1986 World Series Game 6: Red Sox Vs. Mets Box Score

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

What's up, baseball fanatics! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most legendary games in baseball history – Game 6 of the 1986 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets. Man, oh man, this game had everything: drama, unbelievable plays, and a finish that still gets fans talking decades later. If you're looking for the 1986 World Series Game 6 box score, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down every inning, every key play, and figure out just how this epic showdown unfolded. Get ready to relive the magic, the heartbreak, and all the incredible stats that made this game a classic. Whether you're a die-hard Red Sox fan or a loyal Mets supporter, or even just a lover of the game, this is a contest that deserves to be remembered. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's take a trip back in time to October 25, 1986, Shea Stadium, where history was made.

The Build-Up to an Iconic Game

The 1986 World Series Game 6 wasn't just another baseball game; it was the culmination of a season filled with incredible storylines for both teams. The Boston Red Sox, with their legendary manager John McNamara and star players like Jim Rice, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens, were seeking their first World Series title since 1918. Talk about a curse! They had a powerhouse offense and a solid pitching staff, and they were riding high after a dominant American League Championship Series. On the other side, the New York Mets, managed by Davey Johnson, were a young, energetic team brimming with talent. Think Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and Dwight Gooden. They had clawed their way through the National League, displaying a fearless attitude that made them a fan favorite. The series itself had been a back-and-forth affair, with each team trading wins and blows. By the time Game 6 rolled around, the Red Sox held a commanding 3-2 series lead, needing just one more win to clinch the championship. The pressure was on, especially for the Red Sox, who had a history of coming up short in crucial moments. The Mets, meanwhile, were playing with their backs against the wall, needing to win to force a Game 7 and keep their championship dreams alive. The atmosphere at Shea Stadium was absolutely electric, buzzing with anticipation for what was sure to be a nail-biting contest. You could feel the weight of history in the air, and everyone knew they were witnessing something special, whether they realized it at the time or not. The stage was set for a legendary battle, and baseball fans around the world were glued to their televisions, eager to see who would emerge victorious.

Game 6: A Tale of Two Halves

Let's get straight to the action, guys! The 1986 World Series Game 6 box score tells a story of a game that was, for the most part, dominated by the Boston Red Sox. Through the early innings, it looked like the Red Sox were well on their way to hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy. They jumped out to an early lead, and their ace, Roger Clemens, was dealing on the mound. By the top of the ninth inning, Boston held a comfortable 5-3 advantage. The champagne was practically on ice in the Red Sox clubhouse. They had their ace on the mound, Bruce Hurst, who had pitched brilliantly all game, and the Mets seemed to be running out of ideas. Hurst was mowing down Mets hitters, and the Red Sox faithful were already celebrating what they thought was an inevitable championship. The energy was shifting, and you could sense the relief and jubilation building in Boston. However, baseball, as we all know, is a game of inches and unexpected twists. This is where things took a turn that no one, absolutely no one, saw coming. The Mets, known for their never-say-die attitude, were about to stage one of the most improbable comebacks in sports history. What happened next is etched forever in the annals of baseball lore, proving that you can never, ever count out the New York Mets, especially on their home turf.

The Ninth Inning Collapse: A Red Sox Nightmare

Okay, this is the part that makes Red Sox fans cringe and Mets fans cheer. The 1986 World Series Game 6 box score is forever defined by what happened in the bottom of the ninth inning. With the Red Sox leading 5-3 and just two outs away from a championship, the Mets mounted a furious comeback that nobody could have predicted. It all started with a bloop single by Gary Carter, followed by a walk to Kevin Mitchell. Then, the unthinkable happened. A wild pitch by Bob Stanley allowed the runners to advance, bringing the tying run to third base. Next up was Mookie Wilson. Now, Mookie Wilson wasn't exactly known for his hitting prowess, especially in clutch situations. But on this fateful night, he became a legend. What followed was a now-infamous at-bat against Red Sox reliever Bob Stanley (and later Calvin Schiraldi). Wilson fouled off pitch after pitch, extending the at-bat and putting immense pressure on the Red Sox defense. And then, the ball. The ground ball that dribbled through the legs of first baseman Bill Buckner. Yes, that Bill Buckner. It was a play that would haunt the Red Sox franchise for years to come. The ball rolled, agonizingly slowly, into right field, allowing Ray Knight to score the tying run and Mookie Wilson to reach first base safely. The game was tied 5-5. The crowd at Shea Stadium erupted. The Red Sox, so close to victory, were suddenly stunned into disbelief. This single play, this single error, completely shifted the momentum and the outcome of the game, and ultimately, the World Series. It was a moment of sheer disbelief and heartbreak for Boston, and an explosion of hope and elation for New York.

Extra Innings and Mets' Triumph

Following the stunning ninth-inning collapse, the 1986 World Series Game 6 box score entered uncharted territory: extra innings. The Red Sox, reeling from the blown save and the inexplicable error, had to somehow regroup. However, the momentum had undeniably shifted to the Mets. The energy in Shea Stadium was palpable; the fans could sense that their team, against all odds, had a real chance to win. In the top of the tenth inning, the Red Sox managed to scratch across another run, thanks to a sacrifice fly by Dave Henderson, retaking the lead at 6-5. You could almost feel the collective groan from the Mets faithful. It seemed like Boston might be able to shake off the ninth-inning blues and find a way to win. But the Mets weren't done yet. They had tasted blood, and their championship aspirations were reignited. In the bottom of the tenth, the Mets mounted yet another rally. With runners on base and two outs, it was the clutch hitting of the Mets that sealed the deal. Ray Knight, who had driven in the tying run earlier, came through with a huge double that scored Mookie Wilson from second base. The game was tied again, 6-6. The tension was unbelievable. Then, the decisive blow came from the bat of Darryl Strawberry. He hit a sacrifice fly that allowed the winning run to score. Pandemonium erupted at Shea Stadium as the New York Mets completed their miraculous comeback, winning Game 6 by a score of 6-5. The series was now tied 3-3, forcing a winner-take-all Game 7. It was a testament to the Mets' resilience and their ability to perform under pressure, while simultaneously marking one of the most heartbreaking losses in Red Sox history. The 1986 World Series Game 6 box score doesn't just show the runs; it shows the rollercoaster of emotions and the sheer drama of baseball at its finest.

The Box Score Breakdown

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the 1986 World Series Game 6 box score to really appreciate what went down. This game was a classic pitcher's duel for a significant portion, but offensive fireworks and critical defensive plays (or lack thereof) ultimately decided the outcome.

New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox - October 25, 1986 - Shea Stadium

Final Score: Mets 6, Red Sox 5 (10 innings)

**Boston Red Sox

  • Pitching:

    • Roger Clemens (ND): 7 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 9 K
    • Calvin Schiraldi (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K
    • Bob Stanley: 0.1 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB

  • Hitting:

    • Jim Rice: 1-4, 1 RBI, 1 BB
    • Wade Boggs: 1-4, 1 R
    • Don Baylor: 1-4, 1 RBI
    • Dave Henderson: 1-4, 1 RBI, 1 SAC
    • Rich Gedman: 2-4, 1 RBI
    • Marty Barrett: 1-4
    • Gary Carter (Mets): 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI
    • Mookie Wilson (Mets): 1-5, 1 R
    • Ray Knight (Mets): 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI
    • Darryl Strawberry (Mets): 1-4, 1 RBI
    • Howard Johnson (Mets): 1-4
    • Lenny Dykstra (Mets): 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB

  • Key Moments & Errors:

    • The Red Sox took a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the 9th.
    • Calvin Schiraldi gave up a game-tying double to Ray Knight after a wild pitch and a bloop single.
    • The error: Bill Buckner's crucial error at first base allowed Mookie Wilson's ground ball to roll through his legs, scoring the tying run.
    • Dave Henderson hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th to give the Red Sox a 6-5 lead.
    • Ray Knight's double in the bottom of the 10th scored Mookie Wilson to tie it up again.
    • Darryl Strawberry's sacrifice fly drove in the winning run for the Mets.

**New York Mets

  • Pitching:

    • Ron Darling: 7 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K
    • Roger McDowell: 1.1 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K
    • Sid Fernandez: 0.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K
    • Jesse Orosco (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K

  • Hitting:

    • Gary Carter: 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI
    • Mookie Wilson: 1-5, 1 R
    • Ray Knight: 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI
    • Darryl Strawberry: 1-4, 1 RBI
    • Howard Johnson: 1-4
    • Lenny Dykstra: 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB
    • Kevin Mitchell: 0-3, 1 BB
    • Wally Backman: 0-3
    • Keith Hernandez: 0-4

  • Key Moments & Errors:

    • Despite trailing for much of the game, the Mets never gave up.
    • Gary Carter's bloop single in the 9th ignited the comeback.
    • The famous wild pitch by Bob Stanley allowed runners to advance.
    • The Bill Buckner error, which will forever be linked to this game.
    • Ray Knight's clutch hitting to tie the game twice.
    • Darryl Strawberry's game-winning sacrifice fly.

This box score highlights the incredible back-and-forth nature of the game, the clutch performances from Mets hitters, and the devastating error that will forever be a part of Red Sox lore. It's a stark reminder of how quickly a baseball game can turn on a dime.

The Legacy of Game 6

The 1986 World Series Game 6 is more than just a game; it's a cultural touchstone in baseball. For the New York Mets, it was the improbable comeback that fueled their championship run, a symbol of their resilience and never-say-die spirit. The image of Mookie Wilson's slow roller going through Bill Buckner's legs is an iconic moment, replayed endlessly and a source of endless debate and analysis. It solidified the Mets' underdog status and their ability to perform under immense pressure. For the Boston Red Sox, it was a devastating blow, a loss that became synonymous with heartbreak and a continuation of their championship drought. The