1986 World Series Game 7 Pitcher: Who Was It?

The 1986 World Series is legendary, especially Game 6, but let's dive into who pitched in Game 7! Baseball fans, history buffs, and anyone curious about this iconic moment in sports, you've come to the right place. We will tell you who stood on the mound for both the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets in that deciding game.

The Starting Pitchers: A Tale of Two Arms

In the high-stakes environment of Game 7, the starting pitchers for both teams were under immense pressure. Their performance could either cement their place in baseball history or be remembered as a contributing factor to a painful defeat. The managers of both the Red Sox and the Mets carefully considered their options, weighing factors such as past performance, pitching matchups, and the physical condition of their pitchers.

For the Boston Red Sox, the responsibility of starting Game 7 fell on the shoulders of Bruce Hurst. Hurst had already proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Red Sox, delivering outstanding performances throughout the regular season and the World Series. His calm demeanor and ability to handle pressure made him a natural choice for such a crucial game. Prior to Game 7, Hurst had pitched exceptionally well in the series, including a stellar performance in Game 5, where he earned the win and brought the Red Sox one step closer to their first World Series title since 1918. The decision to start Hurst in Game 7 reflected the Red Sox's confidence in his ability to deliver another strong outing and help them secure the championship.

On the other side, the New York Mets entrusted the fate of their season to Ron Darling. Darling had been a consistent and reliable presence in the Mets' pitching rotation, known for his poise and ability to navigate challenging situations. While Darling's performance in the World Series had been mixed up to that point, his track record and experience made him a logical choice to start Game 7. The Mets were confident that Darling could rise to the occasion and provide them with a quality start, giving their offense the opportunity to build a lead and ultimately secure the victory. Darling's selection as the starting pitcher underscored the Mets' belief in his capabilities and their determination to fight until the very end for the World Series title.

A Quick Recap of Game 6

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Game 7, let's quickly remember what made Game 6 so unforgettable. Many consider it one of the greatest baseball games ever played, and for good reason! The Red Sox were leading the series 3-2 and were up 5-3 in the bottom of the 10th inning, just one out away from winning the World Series. But then, the Mets mounted an improbable comeback, capped off by Mookie Wilson's ground ball that went through Bill Buckner's legs, scoring Ray Knight and winning the game. This dramatic victory tied the series and set the stage for a decisive Game 7.

Game 7: The Pitchers Who Took the Mound

Okay, let's get to the main event: the pitchers in Game 7! As we mentioned, the starting pitchers were Bruce Hurst for the Red Sox and Ron Darling for the Mets.

Bruce Hurst (Red Sox)

Hurst, who had already won Game 5, was on the mound for the Red Sox. He pitched well, but the Red Sox ultimately couldn't hold on to their lead. He went six and a third innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits. He was replaced by Joe Sambito in the seventh.

Hurst's performance in Game 7 was a microcosm of the Red Sox's overall experience in the 1986 World Series. While he pitched well and demonstrated resilience on the mound, the team was unable to provide him with enough support to secure the win. Despite his best efforts, Hurst ultimately fell short of his goal of delivering a World Series title to Boston. Nonetheless, his contributions to the Red Sox during that season and throughout his career solidified his place as a respected figure in baseball history.

Ron Darling (Mets)

Darling started for the Mets but didn't have his best stuff. He lasted only four innings, giving up three runs on six hits. He was relieved by Sid Fernandez in the fifth.

Darling's outing in Game 7 was emblematic of the challenges faced by the Mets' pitching staff throughout the series. Despite their talent and determination, the Mets struggled to consistently shut down the Red Sox's offense, often finding themselves in high-pressure situations. Darling's early exit from the game underscored the importance of the bullpen in the Mets' strategy and highlighted the team's ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Other Pitchers Who Appeared in Game 7

Of course, in a game as important as Game 7, several pitchers usually make an appearance. Here's a quick rundown of the other pitchers who took the mound:

• For the Red Sox:
  • Joe Sambito: Sambito came in for Hurst in the 7th, pitched to one batter, and was then replaced.
  • Steve Crawford: Crawford took over for Sambito in the 7th and pitched 2/3 of an inning.
  • Calvin Schiraldi: Schiraldi entered in the 8th. He is remembered for giving up the go-ahead runs in the bottom of the 8th.
  • Bob Stanley: Stanley came in to try and close it out in the 9th, but things unraveled.
• For the Mets:
  • Sid Fernandez: Fernandez relieved Darling in the 5th and pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
  • Rick Aguilera: Aguilera pitched the 7th and 8th innings.
  • Jesse Orosco: Orosco, who had been a key figure in the Mets' bullpen throughout the season, came in to pitch the 9th and closed out the game, earning the save.

The Final Outcome

The Mets ultimately won Game 7 by a score of 8-5, securing their second World Series title in franchise history. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads. The Red Sox took a 3-0 lead early on, but the Mets battled back to tie the game. The Red Sox then regained the lead, only to see the Mets tie it again. In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Mets scored three runs to take an 8-5 lead, which they held on to win.

The victory was a testament to the Mets' resilience, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. Despite facing adversity throughout the series, the team remained focused on their goal of winning the World Series. Their unwavering belief in themselves and their teammates ultimately propelled them to victory, cementing their place in baseball history.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Several key moments and turning points shaped the outcome of Game 7. One such moment was Mookie Wilson's ground ball in Game 6, which extended the series and gave the Mets new life. Another pivotal moment was the Mets' comeback in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 7, when they scored three runs to take the lead. These moments underscored the unpredictable nature of baseball and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise.

In Conclusion: A World Series to Remember

So, to answer the initial question: Bruce Hurst started for the Red Sox, and Ron Darling started for the Mets in Game 7 of the 1986 World Series. But as you can see, many other pitchers played crucial roles in that game and the entire series. The 1986 World Series was a classic, filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. It remains a significant chapter in baseball history, and the performances of the pitchers in Game 7 will forever be remembered by fans and enthusiasts alike. This series wasn't just about who pitched; it was about the grit, the comebacks, and the sheer unpredictability that makes baseball so captivating. Whether you're a die-hard Mets fan, a long-suffering Red Sox supporter, or just a lover of the game, the 1986 World Series is a story that continues to resonate through the years.