A game with no time constraints is exciting and unpredictable. Both teams have a chance of winning till the last run, and that’s why MLB is so thrilling. For similar reasons, it’s one of the most-watched leagues in the U.S.
MLB has seen the biggest comebacks that changed the course of the game in seconds. What seemed an easy win for one team, in the end, the tables turned, and a team with unfavorable MLB odds won.
The following are some of the biggest comeback wins in MLB history.
Red Sox VS. Yankees
It was the first time in MLB history that any team made a comeback from a 3-0 deficit and won the series. The Red Sox were down and out, and their dream of winning the championship since 1918 was fading away.
Until Kevin Millar, Dave Roberts, and Bill Mueller stole second base and hit the first pitch, drawing the game. The Red Sox won the game and went on to win the remaining three games with dominance and made history.
Mets VS. Red Sox
After a long wait, the Red Sox were super close to winning the championship. They needed one out to clinch the victory and were already leading the series 3 to 2.
Mookie Wilson was on strike, who hit a slow roller towards Bill Buckner. All Bill had to do was grab the ball and throw. However, it was not meant to be, and a ball bounced and passed through Bill’s legs.
Until the ball got to the right fielder, Ray Knight covered the third base and won the match. It tied the series. The Mets made another comeback in the next game. They had a 3-run deficit but overcame the deficit, beating the Red Sox and claiming their second championship.
Athletics VS. Dodgers
In the 1988 World Series, Oakland Athletics were favored to win the series. They had a lead that looked to be an easy win, but the Dodgers had a different plan. The world witnessed a surprising move by the Dodgers’ manager.
Injured Kirk Gibson was called upon to bat; he hit some mighty blows but was struggling and in pain. The pitcher sensed the opportunity of throwing a back-door slider. Gibson swung his bat and hit the ball into the right field for the win.
The Dodgers won the game, took the lead, and also won the series.
Pirates VS. Cubs
The Pirates were behind with an 8-5 score with no out remaining. The team was hoping for a miracle to win. Inside the park, a home run is rare in a baseball game. And the Pirates needed to make a comeback.
Roberto Clemente was known for doing such unusual things. It was only he who could bring back the team from the deficit. He struck the famous inside the park home run that ended the Cubs’ lead, and the Pirates won the match.
Two major comebacks
In MLB history, 12-run comebacks are the biggest deficit comebacks. Three teams share this record. It has happened twice in the last 20 years, and the Seattle Mariners were involved both times.
In 2001, the Mariners were on the receiving end as they had a lead of 12-0 over Cleveland. The Cleveland Indians ended the lead and won the match, all with two outs only.
In 2016, the Mariners overcame a 12-run deficit against the San Diego Padres. They scored 14 runs in two innings and stunned the Padres.