Walk-Offs That Changed the Postseason: Memorable Moments From Every MLB Team

A short list of decisive plays

The examples include Luis Gonzalez’s 2001 World Series Game 7 single for Arizona, Oscar González’s 2022 AL Wild Card Game 2 home run for Cleveland, and Salvador Perez’s 2014 AL Wild Card walk-off for Kansas City. Other listed moments feature Mookie Wilson’s 1986 World Series Game 6 grounder for the Mets and Jimmy Rollins’ 2009 NLCS Game 4 double for Philadelphia. Tampa Bay’s 2020 World Series Game 4 win came on a single followed by two errors.

Lowenstein lifts Baltimore

John Lowenstein entered Game 1 of the 1979 ALCS as a pinch hitter in the 10th inning. With the score tied 3-3, two outs and runners on first and second, he hit a three-run homer for Baltimore.

Lowenstein had six hits and three RBIs in 26 pinch-hit attempts with the Orioles that season. The home run matched his season total for pinch-hit RBIs.

Ortiz sparks Boston’s comeback

David Ortiz hit a two-run homer with two outs to end the 2004 ALDS against the Angels and send Boston to face the Yankees in the ALCS. He then delivered walk-off hits on consecutive days against New York.

Ortiz had 23 walk-off hits in his career. His postseason heroics became an early part of Boston’s comeback story in the 2004 ALCS.

Rivalry turns on a late play

The Red Sox forced a Game 7 in the 2003 ALCS with a 9-6 win over the Yankees in Game 6. In the deciding game, New York tied the score after Boston manager Grady Little kept Pedro Martinez in the game.

The teams remained scoreless in extra innings while Mariano Rivera retired six of seven batters. Tim Wakefield relieved him and pitched a successful 10th inning, but the 11th was less successful.

World Series walk-offs endure

In the 2020 World Series, Brett Phillips’ single for Tampa Bay set off a chaotic finish. Chris Taylor misplayed the ball in center, and a subsequent throw home left catcher Will Smith without the ball as Randy Arozarena raced in to score.

Joe Carter ended the 1993 World Series with a three-run homer in Game 6, giving Toronto its second consecutive title. The article identifies it as the second walk-off home run to end a World Series and the first by a team that was trailing.