1993 NLCS Game 6 vs. Braves

Lore & Background

Game 6 became the crucible where the Phillies' season was nearly extinguished prematurely. Entering the ninth inning with a 9-6 lead, the atmosphere at Veterans Stadium shifted from electric anticipation to suffocating dread as the Braves mounted an improbable rally. The collapse is often cited by historians and fans alike as the moment that broke the team's spirit, leading to their eventual elimination in Game 7 despite a valiant effort.

Reader's Guide

The Phillies entered the bottom of the ninth inning with a commanding 9-6 lead over the Atlanta Braves. The atmosphere at Veterans Stadium was electric, with fans believing the National League pennant was within reach. However, the Braves immediately threatened, loading the bases with two outs against reliever Mitch Williams. Ron Gant stepped to the plate and delivered a crushing double into the left-field corner, driving in two runs and cutting the deficit to one run. The tension was palpable as the next batter, Chipper Jones, faced Williams under immense pressure. Jones hit a sharp single to right field that allowed Gant to score from second base, tying the game at 9-9. The Braves had erased a three-run lead in just two outs of the ninth inning. The extra innings were a blur of exhaustion and error, culminating in a Braves victory that forced a seventh game.

Did You Know?

• Ron Gant's double and Chipper Jones' single were the pivotal hits that erased the Phillies' lead in the ninth inning.
• This game forced a decisive Game 7, which the Braves won to advance to the World Series.
• Lenny Dykstra had hit for the cycle earlier in the series, but could not prevent this specific collapse.