Sports & Athletes

Most Iconic Fifth-Inning Comebacks in Baseball Playoff History

A compilation of legendary Major League Baseball playoff games where teams staged remarkable fourth-outside or early-inning rallies after trailing entering the fifth inning. These historic moments highlight resilience, clutch hitting, and pitching masterpieces that shifted the momentum of world series and playoff series.

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2004 ALCS Game 5: Red Sox vs Yankees

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Though the famous rally began in the ninth of Game 4, Game 5 saw the Red Sox overcome a significant deficit to complete the historic comeback. Curt Schilling's bloody sock performance and key hits sealed the victory, ending the Curse of the Bambino and igniting one of the greatest playoff runs in sports history.

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2002 NLDS Game 4: Giants vs Diamondbacks

San Francisco staged a massive fifth-inning surge in this pivotal playoff game. Barry Bonds and the Giants offense erupted against Curt Schilling and D-backs relievers, erasing a late deficit to win the game and advance to the NLCS in a high-stakes National League Division Series contest.

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1986 NLCS Game 3: Mets vs Astros

The New York Mets overcame a multi-run deficit entering the bottom of the fifth inning to take control of this crucial National League Championship Series game. Key hitting and solid pitching helped the Mets secure a vital victory that contributed to their eventual World Series appearance.

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1991 World Series Game 1: Twins vs Braves

Minnesota rallied from behind in the fifth inning against John Smoltz and the Atlanta Braves. The game famously ended with a controversial call, but the fifth-inning momentum shift was pivotal in a series that featured one of the most intense pitcher duels in World Series history.

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2014 NL Wild Card: Giants vs Nationals

Though the decisive rally occurred later, the Giants had earlier fought back from deficits in the fifth inning to stay alive. This game showcased the team's resilient nature, ultimately leading to their walk-off victory in the tenth inning and advancing to the World Series.

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1999 ALCS Game 1: Yankees vs Red Sox

New York overcame a deficit entering the fifth inning to defeat the Red Sox in the opener of the ALCS. The win set the tone for a dominant series where the Yankees showcased their depth and clutch hitting capabilities, eventually sweeping Boston on their way to the World Series.

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2003 NLCS Game 5: Marlins vs Braves

Florida staged a critical fifth-inning rally to take the lead in this Game 5 elimination contest. The Marlins' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities under pressure allowed them to steal a crucial game in the series, keeping their World Series hopes alive against their division rivals.

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1975 World Series Game 6: Red Sox vs Reds

While famous for the Carlton Fisk homer, the Red Sox mounted a significant fifth-inning attack earlier in the game to keep the series alive. This rally, combined with Carl Yastrzemski's heroics, made it one of the most thrilling games ever played, forcing a decisive seventh game.

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2018 NL Wild Card: Dodgers vs Cardinals

Los Angeles erased a deficit in the fifth inning to secure a playoff victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The offense provided crucial runs that prevented St. Louis from taking control, demonstrating the Dodgers' offensive firepower in a high-pressure wildcard elimination game.

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1993 NLCS Game 3: Phillies vs Braves

Philadelphia rallied in the fifth inning to take the lead in this critical National League Championship Series matchup. The victory helped the Phillies overcome early series deficits and showcase their resilience, although they ultimately fell short in the World Series that year.

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2007 ALDS Game 2: Red Sox vs Angels

Boston overcame a fifth-inning deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Angels in a key divisional series game. The comeback highlighted the Red Sox's potent lineup and ability to produce offense when needed most, paving the way for their eventual World Series championship run.

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1988 NLCS Game 3: Mets vs Dodgers

The Dodgers staged a pivotal rally in the fifth inning to take control of this National League Championship Series game. Orel Hershiser's pitching and timely hitting helped New York secure a win that contributed to their eventual series victory and World Series title.

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2016 NLDS Game 3: Cubs vs Giants

Chicago rallied from a deficit in the fifth inning to defeat the San Francisco Giants in a must-win playoff game. The comeback showcased the Cubs' mental toughness and clutch hitting, which were instrumental in their journey to the World Series that same year.

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1995 ALDS Game 2: Indians vs Blue Jays

Cleveland mounted a fifth-inning surge to take the lead in this American League Division Series contest. The rally demonstrated the Indians' ability to respond under pressure, contributing to their eventual series victory and deep playoff run in the 1995 postseason.

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2001 NLDS Game 2: Diamondbacks vs Braves

Arizona staged a critical fifth-inning comeback to defeat the Atlanta Braves in this divisional series game. The victory shifted momentum in the series, showcasing the young Diamondbacks' resilience and their eventual run to the World Series championship that year.

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1992 ALCS Game 4: Blue Jays vs Braves

Toronto rallied in the fifth inning to take the lead in this pivotal National League vs American League playoff series game. The win helped the Blue Jays maintain their series lead, contributing to their first World Series championship in franchise history.

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2019 AL Wild Card: Yankees vs Twins

New York overcame a deficit in the fifth inning to secure a playoff victory over the Minnesota Twins. The comeback highlighted the Yankees' offensive depth and ability to produce runs in critical moments, advancing them to the ALDS in the 2019 postseason.

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1984 ALDS Game 3: Tigers vs Brewers

Detroit staged a fifth-inning rally to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers in this American League Division Series game. The victory contributed to the Tigers' smooth path to the World Series, where they would go on to sweep the Padres in four games.

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2006 NLDS Game 3: Cardinals vs Mets

St. Louis overcame a deficit in the fifth inning to take control of this National League Division Series game. The win showcased the Cardinals' championship pedigree and clutch hitting, which would ultimately lead them to their seventh World Series title.

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1997 NLCS Game 6: Marlins vs Braves

Florida mounted a pivotal fifth-inning rally to take the lead in this elimination game against the Braves. The victory kept the Marlins' World Series hopes alive, leading to their eventual upset of the Cleveland Indians in the Fall Classic.