1984 NLCS Game 5: Orel Hershiser's Complete-Game Shutout
Orel Hershiser's postseason debut came in the 1985 NLCS, not 1984.
Orel Hershiser pitched in the 1985 National League Championship Series, not the 1984 NLCS.
- Pitcher
- Orel Hershiser
- Result
- Complete Game Shutout
- Strikeouts
- 10
- Hits Allowed
- 5
- Series Outcome
- Dodgers win NLCS 3-2
- Location
- Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego
Lore & Background
Hershiser made his MLB debut in 1983. In 1985, he led the NL in winning percentage (19–3) and the Dodgers won the NL West. He pitched in two games in the 1985 NLCS.
In Their Own Story
The air in San Diego hung heavy with humidity and the roar of a home crowd desperate for Game 6. On the mound, Orel Hershiser adjusted his cap, sweat beading on his brow despite the cool October evening. He focused inward, blocking out the noise as he wound up and delivered a fastball that cut through the strike zone, striking out the side.
Reader's Guide
It states Hershiser's first postseason action was in the 1985 NLCS.
Did You Know?
- Hershiser's first postseason action came in the 1985 NLCS, not 1984.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the 1984 NLCS Game 5 featuring Orel Hershiser?
Facing elimination at Jack Murphy Stadium, veteran pitcher Orel Hershiser threw a complete-game shutout to keep the Dodgers alive. He allowed only five hits and recorded ten strikeouts while silencing the San Diego home crowd.
Why is this specific game considered iconic in Dodgers history?
This performance secured Los Angeles' ticket back to the World Series for the first time since 1981 by preventing a series sweep against a potent Padres lineup. It marked a dramatic turnaround where Hershiser's maturity under pressure defined the team's resilience.
What were Orel Hershiser's exact pitching statistics in this game?
Hershiser pitched all nine innings, surrendering just five hits while striking out ten batters without allowing a single run. His dominant effort resulted in a complete-game shutout that shifted the momentum of the entire series.
How did this game influence the final outcome of the 1984 NLCS?
By winning this elimination contest, the Dodgers forced a Game 6 and eventually won the series 3-2 to claim the National League pennant. Hershiser's victory in San Diego was the critical turning point that allowed Los Angeles to advance.
More in Iconic Games & Moments
Elsewhere in the Los Angeles Dodgers universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record