(PHOTO: Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports)
The Cardinals’ 13-inning NLCS Game 1 win over the Dodgers became the 12th postseason game in Major League history to go at least 13 innings. The contest marked the longest playoff game the Cardinals organization has ever played, and the longest for the Dodgers since 1916.
With help from baseball-reference.com, here’s a quick look back at the 12 longest games in MLB postseason history.
1. Braves-Astros, 2005 NLDS Game 4: 18 innings
(PHOTO: Pat Sullivan/AP Photo)
The Astros hit a roadblock on their march to the World Series when the BRaves put up a four-spot against Brandon Backe in the third. But Houston battled back, then the teams played eight scoreless extra innings until Chris Burke hit a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 18th. Roger Clemens got the win for the Astros in relief.
2. Mets-Astros, 1986 NLCS Game 6: 16 innings
The Astros have hosted the two longest postseason games in Major League history. This was a weird one: The Astros scored three in the first inning and no one scored again until the Mets put up three in the ninth. Both teams scored a run in the 14th, then the Mets rallied for three in the top of the 16th — an inning that included reliever Jesse Orosco batting. Orosco held the Astros to two in the bottom half of the frame and took the win.
3 (tie). Braves-Mets, 1999 NLCS Game 5: 15 innings
One of two games that ended with one out in the bottom of the 15th inning, this one takes top billing because I was there. After the Braves scored a run in the top of the 15th, Mets third baseman Robin Ventura hit a grand slam in the bottom of the inning. But teammates mobbed Ventura as he rounded first base, and his walk-off hit was ruled a single.
3 (tie). Mariners-Yankees, 1995 ALDS Game 2: 15 innings
In a harbinger of things to come, young Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera mowed down the Mariners for 3 1/3 innings until Yankees catcher Jim Leyritz hit a walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the 15th.
5 (tie). White Sox-Astros, 2005 World Series Game 3: 14 innings
(PHOTO: H. Darr Beiser/USA TODAY Sports)
The 2005 Astros played two of the longest postseason games in history. They lost this one thanks to a home run by once and future Astro Geoff Blum in the 14th.
5 (tie). Yankees-Red sox, 2004 ALCS Game 5: 14 innings
Mariano Rivera blew a save for the second night in a row and the Red Sox won on a David Ortiz single that scored Johnny Damon. The Sox had won in 12 innings the night before, and were now well on their way to perhaps the most remarkable turnaround in postseason history.
5 (tie). Dodgers-Red Sox, 1916 World Series Game 2: 14 innings
Babe Ruth pitched for the Red Sox and allowed one run over 14 innings. The Babe Ruth. He went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts at the plate, but Boston beat Brooklyn on a Del Gainer single in the bottom of the 14th.
8 (tie). Giants-Mets, 2000 NLDS Game 3: 13 innings
The Mets pitching staff held Barry Bonds in check and the teams stayed locked in a 2-2 tie until Benny Agbayani’s walk-off blast in the bottom of the 13th.
8 (tie). Orioles-Yankees, 2012 ALDS Game 4: 13 innings
A long postseason game of very recent vintage. The teams’ bullpens dueled until the Orioles scored on a pair of doubles in the top of the 13th.
8 (tie). Angels-Yankees, 2009 ALCS Game 2: 13 innings
(PHOTO: Getty Images)
Remember the year Alex Rodriguez was a postseason hero? That was 2009. In this one, A-Rod tied the game in the bottom of the 11th before the Yanks walked off after an error in the 13th.
8 (tie). Red Sox-Indians, 1995 ALDS Game 1: 13 innings
Game 1 of the ALDS in the first season the ALDS existed featured Jose Canseco, Mo Vaughn, Manny Ramirez, Matt Stairs, Albert Belle, Jim Thome, Roger Clemens and Kenny Lofton. Indians catcher Tony Pena homered in the bottom of the 13th to win it.
8 (tie). Dodgers-Cardinals, 2013 NLCS Game 1: 13 innings
(PHOTO: Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports)
This game, like, just happened.
