As part of our celebration of America 250, MLB's content team has created 25 top 10 lists that capture the plays, people, rituals and moments that made baseball America’s game. We’ll be revealing five lists per week over the course of five weeks.
1. David Freese's triple torments Texas
Game 6 of the 2011 World Series
Down to their final strike in Game 6, the Cardinals trailed 7-5 in the ninth. David Freese launched a two-strike fastball over the head of Texas right fielder Nelson Cruz. The ball hit off the wall, driving in two to tie the game in incredible fashion. Freese later won it with an 11th-inning walk-off home run, but this clutch, game-saving two-run triple set the stage for St. Louis’ improbable comeback and eventual title.
2. Miguel Rojas tames Toronto
Game 7 of the 2025 World Series
Trailing 4-3 in the top of the ninth of Game 7 of the World Series in Toronto, veteran Miguel Rojas delivered the swing of his life and gave the Blue Jays the blues. Facing Jeff Hoffman with one out, Rojas pulled a 3-2 slider 387 feet and over the fence. The game-tying solo home run breathed new life into the Dodgers, marking the first game-tying ninth-inning homer in a World Series Game 7 and setting up L.A.’s extra-innings victory.
3. Big Papi boosts Boston, bullpen cop
Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS
Trailing 5-1 in the eighth inning against Detroit in Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS, David Ortiz stepped up with the bases loaded. On Joaquín Benoit’s first pitch, Ortiz crushed a line drive over the bullpen wall. Torii Hunter flipped over the fence trying to save it, creating the iconic image alongside a bullpen police officer raising his arms in celebration as Boston tied the game and revived its championship run.
4. Bucky Bleeping Dent hits Monster shot
1978 AL East Tiebreaker
In the 1978 AL East tiebreaker game at Fenway Park, the Yankees trailed the Red Sox 2-0 in the seventh inning. Light-hitting shortstop Bucky Dent borrowed a bat from Mickey Rivers and launched a miraculous three-run home run over the Green Monster. The swing completely shocked Boston, gave New York a 3-2 lead, etched Dent into Yankees lore and spawned his infamous local nickname among Red Sox fans.
5. Howie Kendrick's clutch clang
Game 7 of the 2019 World Series
Trailing 2-1 in the seventh inning of Game 7 of the 2019 World Series, Nationals veteran Howie Kendrick stepped up against Astros reliever Will Harris. Kendrick sliced a cutter off the foul pole in right field for a heroic go-ahead two-run home run. The unmistakable "clang" off the pole vaulted Washington to a 3-2 lead, shifting momentum and delivering the franchise its first title.
6. Rajai Davis gives Cleveland late life
Game 7 of the 2016 World Series
Down 6-4 in the bottom of the eighth of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Cleveland's Rajai Davis stepped up against elite Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman. On a 2-2 pitch, Davis hit a line-drive two-run home run over the left-field wall, sending Progressive Field into utter bedlam. It tied the game at 6 and served as one of the most clutch, unexpected home runs in postseason history.
7. Troy Glaus plays Rally Monkey role
Game 6 of the 2002 World Series
Capping off a wild five-run comeback from down 5-0 in the eighth inning of Game 6, Angels slugger Troy Glaus stepped in against Giants closer Robb Nen with two runners on. Glaus crushed a two-run double over the head of Barry Bonds in left-center field, driving in the go-ahead runs to give Anaheim a 6–5 lead and pushing the Series to a Game 7 the Angels would win.
8. Dave Henderson rescues the Red Sox
Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS
One strike away from elimination in Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS, Red Sox outfielder Dave Henderson stepped up against Angels closer Donnie Moore. Henderson launched a high two-run home run into the California sky to give Boston a 6-5 lead in the top of the ninth. The legendary blast saved Boston’s season, eventually propelling the Red Sox past Anaheim and into the World Series.
9. Hal Smith sets up Maz's moment
Game 7 of the 1960 World Series
Before Bill Mazeroski's famous walk-off home run, backup catcher Hal Smith hit an unbelievable go-ahead blast in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. Down 7-6 in the bottom of the eighth with two outs, Smith smashed a three-run home run off Yankees pitcher Jim Coates to put Pittsburgh ahead 9-7. Though not as famous as Maz’s blast, it was one of the most clutch, dramatic home runs in October history.
10. Shohei Ohtani closes Classic clash
2023 World Baseball Classic Final
In a Hollywood-worthy finish to the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Japan took a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the ninth with Shohei Ohtani on the mound. With two outs, Ohtani faced his Angels teammate Mike Trout. After building a full 3-2 count, Ohtani threw a disgusting 87 mph sweeper that forced a whiff from Trout, sealing the victory for Japan and delivering an all-time baseball moment.
Honorable mentions
Martinez, Brosius hit game-tying, ninth-inning homers in 2001 WS: Watch (Tino) >, Watch (Brosius) >
Yadier Molina's go-ahead homer in 2006 NLCS Game 7: Watch >
Miguel Montero's pinch-hit grand slam in 2016 NLCS Game 1: Watch >
Eugenio Suárez's go-ahead slam in 2026 ALCS Game 5: Watch >
Francisco Lindor conquers Braves with go-ahead shot in Game 161: Watch >
Corey Seager's homer ties 2023 WS Game 1 in the ninth: Watch >
Pete Alonso saves Mets' season in 2024 Wild Card Series: Watch >
Ben Zobrist's go-ahead double in 10th inning of 2016 WS Game 7: Watch >
Dick Sisler lifts Phillies to 1950 NL pennant in season finale
Day after complete game, Grover Cleveland Alexander enters with bases loaded in 1926 World Series
Rick Monday's go-ahead homer in 1981 NLCS Game 5: Watch >
Sandy Amorós starts double play for Boys of Summer in 1955 WS Game 7: Watch >
Billy Martin's catch retires Jackie Robinson in 1952 WS Game 7: Watch >
Delmon Young's go-ahead double in 2014 ALDS: Watch >
Bob Welch wins nine-pitch battle vs. Reggie Jackson to end 1978 WS Game 2: Watch >