1986 World Series Box Scores: A Detailed Recap

Hey baseball fans! Let's dive deep into the unforgettable 1986 World Series. This wasn't just any series; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, legendary plays, and moments that are still talked about today. We're going to break down each game, highlighting the crucial box scores and key plays that defined this classic showdown between the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox.

Game 1: Mets Shock the Red Sox at Shea Stadium

The 1986 World Series kicked off at Shea Stadium in New York, and right from the start, it was clear that this series would be anything but predictable. The Boston Red Sox, hungry for their first World Series title since 1918, came in with high hopes. However, the Mets, a team built on youthful energy and resilience, had other plans. The opening game saw the Mets pull off a stunning victory, setting the tone for what would be a dramatic series. In the top of the first inning, Boston's Wade Boggs singled, followed by a double from Marty Barrett, putting runners in scoring position early. Jim Rice then grounded out, scoring Boggs and giving the Red Sox an initial lead. Dwight Evans followed with a single, extending the lead to 2-0. The Mets responded in the bottom of the first when Wally Backman walked and Keith Hernandez singled. However, they couldn't capitalize, leaving both runners stranded. The Red Sox added another run in the third when Dwight Evans homered off Mets starter Ron Darling. Darling struggled, allowing three runs on seven hits before being pulled in the fifth. The Mets began to chip away at the lead in the sixth inning. Gary Carter singled, and Darryl Strawberry followed with a two-run homer, igniting the Shea Stadium crowd. The score was now 3-2. In the bottom of the ninth, with the Red Sox leading 3-2, the Mets rallied. Mookie Wilson led off with a single, and after a sacrifice bunt by Rafael Santana, Tim Teufel singled, putting runners at the corners. Wally Backman then grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring Wilson and tying the game. With two outs, Keith Hernandez walked, and then a wild pitch by Bob Stanley allowed Teufel to score the winning run, giving the Mets a 6-5 victory. The Mets' comeback in Game 1 was a sign of their never-say-die attitude, which would be a recurring theme throughout the series. The box score highlighted the Mets' ability to capitalize on opportunities and the Red Sox's inability to close out the game.

Game 2: Red Sox Even the Series with a Dominant Performance

After the Mets' dramatic comeback in Game 1, the Boston Red Sox were determined to even the series before heading back to Fenway Park. Game 2 saw a completely different narrative unfold, with the Red Sox delivering a dominant performance that left no doubt about their intentions. From the first pitch, the Red Sox asserted their dominance, showcasing both their offensive firepower and pitching prowess. Roger Clemens, the Red Sox's star pitcher, took the mound and delivered a masterful performance. Clemens, known for his overpowering fastball and intimidating presence, kept the Mets' hitters at bay throughout the game. His command was impeccable, and he consistently hit his spots, making it difficult for the Mets to generate any sustained offense. The Red Sox offense exploded in the early innings, putting up a crooked number that the Mets couldn't match. In the first inning, Wade Boggs walked, and Marty Barrett singled, setting the stage for Jim Rice. Rice delivered a clutch hit, driving in Boggs and giving the Red Sox an early lead. The Red Sox continued to pour it on, adding runs in the second and third innings. Dwight Evans had another strong performance, contributing with both his bat and his glove. The Red Sox's offensive onslaught put Mets' starter Bob Ojeda in a tough spot, and he struggled to keep the Red Sox hitters at bay. The Mets' offense, which had been so explosive in Game 1, was completely shut down by Clemens. They managed only a handful of hits and never mounted a serious threat. The Red Sox's dominant performance in Game 2 was a statement. They showed that they were not going to be intimidated by the Mets' home-field advantage and that they were a force to be reckoned with. The box score of Game 2 highlighted the Red Sox's all-around excellence. Clemens's pitching performance was the key, but the offense also did its part, providing him with plenty of run support. The Red Sox's victory evened the series at one game apiece, setting the stage for a crucial Game 3 in Boston. The Red Sox's response in Game 2 demonstrated their resilience and determination, proving that they were more than capable of competing with the Mets.

Game 3: Red Sox Take the Lead at Fenway

Moving to Fenway Park, the atmosphere was electric as the Boston Red Sox aimed to capitalize on their home-field advantage. Game 3 was a tightly contested affair, showcasing the pitching depth of both teams and the importance of timely hitting. The Red Sox ultimately prevailed, taking a 2-1 lead in the series and putting the pressure squarely on the Mets. The game started as a pitching duel between the Mets' Doc Gooden and the Red Sox's Oil Can Boyd. Both pitchers were on top of their game, keeping the opposing hitters in check. Gooden, known for his overpowering fastball and sharp curveball, was particularly effective, striking out several Red Sox hitters. Boyd, on the other hand, relied on his guile and experience to keep the Mets off balance. The Red Sox broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning when Dwight Evans doubled, and Jim Rice followed with an RBI single. The Mets responded in the fifth when Darryl Strawberry led off with a single and later scored on a passed ball. The game remained tied until the bottom of the eighth inning when the Red Sox rallied against Mets reliever Rick Aguilera. With one out, Bill Buckner singled, and Jim Rice followed with a double, putting runners at second and third. Dwight Evans was intentionally walked to load the bases, and then Dave Henderson delivered a clutch single, driving in Buckner and Rice to give the Red Sox a 4-2 lead. The Mets managed to score a run in the ninth when Keith Hernandez singled and later scored on a groundout, but it wasn't enough. The Red Sox held on to win 4-2, taking a crucial lead in the series. The box score of Game 3 highlighted the importance of timely hitting and the ability to capitalize on opportunities. The Red Sox's clutch hits in the eighth inning proved to be the difference, while the Mets struggled to string together hits when they needed them most. The Red Sox's victory in Game 3 was a testament to their resilience and their ability to perform under pressure. They took full advantage of their home-field advantage and put themselves in a strong position to win the series.

Game 4: Red Sox Extend Their Lead

With a 2-1 series lead, the Boston Red Sox looked to extend their advantage in Game 4 at Fenway Park. This game was a back-and-forth battle, filled with dramatic twists and turns, ultimately resulting in a Red Sox victory that put them on the brink of winning the World Series. The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning against Mets starter Ron Darling. Wade Boggs led off with a single, and Marty Barrett followed with a double, putting runners at second and third. Jim Rice then delivered a clutch single, driving in both runners. The Mets responded in the second when Gary Carter singled, and Darryl Strawberry followed with a two-run homer, tying the game. The Red Sox regained the lead in the third when Bill Buckner singled and later scored on a wild pitch. The Mets tied the game again in the fifth when Keith Hernandez doubled and later scored on a single by Mookie Wilson. The Red Sox took the lead once more in the sixth when Dwight Evans singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly. The Mets refused to go away, tying the game yet again in the seventh when Wally Backman singled and later scored on a groundout. The Red Sox finally broke the tie in the ninth when Jim Rice led off with a single and later scored on a sacrifice fly. The Red Sox held on to win 6-2, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. The box score of Game 4 highlighted the seesaw nature of the game and the resilience of both teams. The Red Sox's ability to score late in the game proved to be the difference, while the Mets struggled to come up with clutch hits when they needed them most. The Red Sox's victory in Game 4 put them in a commanding position to win the World Series. They were just one win away from breaking their long championship drought.

Game 5: Mets Stave Off Elimination in a Thriller

Facing elimination, the New York Mets returned to Fenway Park for Game 5, knowing that their backs were against the wall. This game was an absolute classic, filled with dramatic moments and unforgettable plays. The Mets managed to pull off a stunning victory, staving off elimination and sending the series back to New York. The Red Sox jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first inning against Mets starter Dwight Gooden. Wade Boggs led off with a single, and Marty Barrett followed with a double, putting runners at second and third. Jim Rice then delivered a clutch single, driving in both runners. Dwight Evans followed with a single, extending the lead to 3-0. The Mets responded in the second when Keith Hernandez singled and later scored on a double by Gary Carter. The Red Sox added another run in the third when Bill Buckner singled and later scored on a wild pitch. The Mets began to chip away at the lead in the fifth inning. Wally Backman singled, and Keith Hernandez followed with a double, putting runners at second and third. Gary Carter then delivered a clutch single, driving in both runners and cutting the lead to 4-3. The Mets tied the game in the sixth when Darryl Strawberry homered off Red Sox reliever Joe Sambito. The game remained tied until the ninth inning when the Mets rallied against Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel. With one out, Gary Carter singled, and Kevin Mitchell followed with a single, putting runners at first and second. Mookie Wilson then delivered a clutch single, driving in Carter and giving the Mets a 5-4 lead. The Mets held on to win, staving off elimination and sending the series back to New York. The box score of Game 5 highlighted the Mets' resilience and their ability to perform under pressure. The Mets' victory in Game 5 was a testament to their never-say-die attitude and their determination to keep the series alive.

Game 6: The Infamous Buckner Game

Game 6 of the 1986 World Series is arguably one of the most memorable and dramatic games in baseball history. Back at Shea Stadium, the New York Mets were looking to tie the series, while the Boston Red Sox were one win away from breaking their 68-year championship drought. What unfolded was a series of incredible twists and turns that culminated in one of the most iconic plays in World Series history. The Red Sox took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning, courtesy of a home run by Dwight Evans. They extended their lead to 3-0 in the seventh when Dave Henderson hit a solo shot. The Mets struggled to get their offense going against Red Sox starter Roger Clemens, who was pitching brilliantly. However, Clemens was taken out of the game after seven innings, a decision that would later be heavily scrutinized. The Mets finally got on the board in the bottom of the eighth when Gary Carter singled, and Kevin Mitchell followed with another single. A passed ball allowed Carter to score, making it 3-1. Then, Ray Knight doubled, driving in Mitchell and bringing the Mets within one run. With two outs, Mookie Wilson singled, tying the game. The Red Sox regained the lead in the top of the tenth, scoring two runs off Mets reliever Rick Aguilera. Dave Henderson hit a sacrifice fly, and Marty Barrett singled, making it 5-3. The Mets were down to their last out in the bottom of the tenth when Gary Carter singled. Kevin Mitchell followed with another single, and then Ray Knight doubled, scoring Carter and bringing the Mets within one run. With runners on second and third and two outs, Mookie Wilson came to the plate. Wilson hit a slow roller towards first base, and Bill Buckner, the Red Sox's first baseman, misplayed the ball, allowing it to roll through his legs. Mitchell scored the tying run, and Knight scored the winning run, giving the Mets a 6-5 victory. The box score of Game 6 tells only part of the story. The Mets' dramatic comeback, capped off by Buckner's error, is a moment that will forever be etched in baseball history. The victory tied the series at three games apiece and set the stage for a decisive Game 7.

Game 7: Mets Complete the Comeback

After the unbelievable Game 6, the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox faced off in Game 7 at Shea Stadium, with everything on the line. The Mets, riding the momentum of their dramatic comeback, were looking to complete the series victory, while the Red Sox were trying to regroup and break their long championship drought. Game 7 was a tense and tightly contested affair, with both teams battling fiercely. The Red Sox took an early lead, scoring three runs in the second inning against Mets starter Ron Darling. Dwight Evans doubled, and Rich Gedman followed with a two-run homer. The Mets responded in the third when Keith Hernandez singled and later scored on a passed ball. The Red Sox added another run in the sixth when Bill Buckner singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly. The Mets began to chip away at the lead in the sixth inning. Darryl Strawberry led off with a single and later scored on a wild pitch. The Mets tied the game in the seventh when Ray Knight doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly. The game remained tied until the bottom of the eighth inning when the Mets rallied against Red Sox reliever Calvin Schiraldi. With one out, Keith Hernandez singled, and Gary Carter followed with a single, putting runners at first and second. Darryl Strawberry then delivered a clutch double, driving in Hernandez and giving the Mets a 4-3 lead. The Mets added two more runs in the inning when Rafael Santana singled, driving in Carter and Strawberry. The Mets held on to win 8-5, completing their comeback and winning the World Series. The box score of Game 7 highlighted the Mets' resilience and their ability to capitalize on opportunities. The Mets' victory in Game 7 was the culmination of a season filled with dramatic moments and unforgettable plays. They had overcome adversity throughout the series and had ultimately emerged as champions.

Conclusion

The 1986 World Series was a classic matchup filled with drama, unforgettable moments, and outstanding performances. From the Mets' stunning comeback in Game 1 to the Red Sox's near-victory in Game 6, this series had it all. The box scores tell the story of each game, but they don't fully capture the emotions and excitement that this series generated. The 1986 World Series will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in baseball history, a testament to the resilience and determination of both the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox.