Thoughts on two must game rallies or blown series

Six times the Kansas City Royals faced elimination in the 1985 post-season, but they responded with victories each time and captured the World Series title.

The only real threat in those six games, however was in the sixth game of the World Series at home vs the St. Louis Cardinals.

A two out eighth inning hit by Brian Harper gave the Cards a (1-0) lead that they carried to the bottom of the ninth inning.

However, for the second time in his career, a team managed by the Cards’ Dorrell “Whitey” Herzog would fail to hold a one run lead, one inning away from clinching a series.

In 1977, coincidentally as Royals’ manager I still blame Herzog for his pitching choices as the New York Yankees rallied for three runs and a (5-3) victory in the decisive 5th game of the 1977 ALCS.

1985 was less on Herzog as some truly bad breaks, a missed call and clutch Royals’ hitting by Dane Iorg and Steve Balboni led the K.C. comeback win.

1985 WS Gm6: Iorg wins it in the bottom of the ninth

Click above to view Dane Iorg’s 2 run pinch single to win game 6 of the 1985 World Series. It is among baseball’s all time clutch hits.

Also it is a fine call by broadcaster Al Michaels.