A curated chronicle of the most dramatic and historic comeback victories in Major League Baseball postseason history. This list highlights iconic games where teams overcame seemingly insurmountable deficits to clinch series or championships, capturing the raw emotion and unpredictability of playoff baseball.
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The defining moment of the 2004 American League Championship Series, where the Boston Red Sox became the first team in MLB history to come back from a 3-0 series deficit. David Ortiz’s walk-off hit in Game 5 and Curt Schilling’s bloody sock performance in Game 6 paved the way for this historic Game 7 victory, breaking the 'Curse of the Bambino.'
In a thrilling elimination game at Oracle Park, the Chicago Cubs trailed by four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning against Madison Bumgarner. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant sparked a three-run rally, culminating in a walk-off single by David DeJesus, sending the Cubs to the NLCS and continuing their eventual World Series run.
Often cited as the greatest World Series game ever played, the Boston Red Sox had a 3-2 series lead and held a 6-5 advantage in the bottom of the ninth. Carlton Fisk’s iconic home run down the left-field line in Fenway Park tied the game, extending it to 12 innings before Pete Rose scored the winning run in the 12th.
Crucial to the larger 2004 comeback narrative, this game featured David Ortiz hitting two extra-inning home runs, one in the 12th and another in the 14th inning. The Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees 5-4 in 14 innings, shifting the momentum of the series and silencing the Bronx crowd for the first time in the playoff round.
The Washington Nationals faced elimination against the St. Louis Cardinals, trailing 4-0 in the ninth inning before Max Scherzer’s bullpen stint stalled the Cardinals’ offense. The Nats rallied for three runs, winning 7-4 in extra innings with Anthony Rizzo’s walk-off single, sending the series to Game 3 in D.C. and eventually leading to their World Series title.
In a legendary matchup at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the Philadelphia Phillies overcame a 3-2 series deficit against their division rival. Lenny Dykstra’s two-run homer and Mitch Williams’ dominant relief pitching secured a 4-2 win, forcing a Game 7 and adding to the intense 1993 playoff atmosphere, though the Braves ultimately won the series.
Before the 2004 ALCS, this game set the tone for the modern rivalry. Trailing 3-2 in the series and facing elimination, the Boston Red Sox won this game in 12 innings on a walk-off hit by Trot Nixon. It was one of the few bright spots in a series the Yankees eventually won, highlighting the Red Sox’s resilience during that era.
The Chicago Cubs completed their championship drought by overcoming a 3-2 series deficit against the Cleveland Indians. After going down 8-3 in Game 6, they won Game 6 in 10 innings, then closed out the series with a 9-3 victory in Game 7, driven by Kris Bryant’s grand slam and Jon Lester’s strong pitching performance.
The Minnesota Twins, led by Kirby Puckett, defeated the Atlanta Braves in extra innings to force a Game 7. Puckett’s iconic walk-off home run in the 11th inning of Game 6 showcased his superstar status. The Twins went on to win the Series in Game 7, with Tom Gordon’s relief work being pivotal in the final game.
In a must-win game against their rival Oakland Athletics, the Anaheim Angels trailed by two runs in the ninth inning. Troy Glaus hit a two-run homer to tie the game, and John Lackey pitched eight innings, while the bullpen held on for a 4-3 victory that sparked their eventual World Series run.
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in a dramatic fashion to advance to the World Series. With the series tied at 2-2, the Pirates won this elimination game 1-0, thanks to Bruce Kison’s pitching and Dave Parker’s key hits, setting the stage for their eventual World Series championship against the Orioles.
The St. Louis Cardinals faced elimination against the Milwaukee Brewers, trailing 3-0 in the series. They won this game 2-1 in extra innings, with David Freese’s defensive plays and pinch-hit contributions keeping their hopes alive. This victory set up a Game 5 where Freese would make history with his World Series heroics.
The Atlanta Braves defeated the San Diego Padres in a high-scoring affair, winning 10-2 in Game 4 to advance. Although not a late-inning comeback, the Braves overcame early deficits and strong pitching from the Padres, showcasing their offensive depth with hits from Chipper Jones and Ron Gant.
The Kansas City Royals faced the Baltimore Orioles in a tight playoff matchup. Although the Orioles won the series, the Royals’ performance in Game 1 highlighted their resilience, with key hits from Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas keeping the game close. This series marked the beginning of the Royals’ playoff resurgence in the mid-2010s.
The New York Mets defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in a dramatic Game 5 to advance to the World Series. Mookie Wilson’s ground ball error by Bill Buckner is famously associated with the World Series, but the NLCS comeback involved key hits from Gary Carter and Dwight Gooden’s pitching prowess in critical moments.
In a classic divisional rivalry matchup, the Atlanta Braves overcame a deficit to win Game 3 against the New York Mets. Greg Maddux’s pitching and timely hitting from the Braves’ lineup helped them secure the victory, though the Mets ultimately won the series and went on to the World Series.
The Toronto Blue Jays demonstrated their championship mettle by coming back to win Game 2 against the Atlanta Braves. Paul Molitor’s clutch hitting and Pat Hentgen’s strong pitching performance helped the Blue Jays take a 2-0 series lead, which they would maintain to win their first World Series title.
The Houston Astros faced the Cleveland Indians in a tough series. Although the Indians won the series, the Astros’ ability to compete against a strong Indian lineup highlighted their depth. Key performances from Jose Altuve and George Springer kept the series close in Game 3.
The Atlanta Braves started their playoff run with a strong performance against the Cincinnati Reds. John Smoltz’s dominant pitching and timely hitting from the Braves’ offense helped them secure a crucial Game 2 victory, setting the tone for their eventual World Series championship.
The Atlanta Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in a dramatic fashion to advance to the World Series. Spencer Howard’s strong start and the Braves’ bullpen holding on for a 4-2 win in Game 6 marked the end of the Phillies’ playoff run and the Braves’ journey to the World Series.