The 1986 New York Mets’ postseason journey is widely remembered for two dramatic Game 6 victories that played pivotal roles in their Championship run, underscoring the team’s resilience under pressure. Though Game 7s often carry the weight of finality and drama, these two Game 6 matchups—occurring ten days apart—proved to be critical turning points for the Mets.

The first of these games took place on October 15, 1986, during the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Houston Astros at the Astrodome. While not technically an elimination game for the Mets, the atmosphere was tense, as many believed the Mets’ chances of winning the series hinged on avoiding a Game 7 against Astros’ ace Mike Scott, who had dominated the Mets’ hitters throughout the postseason.

The game began with Mets pitcher Bob Ojeda struggling early, giving up multiple runs in the first inning. Houston took an early 3-0 lead behind strong pitching from Bob Knepper, who limited the Mets to two hits and six strikeouts over eight innings. Facing elimination, the Mets’ offense rallied in the ninth inning. Manager Davey Johnson sent pinch hitter Len Dykstra to the plate against a left-handed pitcher despite the matchup being unfavorable. Dykstra’s surprising triple ignited a rally; subsequent hits by Mookie Wilson and Keith Hernandez brought the Mets within a run. Key hits from Darryl Strawberry, Gary Carter, and Ray Knight tied the game, forcing extra innings.

The marathon contest extended to 16 innings, with both teams exchanging leads. Ultimately, Jesse Orosco, the Mets’ reliever, struck out Kevin Bass after an on-mound rally orchestrated by Hernandez, securing a 7-6 victory for New York and forcing a Game 7, which the Mets eventually won.

Ten days later, the Mets faced off against the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the World Series at Shea Stadium. After dropping the first two games at home and alternating wins in Boston, New York entered the game trailing 3-2 in the series. Early pitching favored the Red Sox, with Roger Clemens delivering four scoreless innings before exiting due to what some report as a blister or manager’s decision.

Taking an early 3-0 lead, the Red Sox appeared poised to clinch the title, further extending their 68-year championship drought. However, the Mets responded, rallying in the middle innings to tie the game. The contest eventually moved into extra innings, where Boston’s Dave Henderson hit a go-ahead home run in the tenth, putting the Mets on the brink of elimination down 5-3.

The Mets clawed back in the top of the 10th inning. After two outs, Mookie Wilson hit a ground ball that notoriously went through the legs of Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner, allowing Ray Knight to score the tying run. The improbable sequence forced a decisive Game 7, where the Mets secured their championship.

The impact of these two Game 6 victories remains a defining element of the 1986 Mets' legacy. The team, which won 108 games during the regular season and dominated the National League East, demonstrated remarkable composure and fortitude under high-stakes conditions. While their season included moments of vulnerability and near-collapse, these critical performances highlighted the Mets' determination and ability to seize pivotal moments.

The aftermath of the NLCS Game 6 victory was famously marked by the Mets damaging their team plane on the flight home and manager Davey Johnson’s symbolic rejection of the resulting bill, reflecting the emotional release following the intense contest. Meanwhile, the World Series Game 6 win is often recalled as an iconic example of baseball’s unpredictability and dramatic tension.

Together, these two games illustrate that for the 1986 Mets, Game 6 held a significance typically reserved for finales, underscoring the unpredictable nature of baseball’s postseason and the power of perseverance.