1986 World Series Game 7 Pitcher: Who Was It?

The 1986 World Series is etched in baseball history, largely due to its dramatic twists and turns. The New York Mets faced off against the Boston Red Sox in a series filled with memorable moments. Among these, Game 6 stands out for its unbelievable comeback by the Mets. However, Game 7 determined the ultimate champion. So, who was the pitcher who took the mound for this crucial game?

The Starting Pitchers: A Tale of Two Teams

In Game 7 of the 1986 World Series, the spotlight was on two starting pitchers: Bruce Hurst for the Boston Red Sox and Ron Darling for the New York Mets. Both pitchers had shown promise throughout the season and the series, making their selection a strategic move by their respective managers. Understanding their performances and the context surrounding their selection is crucial to appreciating the game's dynamics.

Bruce Hurst: Red Sox Ace

Bruce Hurst was the ace of the Boston Red Sox pitching staff in 1986. He had a stellar regular season, posting a record of 13-8 with a 2.99 ERA. His performance earned him the trust of the Red Sox management, making him the obvious choice for crucial games. Hurst had already proven his mettle in the World Series, delivering outstanding performances in Games 1 and 5, earning him the series MVP consideration. His composure and ability to handle pressure made him the ideal candidate to start Game 7, where the stakes were at their highest.

Hurst's pitching arsenal included a fastball, curveball, and changeup, which he used effectively to keep hitters off balance. His ability to locate his pitches and command the strike zone made him a tough opponent. In Game 1, he pitched eight strong innings, allowing only one run and leading the Red Sox to a 1-0 victory. In Game 5, he was even more dominant, throwing a complete-game shutout. These performances highlighted his importance to the Red Sox and solidified his role as the team's go-to pitcher in critical situations.

The decision to start Hurst in Game 7 was a no-brainer for the Red Sox manager. His track record in the series spoke for itself, and his experience and poise were invaluable assets. The Red Sox were confident that Hurst could deliver another strong performance and help them secure their first World Series title since 1918.

Ron Darling: Mets' Reliable Arm

On the other side, Ron Darling was chosen to start for the New York Mets. Darling had a solid regular season, with a record of 15-6 and a 2.81 ERA. While he wasn't as dominant as Hurst in the series, Darling was a reliable and consistent pitcher who the Mets could count on. His selection was based on his overall performance and his ability to keep the team in the game. Darling's presence on the mound provided a sense of stability, which was crucial for the Mets in a high-pressure situation like Game 7.

Darling's pitching style relied on a mix of fastballs, curveballs, and sliders. He was known for his ability to change speeds and keep hitters guessing. While he didn't have the overpowering stuff of some other pitchers, Darling's command and control were his strengths. He was able to locate his pitches effectively and avoid giving up too many walks, which made him a valuable asset to the Mets pitching staff.

Although Darling had a no-decision in Game 4, he pitched well enough to keep the Mets in contention. His ability to perform under pressure and his experience in big games made him the logical choice to start Game 7. The Mets were hoping that Darling could give them a strong start and set the tone for the rest of the game.

The Game Unfolds: Performance Under Pressure

Game 7 was a nail-biting affair, with both teams battling fiercely for every run. The pressure was immense, and the performance of the starting pitchers was critical in determining the outcome. Let's delve into how Hurst and Darling fared under this intense scrutiny.

Hurst's Struggle and Exit

Despite his previous dominant performances, Bruce Hurst struggled in Game 7. He allowed three runs in the early innings, which put the Red Sox in a difficult position. While he managed to pitch into the seventh inning, he didn't have the same sharpness and command that he had shown earlier in the series. The Mets hitters were able to make solid contact against him, and he couldn't keep them off the basepaths.

Hurst's struggles were evident in his pitch count, which rose quickly as he battled through each inning. He was forced to work harder for every out, and the Mets hitters were able to wear him down. By the seventh inning, it was clear that Hurst was tiring, and the Red Sox manager made the decision to pull him from the game. While Hurst's performance in Game 7 was not up to his usual standards, his contributions throughout the series were undeniable.

Darling's Solid Start

Ron Darling, on the other hand, delivered a solid start for the Mets. He pitched seven strong innings, allowing only one run and keeping the Red Sox offense in check. Darling's ability to mix his pitches and command the strike zone was key to his success. He kept the Red Sox hitters off balance and prevented them from stringing together big innings. His performance provided a much-needed boost for the Mets, who were looking to complete their comeback from a 2-0 series deficit.

Darling's composure and poise on the mound were also crucial. He didn't let the pressure of the situation get to him, and he remained focused on executing his pitches. His ability to stay calm and collected helped the Mets maintain their momentum and stay in the game. By the time he left the game, Darling had put the Mets in a position to win, and it was up to the bullpen to finish the job.

The Bullpen Battle: A Turning Point

After the starting pitchers exited, the game shifted to the bullpens. The performance of the relief pitchers would ultimately determine the outcome of the game. Both teams had strong bullpens, but it was the Mets' bullpen that rose to the occasion.

McDowell Takes the Mound

After Ron Darling, the Mets turned to Roger McDowell. McDowell pitched effectively, keeping the Red Sox at bay and setting the stage for the Mets' comeback.

Schiraldi Falters

For the Red Sox, after Hurst left, Calvin Schiraldi came in. Schiraldi, who had been a reliable option earlier in the series, faltered in Game 7. He allowed the Mets to tie the game, and his struggles continued into the later innings. His inability to close out the game was a major factor in the Red Sox's defeat.

The Unsung Heroes: Other Pitching Contributions

While Hurst and Darling were the starting pitchers, other pitchers played crucial roles in Game 7. Their contributions, though less prominent, were essential to their teams' efforts.

Rick Aguilera: Closing it Out

For the Mets, Rick Aguilera came in to close out the game. His steady presence on the mound helped secure the Mets' victory and complete their improbable comeback.

Conclusion: A Game to Remember

In conclusion, Ron Darling started Game 7 of the 1986 World Series for the New York Mets, while Bruce Hurst started for the Boston Red Sox. While both pitchers had solid performances, it was the Mets' bullpen that ultimately secured the victory. The 1986 World Series remains one of the most memorable in baseball history, filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

So, there you have it, guys! That's the story of who pitched Game 7 of the 1986 World Series. Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane!