for Jim Rice, who delivered an RBI single to give Boston a 1-0 advantage. The Red Sox weren't done yet. In the second inning, Dwight Evans blasted a solo home run, extending their lead to 2-0. Suddenly, the hopes of Mets fans began to dwindle as the reality of potentially watching their team lose the series on home turf sank in. The early momentum was clearly in Boston's favor, and the pressure mounted on the Mets to respond. Meanwhile, the Red Sox, fueled by their early success, played with confidence and determination. Each play was executed with precision, and the prospect of breaking the curse seemed more real than ever. But baseball, as everyone knows, is a game of momentum shifts, and the Mets, despite the early deficit, were far from defeated. They just needed to find a spark, a way to ignite their offense and swing the pendulum back in their direction. The atmosphere in the stadium grew tense as the Mets battled to claw their way back into the game, knowing that their season hung in the balance with every pitch, every swing, and every play.

Middle Innings: A Pitcher's Duel

After the initial scoring, both starting pitchers settled in, creating a tense pitcher's duel. Bruce Hurst for the Red Sox and Bob Ojeda for the Mets traded scoreless innings, keeping the game close and the tension high. Hurst was particularly dominant, baffling Mets hitters with his array of pitches and keeping them off balance. Ojeda, on the other hand, battled through some tough spots, preventing the Red Sox from extending their lead further. Each pitch was delivered with precision, and every at-bat became a strategic chess match between hitter and pitcher. The crowd roared with every strikeout and held their breath with every close call. The middle innings showcased the skill and resilience of both teams, as they fought for every inch on the field. The Mets, knowing they couldn't afford to fall further behind, dug in and battled, determined to find a way to break through against Hurst's dominance. Meanwhile, the Red Sox, protecting their slim lead, relied on their defense and pitching to maintain their advantage. The atmosphere in Shea Stadium was electric, a mixture of nervous anticipation and unwavering support for the home team. As the innings ticked by, the tension continued to build, setting the stage for what would become an unforgettable ending.

Late Innings: The Red Sox Extend Their Lead

In the top of the seventh, the Red Sox added to their lead. Dave Henderson, who had entered the game as a defensive replacement, hit a solo home run off Rick Aguilera, making it 3-0. The wind seemed to be knocked out of the Mets. It felt like the Red Sox were on the verge of clinching the title. But wait! The Red Sox weren't done yet. Later in the inning, after a single by Bill Buckner and a stolen base, Marty Barrett singled, driving in Buckner and increasing the lead to 4-0. The Red Sox were now in a commanding position, just nine outs away from ending their 68-year championship drought. The Mets faithful grew anxious. As the Red Sox continued to extend their lead, the weight of history seemed to bear down on the Mets, threatening to crush their championship dreams. The atmosphere in Shea Stadium turned somber as the reality of a potential series loss loomed large. But even in the face of adversity, the Mets refused to give up. They knew they had one last chance to mount a comeback and keep their season alive. The players rallied each other in the dugout, reminding themselves that anything was possible in baseball. They just needed to find a spark, a way to ignite their offense and turn the tide of the game.

Bottom of the Eighth: Mets Start to Rally

The Mets, facing almost certain defeat, started to show some life in the bottom of the eighth. Gary Carter led off with a single, providing a glimmer of hope. After two quick outs, Keith Hernandez singled, advancing Carter to second. Then, Kevin Mitchell singled, driving in Carter and putting the Mets on the board, making it 4-1. Suddenly, Shea Stadium erupted. The Mets weren't dead yet! The momentum began to shift, and the crowd came alive, sensing that something special might be about to happen. The players fed off the energy of the fans, digging in and battling with renewed determination. Every hit, every stolen base, and every close play was met with thunderous applause. The Mets, fueled by their newfound momentum, began to chip away at the Red Sox's lead, inching closer to a miraculous comeback. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, a mixture of nervous anticipation and unwavering support for the home team. As the Mets continued to battle, the pressure mounted on the Red Sox, who suddenly found themselves clinging to a shrinking lead. The game was far from over, and everyone knew that the final innings would be a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat affair.

Top of the Ninth: A Controversial Home Run

In the top of the ninth, the Red Sox added what seemed like an insurance run in dramatic fashion. With two outs and a runner on first, Dave Henderson came to the plate again and launched a two-run home run off Jesse Orosco. The score was now 5-3, Red Sox. The air was sucked out of Shea Stadium once more. It appeared to be all but over for the Mets. This home run was a crushing blow to the Mets' hopes, as it seemed to solidify the Red Sox's lead and bring them one step closer to ending their championship drought. The atmosphere in Shea Stadium turned somber as the reality of a potential series loss loomed large. The Red Sox fans erupted in jubilation, believing that their team was finally on the verge of breaking the curse and bringing home the World Series title. But baseball, as everyone knows, is a game of twists and turns, and the Mets, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, refused to give up. They still had one last chance to mount a comeback and keep their season alive. The players huddled in the dugout, reminding themselves that anything was possible in baseball. They just needed to find a spark, a way to ignite their offense and turn the tide of the game.

Bottom of the Ninth: The Improbable Comeback

Here it is, folks! The bottom of the ninth inning is what legends are made of. With the Red Sox leading 5-3 and two outs, the Mets began an improbable rally against closer Bob Stanley.

• Gary Carter singled.
• Kevin Mitchell was replaced by Pinch Hitter Dave Magadan, who singled, advancing Carter to second.
• Mookie Wilson stepped up to the plate.

With two runners on and two outs, Mookie Wilson hit a slow roller to first base. Bill Buckner, the Red Sox first baseman, attempted to field the ball, but it went through his legs! Carter scored, Magadan advanced to third, and Wilson reached first on the error. The game was now 5-4.

Then, wild pitch. As Stanley threw a wild pitch, Magadan scored, and Wilson advanced to second. Tie game! The crowd went absolutely wild! The energy in Shea Stadium was off the charts. Then, after Ray Knight singled to left field, Mookie Wilson scored the winning run. Mets win! Mets win! The Mets had completed the improbable comeback, winning 6-5 and forcing a Game 7.

The Aftermath: A Game for the Ages

Game 6 of the 1986 World Series is remembered as one of the greatest games in baseball history. The Mets went on to win Game 7 and capture the World Series title, but it was the improbable comeback in Game 6 that cemented its place in baseball lore. The image of Buckner's error is forever etched in the minds of baseball fans, symbolizing the Red Sox's continued struggles and the Mets' never-say-die attitude. This game serves as a reminder that in baseball, anything is possible, and that even the most daunting deficits can be overcome with perseverance and a little bit of luck. The players involved became legends, and the game itself became a symbol of hope and resilience. It's a story that will be told and re-told for generations to come, reminding us of the power of sports to unite us, inspire us, and create lasting memories.

So, there you have it, a play-by-play recap of the unforgettable Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. What a game, guys! What a game! It's a game that will forever be etched in baseball history, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport and the enduring power of hope.