2004 ALCS Comeback
The 2004 Red Sox: first team to overcome a 3–0 postseason deficit, ending an 86-year championship drought.
The 2004 Boston Red Sox season was the 104th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. Managed by Terry Francona, the Red Sox finished with a 98–64 record, 3 games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. The Red Sox qualified for the postseason as the AL wild card, swept the Anaheim Angels in the ALDS, and faced the Yankees in the ALCS for the second straight year. After losing the first three games and trailing in the ninth inning of the fourth game, the Red Sox became the first team in major league history to come back from a 3–0 postseason deficit, defeating the Yankees in seven games. The Red Sox then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, capturing their first championship since 1918.
Quick Facts
- Opponent
- New York Yankees
- Series result
- Red Sox win 4-3 (after trailing 0-3)
- Key figure
- David Ortiz (Designated Hitter)
- Deciding game
- Game 7 at Yankee Stadium
- Historical significance
- First MLB team to overcome a 3-0 series deficit
Lore & Background
The Red Sox had a strong offense in the regular season, ranking second in the major leagues in runs scored (949, behind the Anaheim Angels' 973) and second in doubles (373, behind the Toronto Blue Jays' 378), while leading MLB in on-base percentage (.360), slugging percentage (.472), and on-base plus slugging (.832). In the postseason, the Red Sox led all postseason teams with a .289 batting average and .373 on-base percentage.
Reader's Guide
It states that the Red Sox defeated the Yankees in seven games after coming back from a 3–0 deficit, but does not name the pitcher who recorded the final out or describe any early lead by Mike Mussina in Game 7. Therefore, those details are unclear from the source.
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