1986 NLCS Game #3: Dykstra Nails HR To Win It In the 9th

October 11th 1986 NLCS Game#3: It was an overcast cool afternoon for baseball as the NLCS returned to New York for the first time in 13 years. The Mets Ron Darling took on Houston’s Bob Knepper with the Series tied 1-1. Darling was shaky in the 1st, giving up three hits, a wild pitch, a hit batsman and two runs. It got worse in the 2nd, when Bill Doran hit a two run HR making it 4-0 Astros. Knepper rolled along until the 6th inning. Kevin Mitchell & Kieth Hernandez singled, then Gary Carter reached on an error as Mitchell scored. Daryl Strawberry followed with a dramatic three run HR that tied the game, & sent the fans into frenzy. In the top of the 7th, Rick Aguilera came in and gave up a walk to Bill Doran. Then Billy Hatcher bunted to third base & Ray Knight’s error put runners on 1st & 3rd. Denny Walling’s ground out scored Doran putting Houston ahead. In the bottom of the 7th Lenny Dykstra pinch hit for Aguilera, although he struck out, he would play an important role later on.

In the 8th Charlie Kerfeld retired the side in order, setting up a save opportunity for Dave Smith. Wally Backman led off the 9th with a bunt base hit to get the ball rolling. Dave Smith threw one passed catcher Alan Ashby and Backman advanced to second as Danny Heep flew out. Lenny Dykstra came to bat and hit a HR down the right field line, ending the game in dramatic walk off fashion. It has become one of the most famous HR’s in Mets history, putting New York up 2 games to one.