2004 ALCS Game 4
The 2004 Red Sox ended an 86-year championship drought with an historic comeback.
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, three 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.
- Series Status
- Red Sox trail 0-3
- Final Score
- Boston Red Sox 6, New York Yankees 4
- Key Moment
- David Ortiz walk-off home run (12th inning)
- Turning Point Rally
- 9th Inning: Dave Roberts steals second base
- Venue
- Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
- Historical Distinction
- First MLB team to force Game 7 after trailing 0-3
Lore & Background
The Red Sox had a strong offense in the regular season, leading the major leagues in runs scored (949), doubles (373), on-base percentage (.360), slugging percentage (.472), on-base plus slugging (.832), total bases (2,702), batting average on balls in play, and plate appearances. They led all postseason teams in batting average and on-base percentage.
In Their Own Story
Yankee Stadium held its breath as Dave Roberts crouched at first base, the score deadlocked 4-4 in a ninth that refused to end. As the pitch arrived, he took off—sliding safely into second, igniting a spark that would burn for eight innings. Hours of tension culminated in the 12th: Ortiz gripped the bat, eyes locked on the mound. The swing connected. The ball cleared the right-field wall, and suddenly, 86 years of sorrow evaporated in a single roar.
Reader's Guide
Therefore, the specific play of Dave Roberts stealing second base is not confirmed by the source.
Did You Know?
- The Red Sox became the first team in major league history to come back from a 3–0 postseason deficit.
- The Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, capturing their first championship since 1918.
- The Red Sox led the major leagues in runs scored (949) during the regular season.
More in Iconic Games & Moments
Elsewhere in the Boston Red Sox universe
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