Overcoming a 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five or best-of-seven series is one of the most challenging tasks in the MLB playoffs. Yet, several teams have accomplished this feat, turning potential defeat into some of the most memorable comebacks in baseball history. Here, we highlight some of the greatest 0-2 comebacks that have left an indelible mark on the sport.
1. 2004 Boston Red Sox - ALCS
The 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees is arguably the most famous comeback in baseball history. Down 0-3, not just 0-2, the Red Sox won four straight games in dramatic fashion. This comeback was highlighted by David Ortiz's walk-off hits in Games 4 and 5 and Curt Schilling's "bloody sock" performance in Game 6. Boston's victory in Game 7 completed the first and only comeback from a 0-3 deficit in MLB playoff history, breaking their 86-year World Series curse.
2. 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers - World Series
The 1981 World Series featured the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, where the Dodgers found themselves down 0-2 after losing the first two games at Yankee Stadium. However, the Dodgers stormed back by winning the next three games at Dodger Stadium, powered by the performances of Ron Cey, Pedro Guerrero, and Steve Yeager, who were all named World Series co-MVPs. The Dodgers clinched the championship in Game 6 back in New York, completing a remarkable turnaround.
3. 1995 Seattle Mariners - ALDS
The 1995 ALDS marked the Seattle Mariners' first postseason appearance, and they faced a daunting 0-2 deficit against the New York Yankees. The Mariners rallied back in the next three games, with Game 5 becoming particularly famous for Edgar Martinez’s double in the 11th inning, which scored Ken Griffey Jr. from first base to win the game and the series. This series is credited with saving baseball in Seattle, as it significantly bolstered support for the construction of a new ballpark.
4. 2012 San Francisco Giants - NLDS
The 2012 NLDS saw the San Francisco Giants down 0-2 to the Cincinnati Reds, with the series then shifting back to Cincinnati. The Giants won three straight games on the road, a rare occurrence in MLB playoff history. Their comeback was fueled by timely hitting and strong pitching, particularly from Barry Zito in Game 4 and Buster Posey, who hit a grand slam in the decisive Game 5. The Giants would go on to win the World Series that year.
5. 2015 Toronto Blue Jays - ALDS
After losing the first two games at home to the Texas Rangers, the Toronto Blue Jays faced an uphill battle in the 2015 ALDS. The Blue Jays' high-powered offense came to life as they won the next two games in Texas, setting up a decisive Game 5 in Toronto. The game was marked by the dramatic seventh inning that included three Rangers errors and Jose Bautista's iconic bat flip following a go-ahead three-run homer. The Blue Jays won the game and advanced to the ALCS.
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6. 1985 Kansas City Royals - ALCS
The Kansas City Royals faced the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1985 ALCS and were down 0-2 before rallying to win the series in seven games. George Brett was a standout performer, and the Royals' pitching staff held strong under pressure. This comeback was part of a magical postseason run that culminated in the Royals winning their first World Series title.
These comebacks are testaments to the unpredictability and excitement of baseball, especially in the postseason. They highlight not just the physical skills of the players but also their mental resilience and determination to succeed against the odds. For fans and players alike, these moments are a powerful reminder that in baseball, the game isn't over until the last out.
