1986 ALCS Game 5 vs Angels
The 1986 Boston Red Sox season was the 86th season in the franchise's Major League Baseball history. The Red Sox finished first in the American League East with a record of 95–66. After defeating the California Angels in the ALCS, the Red Sox lost the World Series to the New York Mets in seven games.
- Date:
- October 12, 1986
- Venue:
- Anaheim Stadium
- Series Status:
- Angels lead 3-2
- Key Moment:
- Dave Henderson's 9th-inning home run
- Final Score:
- Red Sox 7, Angels 6 (11 innings)
- Winning Pitcher:
- Bruce Hurst (started), Bob Stanley (relief)
- Series Outcome:
- Red Sox won series 4-3
Lore & Background
It only states that the Red Sox defeated the California Angels in the ALCS. No information is given about the specific game, Henderson's home run, the winning pitcher, or the series score entering Game 5.
In Their Own Story
The air in Anaheim was thick with humidity and the scent of defeat. Two outs. Three strikes away from a season ending in silence. Donnie Moore stared down Dave Henderson, the count hanging heavy in the balance. The crowd held its breath, waiting for the final out that would send the Angels to the World Series. Then came the crack of the bat—a sharp, clean sound that echoed differently than any before it. The ball soared over the right-field fence, a golden arc against the stadium lights. For a split second, silence reigned, followed by an eruption of noise from the Red Sox faithful. Henderson rounded the bases, not just scoring runs, but resurrecting a dream that had been buried alive.
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