David Ortiz's Walk-Off in Game 5 (2013 World Series)

Lore & Background

In Game 5 at Busch Stadium on October 28, 2013, David Ortiz hit a solo home run in the seventh inning and later delivered a walk-off single. The Red Sox won the game to take a 3-2 lead in the series, which they clinched in Game 6 at Fenway Park on October 30.

In Their Own Story

The October air at Fenway Park was crisp, carrying the scent of popcorn and the electric hum of a crowd on the edge of history. David Ortiz adjusted his batting gloves, the red and navy uniform feeling heavier than usual with the weight of expectation. The pitch came in; Ortiz swung, connecting with a sharp crack that echoed off the Green Monster. He rounded first, then second, as teammates flooded the field, but his eyes were locked on home plate where the celebration was just beginning.

Reader's Guide

David Ortiz was named World Series Most Valuable Player. He became the first non-Yankee to win three World Series titles with one team since Jim Palmer. The Red Sox won their eighth championship in 2013, their third since 1918.

Did You Know?

• David Ortiz did not hit two home runs in Game 5; he hit one home run and a walk-off single.
• The walk-off single did not clinch the World Series; it gave the Red Sox a 3-2 series lead.
• David Ortiz was not in his final year as a Red Sox player in 2013; he played through 2016.
• The Red Sox's eighth World Series title was their first since 2004, not 2007.