Yankees Vs. Red Sox: 2004 ALCS Game 5 - Epic Comeback!

The 2004 ALCS Game 5 between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox is etched in baseball history as one of the greatest comeback stories ever told. Guys, this game had it all: drama, tension, and a Red Sox team staring down the barrel of elimination, only to pull off a miraculous victory that sparked their historic World Series win. Let's dive deep into this legendary game and relive the moments that made it so unforgettable.

The Setting: Yankee Stadium, October 17, 2004

Picture this: Yankee Stadium, packed to the rafters, the air thick with anticipation. The Yankees, led by manager Joe Torre, were up 3-1 in the series, just one win away from clinching their second consecutive American League pennant and a trip to the World Series. Meanwhile, the Red Sox, managed by Terry Francona, were on the brink of elimination, facing the daunting task of winning three straight games against their arch-rivals, with two of those games in the Bronx. The weight of 86 years of World Series drought, the infamous "Curse of the Bambino," hung heavy over Red Sox Nation. Starting on the mound for the Yankees was Mike Mussina, a seasoned veteran known for his control and guile. For the Red Sox, it was knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, a pitcher whose unpredictable pitches could either baffle hitters or lead to disaster. The stage was set for an epic clash, a battle between two titans of baseball, with everything on the line. The atmosphere was electric, a palpable sense of history in the making, as fans from both sides filled the stadium, their hopes and fears riding on every pitch, every swing, and every play. This game wasn't just another contest; it was a chapter in the long and storied rivalry between the Yankees and the Red Sox, a rivalry fueled by passion, tradition, and decades of unforgettable moments. And Game 5 promised to add another unforgettable chapter to that rivalry.

Early Innings: Yankees Take Control

The early innings of Game 5 were all about the Yankees asserting their dominance. Mike Mussina was dealing, keeping the Red Sox hitters off balance with his mix of pitches. Meanwhile, the Yankees' offense went to work against Tim Wakefield. In the fourth inning, Bernie Williams, a postseason legend, launched a two-run homer into the right-field stands, giving the Yankees a 2-0 lead. The crowd erupted, the momentum firmly in the Yankees' favor. Then, in the sixth inning, Hideki Matsui added another run with an RBI single, extending the Yankees' lead to 3-0. Things looked bleak for the Red Sox. Wakefield was pulled from the game, and the Red Sox bullpen struggled to contain the Yankees' bats. The Yankees' faithful could taste victory, the prospect of another World Series appearance growing stronger with each passing inning. The Red Sox, on the other hand, appeared to be on the verge of collapse, their hopes fading with every Yankee run. The Curse of the Bambino seemed to be rearing its ugly head once again, ready to haunt Red Sox Nation for another year. But little did everyone know, the tides were about to turn in a dramatic and unexpected way.

The Turning Point: Bottom of the Eighth

Trailing 4-2, the Red Sox faced Mariano Rivera, the Yankees' legendary closer, in the bottom of the ninth. Mariano Rivera was virtually unhittable in the playoffs, and the Red Sox looked dead in the water. Kevin Millar drew a walk to lead off the inning, and then came Dave Roberts. Roberts, known for his speed, was brought in specifically to pinch-run. With Rivera focusing on Bill Mueller at the plate, Roberts took off for second. It was a do-or-die moment. Roberts slid headfirst into second, just beating the tag by Derek Jeter. The replay was agonizingly close, but the call stood: safe! The tying run was now in scoring position. The crowd was on its feet, the tension unbearable. Next, Bill Mueller delivered the hit that Red Sox fans will never forget, singling to center field and driving in Roberts to tie the game. Yankee Stadium went silent. The momentum had shifted completely. The Red Sox had life, and the game was far from over. This moment ignited a spark, a belief that anything was possible. The comeback was on, and the Red Sox were determined to seize the opportunity.

Extra Innings: A Back-and-Forth Battle

The game went into extra innings, and the drama continued to escalate. Both teams had chances to score, but the pitching and defense held strong. In the 13th inning, the Yankees threatened to win it, but the Red Sox escaped a bases-loaded jam. The tension was palpable, every pitch carrying the weight of the season. Finally, in the top of the 14th, the Red Sox broke through. David Ortiz, already a hero in this series, delivered another clutch hit, a single that drove in Damon and gave the Red Sox a 5-4 lead. The Red Sox were just three outs away from forcing a Game 6 back in Boston. But the Yankees weren't going down without a fight. In the bottom of the 14th, they put runners on first and second with one out. However, Keith Foulke, the Red Sox closer, managed to induce a double play to end the game. The Red Sox had won an improbable victory, completing a stunning comeback that defied all odds. The celebration began, a release of pent-up emotion and a renewed sense of hope.

The Aftermath: Momentum Shift and World Series Glory

Game 5 was more than just a win; it was a complete momentum shift in the series. The Red Sox, fueled by their improbable comeback, went on to win Games 6 and 7, completing the historic comeback from a 3-0 deficit to win the ALCS. They then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, breaking the 86-year-old curse and bringing a championship back to Boston. David Ortiz was named the ALCS MVP, but the entire team contributed to the incredible run. The 2004 Red Sox became legends, forever remembered for their resilience, their determination, and their refusal to give up. The 2004 ALCS Game 5 will forever be remembered as one of the greatest games in baseball history, a testament to the power of belief, the thrill of competition, and the magic of the postseason. It's a story that will be told and retold for generations to come, a reminder that anything is possible, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Guys, this game truly defined what it means to be a Red Sox fan.