1986 Houston Astros season

1986 Houston Astros
National League West champions
LeagueNational League
DivisionWest
BallparkThe Astrodome
CityHouston, Texas
Record96–66 (.593)
Divisional place1st
OwnersJohn McMullen
General managersDick Wagner
ManagersHal Lanier
TelevisionKTXH–TV 20
(Gene Elston, Milo Hamilton, Larry Dierker)
HSE
(Gene Elston, Milo Hamilton, Larry Dierker, Bill Worrell)
RadioKTRH–AM 740
(Gene Elston, Milo Hamilton, Larry Dierker, Jerry Trupiano)

The 1986 Houston Astros season was the 25th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 22nd as the Astros, 25th in the National League (NL), 18th in the NL West division, and 22nd at The Astrodome. The Astros entered the season as having tied for third place in the NL West, with an 83–79 record and 12 games behind the division-champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 1986 season was the first for Hal Lanier as manager, the tenth in Astros' franchise history, succeeding Bob Lillis. On April 8, pitcher Nolan Ryan made his third Opening Day start for the Astros, who hosted the San Francisco Giants but were defeated, 8–3. During the amateur draft, the Astros selected pitcher Ryan Bowen in the first round at 13th overall, outfielder Tuffy Rhodes in the third round, and outfielder Eric Anthony in the 34th round.

The Astros hosted the MLB All-Star Game at The Astrodome for the second time, and first time since 1968. Right fielder Kevin Bass, first baseman Glenn Davis, and pitchers Mike Scott and Dave Smith each represented the Astros at the All-Star Game and played for the National League.[Note 1] On August 27, Nolan Ryan earned his 250th career win.

On September 25, Scott hurled the eighth no-hitter in franchise history to lead a 2–0 win over the San Francisco Giants, which simultaneously clinched the NL West division title. This was the first no-hitter thrown that secured a playoff spot in the major leagues since 1951. Scott led the National League in numerous categories, including a 2.22 earned run average (ERA), 306 strikeouts, 5.9 hits per nine innings, and 275+1⁄3 innings pitched, among others, and posted an 18–10 win–loss record (W–L).

The Astros concluded their regular season with a 96–66 record. For the third time in franchise history, Houston won the NL West division, also their third playoff appearance, all over the past seven seasons. At the time, the 96 wins set a new franchise record, surpassing their 93–69 mark in 1980, and stood until their first 100-win season in 1998. This was their final division title as members of the National League West and final playoff appearance until 1997. The Astros played the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), only to be defeated 4 games to 2, while the Mets were the eventual World Series champions. Scott, who pitched two complete games and allowed just 1 run for an 0.50 ERA, became the first NLCS Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) winner of the losing team.

Following the season, Scott became the first-ever Cy Young Award winner for Houston, won the The Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year,[a] Davis won his first career Silver Slugger Award, and Lanier was recognized as Manager of the Year by each of the Associated Press (AP), BBWAA[b] and The Sporting News.[c]

Offseason

Summary

On November 5, 1985, the Astros announced the hiring of Hal Lanier as manager for his first occasion to assume the role at the major league level, replacing Bob Lillis. Lanier was a former major league infielder and had subsequently coached in the St. Louis Cardinals' minor league system, including winning The Sporting News Minor League Manager of the Year Award in 1980, prior to coaching for the Cardinals at the major league level. Lanier also announced that he would select New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra to the coaching staff. Other candidates that general manager Dick Wagner had considered included Joe Torre, Dave Bristol, Billy Gardner, and Jim Leyland.[1]

Prior to the 1986 season, Sports Illustrated released a ranking of all major league teams and had assessed the Astros as the 22nd best team in the league.[2]

Transactions

Regular season

Summary

April—May

Opening Day starting lineup[4][5]
 9 Eric Bullock LF
19 Bill Doran 2B
29 Denny Walling 3B
27 Glenn Davis 1B
 6 Mark Bailey  C
17 Kevin Bass RF
30 Tony Walker[d] CF
10 Dickie Thon SS
34 Nolan Ryan  P
Venue: Astrodome • SFG 8, HOU 3

Craig Reynolds golfed his third career grand slam on April 12, and his only grand slam in capacity as a pinch hitter. The drive came in bottom of the sixth with the Astros trailing the Atlanta Braves, 2–0.[6] The blast supplied all the scoring to pave the way for a 4–3 Astros win and Nolan Ryan's (1–1) first victory of the season. Ryan tossed seven innings with two runs, one earned, surrendered.[7]

On his way to a 4–0 start to the season, on May 2, Bob Knepper led the club to a 6–1 victory over the Montreal Expos,[8] with six innings of one-run ball. Kevin Bass doubled, Reynolds tripled, and José Cruz collected two hits and two runs batted in (RBI). The Astros improved to 15–6.[9]

After seven starts through May 4, starter Mike Scott had turned in a 3–2 win–loss record (W–L record) with a 4.03 earned run average (ERA). On the cusp of one the most dramatic career transformations and dominant pitching performances of the season, Scott, in his next start, surrendered just one earned run over seven innings to the Pittsburgh Pirates.[10] This outing initiated an Astros-record 20 consecutive quality starts,[11] which surpassed the 15 set by Don Wilson in 1971, and remained until passed by Framber Valdez on August 24, 2022.[12][13]

June—early July

On June 23, Glenn Davis hit a two-run, walk-off home run to complete a 7–6 comeback versus the Cincinnati Reds in the bottom of the ninth inning. In the top of the ninth, Larry Andersen by proxy was the winning pitcher without a single batter faced; rather, on a wild pitch, the runner on third base sprinted home. Andersen tagged the runner out for the final out of the Reds' 9th inning at bat.[14] The walk-off blast was the first of Davis' career.[15]

Kevin Bass cranked his first career grand slam on July 7 in the top of the ninth at Olympic Stadium,[16] which all but erased a inning-ending, botched steal of home in the top of the second. Earlier in the frame, José Cruz doubled home Glenn Davis for the first run, and tripled and scored in the sixth. It was all Astros from there, as they went on to win 12–1 over the Montreal Expos. Davis swatted two home runs off Dennis Martinez, first a tie-breaking two-run blast in the third, and another for three runs in the fifth.[17] It was Davis' second multi-home run game of the year and third total.[15] Mike Scott cruised over seven smooth frames for the victory, his ninth of the year.[17]

MLB All-Star Game at the Astrodome

The 1986 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 57th playing of the midsummer classic between the all-stars of the American League (AL) and National League (NL), the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 15, 1986, at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, the home of the Astros. The game resulted in the American League defeating the National League 3–2. AL starting pitcher and Boston Red Sox ace Roger Clemens, who later pitched for Houston from 2004 to 2006, was named the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award winner.[18]

Four Astros were selected to the All-Star Game, including first baseman Glenn Davis, right fielder Kevin Bass, and pitchers Mike Scott and Dave Smith. The quartet matched the 1979 squad for most Astros selected to an All-Star Game, and in 1994, five players went to break the club record.[19]

Later July—August

Having just made his first All-Star appearance, Kevin Bass opened a 20-game hitting streak starting July 22 and ending August 13. On July 24, Bass achieved his first career five-hit game. On August 5 and 11, he also realized 3-hit games. Bass hit safely in 31 of 81 at bats for a .383 batting average.[20]

On July 22, one of the great pitching duels of Nolan Ryan's career transpired at the Astrodome. Ryan and Floyd Youmans (10–6) traded nine-inning shutout masterpieces prior to transitioning to extra innings. Ryan struck out 14 Montreal Expos through nine, and led off of the tenth by issuing a base on balls to Tim Wallach. Next, he induced a fly ball from Wayne Krenchicki to center field. However, Ryan surrendered another walk to Mike Fitzgerald. After 9+1⁄3 innings, Ryan had surrendered one hit with four bases on balls for an incredible game score of 95. Dave Smith (3–6) was summonsed and got the final two outs, retiring Vance Law via the 15th punchout from Houston pitching. With none out in the bottom, Davis crushed his second walk-off home run of the season as Houston triumphed, 1–0.[15][21] Also, during his career, Ryan pitched more contests to a game score of 90 or higher than any major leaguer, at 31. The next closest achievers were Walter Johnson and Randy Johnson at 20 each.[22]

On August 8, José Cruz celebrated his 39th birthday by driving in his 1,000th career run, while Mike Scott tossed a shutout to lead a 5–0 blanking of the San Diego Padres. Cruz' two-run single capped a four-run sixth inning, while Scott tossed his third shutout of the season and ended the day leading the leading the league in earned run average (2.16 ERA) and strikeouts (217).[23]

During his August 13 start, Scott yielded 5 earned runs on 7 hits over 5 innings to the Los Angeles Dodgers, losing, 5–3. This problematic outing interrupted a then-club record of 20 successive quality starts. His performance was rated with a game score of 36, the lowest since May 4, which had received a score of 28. That May 4 start had also been his most recent non-quality start. In those 20 starts, Scott registered a 1.62 ERA over 155+2⁄3 innings pitched, yielding a 1.74 fielding independent pitching (FIP) rate, 9 home runs, 36 bases on balls and 174 strikeouts.[11]

Nolan Ryan's 250th win

On August 27, Nolan Ryan (9–8) suppressed the Chicago Cubs for one hit over six shutout innings to earn his 250th career win via a 7–1 score, prior to turning it over to Charlie Kerfeld. Phil Garner collected four hits while the Astros stole six bases.[23] It was the second four-hit game of Garner's career,[24] who scored a run and had two RBI. Though the Astros did not manage any extra-base hits, they totaled 11 hits, and every starting batter other than Ryan contributed either a hit or an RBI. Moreover, the team coaxed five bases on balls while striking out just three times.[25]

Kerfeldt's three-inning effort yielded the Cubs' only run of the contest and five strikeouts for his sixth save. With Ryan's five punchouts, Astros pitching tallied 10 on the day.[25]

Taking the loss for the Cubs was rookie Jamie Moyer—the fourth of his career[25]—who like Ryan, would become illustrious for his longevity.[Note 2][26]

September

At Wrigley Field on September 3, Mike Scott (15–9) whiffed four Cubs batters during the fifth inning an 8–2 win, among 12 strikeouts total. The four batters struck out in the same inning tied the major league record. He became the first Houston Astro to strike out more three batters in one inning, just the 12th National League pitcher and 18th major leaguer overall.[27]

Billy Hatcher's two-run single on September 12 proved to be the game-winning hit in an Astros uprising over Padres, 5–3, capping a three-run ninth. Terry Puhl coaxed a bases-loaded walk from Goose Gossage that effected the tying run. Finally, Dave Smith converted his 30th save, the first Houston pitcher to attain this milestone.[23] Seventeen years earlier in 1969, Fred Gladding amassed 29.[28]

From September 23 to 25, the Astros' starting rotation put on display one of the great three-day pitching masterpieces in major league history. On September 23, Jim Deshaies set a major league record by commencing the game with 8 consecutive strikeouts of the Dodgers, which led a 4–0 shutout.[Note 3][30] The following day, Nolan Ryan silenced the bats of the San Francisco Giants via six innings of no-hit ball until a Mike Aldrete single halted the bid. Charlie Kerfeld took over for the ninth, and surrendered just one hit to polish off a second consecutive two-hit shutout to succeed Deshaies. Ryan hurled eight shutout innings with 12 strikeouts to lead the Astros' 6–0 win and clinch a tie of the NL West division crown. Meanwhile, Glenn Davis launched his 30th home run of the campaign, becoming just the second Astro to realize the milestone, and first since Jimmy Wynn in 1969.[23]

Mike Scott's no-hitter

During the final contest of the Astros' three-day rotation masterpiece, on September 25, Mike Scott threw a no-hitter against the Giants to lead the Astros, which simultaneously clinched the National League West division title.[18] The final score was 2–0 and Scott struck out 13 Giants batters. It was the first time in National League history and the second no-hitter thrown overall that clinched a playoff berth.[31]

Scott's run support arrived via a solo home run from Denny Walling in the fifth inning, and an RBI single from José Cruz in the seventh inning.[32]

At one point, Scott had retired 14 in a row. The only hitters to reach for San Francisco were Dan Gladden on a hit by pitch—leading the game off, Chili Davis—leading off the second inning, and Phil Ouellette, with the latter two reaching via bases on balls. Gladden and Davis both stole second base.[32]

San Francisco's Will Clark grounded out to first baseman Glenn Davis for the final out of the contest.[32]

Scott's no-hitter was the first to clinch either a division title or pennant outright. Allie Reynolds pitched a no-hitter on September 18, 1951, that clinched a tie for the American League pennant for the New York Yankees during the first game of a doubleheader, leading an 8–0 rout of the Boston Red Sox.[32]

The eighth no-hitter in club history, it reprised the effort by Ryan on September 26, 1981, Houston's most recent. The most recent no-hitter thrown against San Francisco was on May 10, 1981, by Charlie Lea of the Montreal Expos.[32] Houston next no-hitter occurred on September 8, 1993, by Darryl Kile.[33]

Alan Ashby, Scott's batterymate, became the first Houston Astro to catch three no-hitters for the club. Ashby previously caught Ken Forsch's magnum opus on April 7, 1979, and Ryan's in 1981. At the time, this also had tied the major league record, previously executed 11 times, most recently by Jeff Torborg in 1973.[e][34][35] Another of the 11 distinguished former receivers was Yogi Berra, on staff as a coach that year for the Astros.[34][36]

October

The Astros played the Giants through extra innings on October 2. Despite Mike Scott's seven inning effort with eight strikeouts and just one run allowed, San Francisco maintained a 1–0 advantage. However, in the top of the ninth, Kevin Bass bolted home on a wild pitch to tie the score, 1–1. In the top of the tenth, Bill Doran smacked a solo shot for the go-ahead run, and the lead stood. Matt Keough (5–4) earned the victory, while Dave Smith locked down the 2–1 lead in 10th for his 33rd save.[37] Their 93rd victory of the season, this Astros edition tied their 1980 counterparts for most wins in a single season in club history.[38][39]

For the portion of the season ensuing his May 4 start, Scott tossed a 15–8 record with a 1.87 ERA. Encompassing his final five starts, he struck out 55 and issued four bases on balls.[10]

Performance overview

Dave Smith set a club record with 33 saves in one season.

Mike Scott, who led the major leagues in numerous categories, including a 2.22 earned run average (ERA) and 306 strikeouts, became the third Astros pitcher to lead the NL in ERA, following J. R. Richard (2.71 in 1979) and Ryan (1.69 in 1981).[40] Scott also joined Richard as the second Astros pitcher to lead the NL strikeouts (303 in 1978 and 313 in 1979) for the third 300-strikeout season overall by an Astros pitcher.[41] Hence, following J. R. Richard in 1979, Scott became the second Houston Astro to lead the league in two-thirds of the pitching Triple Crown.[f][42]

Further, Scott was the major-league leader in hits per nine innings surrendered (5.949 H/9), marking the eighth instance in that an Astros hurler had led the league. He was preceded by Don Wilson (once), J. R. Richard (thrice) and Nolan Ryan (thrice).[43]

First baseman Glenn Davis won his first career Silver Slugger Award, the fourth overall in club history, and the first at the position.[44]

Following the season, Mike Scott was recognized with the NL Cy Young Award to become the first Houston Astro to win this award.[45] Moreover, Scott joined Niekro (1979) as the second Astro to be recognized as the The Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year.[a][46]

Season standings

NL West
Team W L Pct. GB Home Road
Houston Astros 96 66 .593 — 52‍–‍29 44‍–‍37
Cincinnati Reds 86 76 .531 10 43‍–‍38 43‍–‍38
San Francisco Giants 83 79 .512 13 46‍–‍35 37‍–‍44
San Diego Padres 74 88 .457 22 43‍–‍38 31‍–‍50
Los Angeles Dodgers 73 89 .451 23 46‍–‍35 27‍–‍54
Atlanta Braves 72 89 .447 23½ 41‍–‍40 31‍–‍49

Record vs. opponents

1986 National League record

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
Team ATL CHC CIN HOU LAD MON NYM PHI PIT SD SF STL
Atlanta — 9–3 6–12 5–13 10–8 4–7 4–8 4–8 5–7 12–6 7–11 6–6
Chicago 3–9 — 5–7 4–8 6–6 8–10 6–12 9–8 7–11 6–6 6–6 10–7
Cincinnati 12–6 7–5 — 4–14 10–8 7–5 4–8 7–5 10–2 9–9 9–9 7–5
Houston 13–5 8–4 14–4 — 10–8 8–4 5–7 6–6 6–6 10–8 9–9 7–5
Los Angeles 8–10 6–6 8–10 8–10 — 5–7 3–9 5–7 8–4 6–12 8–10 8–4
Montreal 7–4 10–8 5–7 4–8 5–7 — 8–10 8–10 11–7 4–8 5–7 9–9
New York 8–4 12–6 8–4 7–5 9–3 10–8 — 8–10 17–1 10–2 7–5 12–6
Philadelphia 8-4 8–9 5–7 6–6 7–5 10–8 10–8 — 11–7 6–6 9–3 6–12
Pittsburgh 7–5 11–7 2–10 6–6 4–8 7–11 1–17 7–11 — 8–4 4–8 7–11
San Diego 6–12 6–6 9–9 8–10 12–6 8–4 2–10 6–6 4–8 — 8–10 5–7
San Francisco 11–7 6–6 9–9 9–9 10–8 7–5 5–7 3–9 8–4 10–8 — 5–7
St. Louis 6–6 7–10 5–7 5–7 4–8 9–9 6–12 12–6 11–7 7–5 7–5 —


Notable transactions

Roster

1986 Houston Astros
Roster
Pitchers Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders Manager

Coaches

Game log

Regular season

Legend
  Astros win
  Astros loss
  Postponement
  Clinched division
Bold Astros team member
1986 regular season game log: 96–66 (Home: 52–29; Away: 44–37)[53]
April: 14–6 (Home: 6–4; Away: 8–2)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
1 April 8 7:35 p.m. CST Giants L 3–8 Krukow (1–0) Ryan (0–1) Davis (1) 2:20 22,935 0–1 L1
2 April 9 7:35 p.m. CST Giants L 1–4 Garrelts (1–0) Scott (0–1) Minton (1) 2:33 6,875 0–2 L2
3 April 10 7:35 p.m. CST Giants W 4–0 Knepper (1–0) Blue (0–1) — 2:27 6,070 1–2 W1
4 April 11 7:35 p.m. CST Braves W 2–1 Kerfeld (1–0) Palmer (0–1) Smith (1) 2:14 9,357 2–2 W2
5 April 12 7:35 p.m. CST Braves W 4–3 Ryan (1–1) Mahler (1–1) Smith (2) 2:30 19,803 3–2 W3
6 April 13 2:05 p.m. CST Braves L 7–8 Johnson (1–0) Scott (0–2) Garber (1) 2:56 8,739 3–3 L1
7 April 15 3:05 p.m. CST @ Giants W 8–3 Knepper (2–0) Blue (0–2) Kerfeld (1) 3:01 46,638 4–3 W1
8 April 16 2:05 p.m. CST @ Giants W 4–1 Ryan (2–1) Mason (0–1) Smith (3) 2:45 3,590 5–3 W2
9 April 18 6:35 p.m. CST @ Reds W 6–4 Scott (1–2) Soto (1–1) Smith (4) 2:38 26,126 6–3 W1
10 April 19 1:15 p.m. CST @ Reds W 4–3 Knepper (3–0) Browning (0–1) Smith (5) 2:26 17,564 7–3 W2
11 April 20 1:15 p.m. CST @ Reds W 6–4 Madden (1–0) Gullickson (0–1) Kerfeld (2) 2:45 17,878 8–3 W3
12 April 21 6:40 p.m. CST @ Braves L 2–8 Johnson (2–0) Ryan (2–2) — 2:36 5,361 8–4 L1
13 April 22 6:40 p.m. CST @ Braves W 4–3 Kerfeld (2–0) Ward (0–1) — 2:18 6,316 9–4 W1
14 April 23 4:40 p.m. CST @ Braves W 3–2 Solano (1–0) Smith (1–1) Smith (6) 2:27 7,666 10–4 W2
15 April 24 7:35 p.m. CST Reds L 0–3 Soto (2–1) Madden (1–1) — 2:35 10,245 10–5 L1
16 April 25 7:35 p.m. CST Reds W 3–1 Ryan (3–2) Browning (0–2) — 2:07 16,296 11–5 W1
17 April 26 7:35 p.m. CST Reds W 1–0 Scott (2–2) Gullickson (0–2) — 2:06 38,442 12–5 W2
18 April 27 2:05 p.m. CDT Reds W 6–0 Knepper (4–0) Denny (1–2) — 2:06 12,185 13–5 W3
19 April 29 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Phillies L 4–12 Rawley (3–1) Ryan (3–3) — 2:48 16,313 13–6 L1
20 April 30 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Phillies W 1–0 Scott (3–2) Gross (1–3) Smith (7) 2:38 17,134 14–6 W1
May: 13–13 (Home: 6–6; Away: 7–7)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
21 May 2 2:35 p.m. CDT @ Expos W 6–3 Knepper (5–0) Youmans (0–3) Smith (8) 2:38 6,781 15–6 W2
22 May 3 12:35 p.m. CDT @ Expos L 6–7 (10) Reardon (3–2) DiPino (0–1) — 3:45 11,769 15–7 L1
23 May 4 2:05 p.m. CDT @ Expos L 6–7 Reardon (4–2) Smith (0–1) — 3:01 13,810 15–8 L2
24 May 6 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Mets L 0–4 Gooden (5–0) Knepper (5–1) — 2:36 41,722 15–9 L3
25 May 7 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Mets L 2–3 Fernandez (4–0) Ryan (3–4) Orosco (6) 2:42 26,956 15–10 L4
26 May 9 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Pirates W 3–2 Kerfeld (3–0) Winn (1–1) Smith (9) 2:27 17,296 16–10 W1
27 May 10 6:05 p.m. CDT @ Pirates W 6–3 Knepper (6–1) Rhoden (2–2) DiPino (1) 2:56 13,344 17–10 W2
28 May 11 12:35 p.m. CDT @ Pirates L 3–4 (12) DeLeón (1–0) Kerfeld (3–1) — 3:39 13,170 17–11 L1
29 May 12 7:35 p.m. CDT Phillies L 1–5 Rawley (4–3) Deshaies (0–1) — 2:18 8,354 17–12 L1
30 May 13 7:35 p.m. CDT Phillies W 3–2 (11) Solano (2–0) Rucker (0–1) — 2:51 7,087 18–12 W1
31 May 14 7:35 p.m. CDT Mets W 6–2 Knepper (7–1) Ojeda (5–1) — 2:23 11,626 19–12 W2
32 May 15 7:35 p.m. CDT Mets L 2–6 Darling (4–0) Ryan (3–5) — 2:42 13,856 19–13 L1
33 May 16 7:35 p.m. CDT Cubs W 9–6 Solano (3–0) Baller (1–2) Smith (10) 2:50 17,802 20–13 W1
34 May 17 7:35 p.m. CDT Cubs W 5–1 Scott (4–2) Trout (2–1) — 2:40 37,483 21–13 W2
35 May 18 2:05 p.m. CDT Cubs L 2–5 Hoffman (1–1) Knepper (7–2) Smith (5) 3:02 14,483 21–14 L1
36 May 20 7:35 p.m. CDT Pirates L 2–4 Walk (2–0) Ryan (3–6) — 2:38 8,711 21–15 L2
37 May 21 7:35 p.m. CDT Pirates L 1–2 Rhoden (3–3) Scott (4–3) — 2:22 6,990 21–16 L3
38 May 22 3:35 p.m. CDT Pirates W 4–0 Knepper (8–2) Reuschel (3–4) — 2:29 4,784 22–16 W1
39 May 23 3:05 p.m. CDT @ Cubs L 1–4 Sutcliffe (2–6) Solano (3–1) — 2:23 20,532 22–17 L1
40 May 24 12:20 p.m. CDT @ Cubs L 3–4 Frazier (2–3) Smith (0–2) Smith (6) 2:50 33,355 22–18 L2
41 May 25 1:20 p.m. CDT @ Cubs W 3–1 (11) Kerfeld (4–1) Smith (0–2) Smith (11) 3:02 36,000 23–18 W1
42 May 26 5:35 p.m. CDT @ Cardinals W 4–1 Deshaies (1–1) Forsch (3–3) DiPino (2) 2:43 20,099 24–18 W2
43 May 27 7:35 p.m. CDT @ Cardinals W 5–4 Smith (1–2) Dayley (0–3) — 2:48 20,146 25–18 W3
44 May 28 12:35 p.m. CDT @ Cardinals W 4–3 (11) Kerfeld (5–1) Worrell (3–3) — 3:18 17,582 26–18 W4
45 May 30 7:35 p.m. CDT Expos L 0–1 Smith (4–4) Scott (4–4) Reardon (12) 2:14 13,854 26–19 L1
46 May 31 7:35 p.m. CDT Expos W 4–3 DiPino (1–1) Burke (2–1) Smith (12) 2:30 25,831 27–19 W1
June: 14–15 (Home: 9–6; Away: 5–9)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
47 June 1 2:05 p.m. CDT Expos W 8–4 Knepper (9–2) Hesketh (3–4) — 2:38 13,325 28–19 W2
48 June 2 7:35 p.m. CDT Cardinals L 2–9 Tudor (5–3) Madden (1–2) — 2:45 11,669 28–20 L1
49 June 3 7:35 p.m. CDT Cardinals L 1–3 Mathews (1–0) Deshaies (1–2) Worrell (8) 2:20 6,430 28–21 L2
50 June 4 7:35 p.m. CDT Cardinals W 4–2 Scott (5–4) Burris (2–2) Smith (13) 2:33 11,396 29–21 W1
51 June 5 9:35 p.m. CDT @ Dodgers L 0–1 Honeycutt (3–3) Hernández (0–1) Howell (3) 2:25 32,545 29–22 L1
52 June 6 9:35 p.m. CDT @ Dodgers L 2–3 Howell (2–2) Knepper (9–3) — 2:52 38,991 29–23 L2
53 June 7 2:20 p.m. CDT @ Dodgers W 7–5 López (1–0) Howell (2–3) Smith (14) 3:27 32,902 30–23 W1
54 June 8 3:05 p.m. CDT @ Dodgers W 3–2 Scott (6–4) Valenzuela (8–4) Smith (15) 2:44 47,404 31–23 W2
55 June 9 9:05 p.m. CDT @ Padres W 5–3 Deshaies (2–2) Show (3–4) López (1) 2:42 19,167 32–23 W3
56 June 10 9:05 p.m. CDT @ Padres W 12–1 Knepper (10–3) Dravecky (5–6) — 2:31 13,966 33–23 W4
57 June 11 3:05 p.m. CDT @ Padres L 7–11 McCullers (2–1) DiPino (1–2) — 2:47 13,686 33–24 L1
58 June 12 7:35 p.m. CDT Giants W 4–1 Hernández (1–1) Krukow (8–4) Smith (16) 2:37 16,342 34–24 W1
59 June 13 7:35 p.m. CDT Giants L 1–3 Davis (2–3) Scott (6–5) — 2:22 23,352 34–25 L1
60 June 14 7:35 p.m. CDT Giants W 7–3 Deshaies (3–2) Mulholland (0–1) López (2) 2:48 32,477 35–25 W1
61 June 15 2:05 p.m. CDT Giants L 2–7 Blue (4–3) Knepper (10–4) — 2:56 22,958 35–26 L1
62 June 17 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Reds L 4–5 Welsh (2–1) Hernández (1–2) Franco (11) 2:33 16,824 35–27 L2
63 June 18 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Reds L 2–3 Robinson (5–0) Smith (1–3) — 2:20 17,426 35–28 L3
64 June 19 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Reds W 6–2 Deshaies (4–2) Soto (3–7) — 2:54 25,920 36–28 W1
65 June 20 10:05 p.m. CDT @ Giants 1–3 Blue (5–3) Knepper (10–5) Berenguer (2) 2:18 25,116 36–29 L1
66 June 21 3:05 p.m. CDT @ Giants 1–2 Garrelts (6–6) Knudson (0–1) Berenguer (3) 2:51 24,927 36–30 L2
67 (1) June 22 2:05 p.m. CDT @ Giants 2–4 Krukow (9–4) Hernández (1–3) — 2:22 N/A 36–31 L3
68 (2) June 22 5:02 p.m. CDT @ Giants 2–3 Berenguer (1–0) Smith (1–4) Hensley (1) 2:42 47,030 36–32 L4
69 June 23 7:35 p.m. CDT Reds W 7–6 Anderson (1–0) Power (3–5) — 2:57 12,953 37–32 W1
70 June 24 7:35 p.m. CDT Reds W 8–4 Ryan (4–6) Browning (5–7) — 2:44 17,487 38–32 W2
71 June 25 7:35 p.m. CDT Reds L 3–4 (10) Franco (1–4) López (1–1) — 3:00 13,313 38–33 L1
72 June 27 7:35 p.m. CDT Dodgers W 5–0 Scott (7–5) Reuss (2–6) — 2:06 25,760 39–33 W1
73 June 28 7:35 p.m. CDT Dodgers W 6–4 Deshaies (5–2) Welch (3–6) Aurelio López (3) 2:35 34,252 40–33 W2
74 June 29 2:05 p.m. CDT Dodgers W 2–1 Hernández (2–3) Valenzuela (10–5) DiPino (3) 2:23 32,723 41–33 W3
75 June 30 7:35 p.m. CDT Padres L 2–9 Dravecky (7–7) Knepper (10–6) — 2:22 11,141 41–34 L1
July: 16–11 (Home: 11–5; Away: 5–6)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
76 July 1 7:35 p.m. CDT Padres L 4–7 Show (7–4) Knudson (0–2) Gossage (14) 2:46 13,866 41–35 L2
77 July 2 7:35 p.m. CDT Padres W 8–1 Scott (8–5) Hawkins (5–5) — 2:18 10,148 42–35 W1
78 July 3 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Mets L 5–6 (10) Orosco (4–4) DiPino (1–3) — 3:08 48,839 42–36 L1
79 July 4 12:35 p.m. CDT @ Mets L 1–2 Gooden (10–3) Smith (1–5) — 2:39 28,557 42–37 L2
80 July 5 6:05 p.m. CDT @ Mets W 2–1 Kerfeld (6–1) McDowell (7–1) — 2:24 50,939 43–37 W1
81 July 6 12:35 p.m. CDT @ Mets L 3–5 Fernandez (11–2) Knudson (0–3) McDowell (8) 3:08 31,017 43–38 L1
82 July 7 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Expos W 12–1 Scott (9–5) Martínez (0–1) — 2:40 17,694 44–38 W1
83 July 8 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Expos W 4–1 Ryan (5–6) Tibbs (4–5) Kerfeld (3) 2:29 16,382 45–38 W2
84 July 9 6:05 p.m. CDT @ Expos L 1–2 Youmans (9–5) Knepper (10–7) — 2:08 15,316 45–39 L1
85 July 10 7:35 p.m. CDT Phillies W 11–4 Knudson (1–3) Hudson (4–9) — 2:39 18,289 46–39 W1
86 July 11 7:35 p.m. CDT Phillies L 1–4 Carman (4–2) Scott (9–6) Bedrosian (11) 2:22 18,047 46–40 L1
87 July 12 12:50 p.m. CDT Phillies W 4–3 Ryan (6–6) Rawley (11–5) Smith (17) 2:51 17,491 47–40 W1
88 July 13 2:05 p.m. CDT Phillies L 4–5 (11) Bedrosian (6–3) Smith (1–6) — 3:01 20,597 47–41 L1
— July 15 7:30 p.m. CDT 57th All-Star Game in Houston, TX
89 July 17 7:35 p.m. CDT Mets L 2–13 Ojeda (11–2) Ryan (6–7) — 3:10 21,536 47–42 L2
90 July 18 7:35 p.m. CDT Mets W 3–0 Knepper (11–7) Darling (9–3) — 2:25 22,906 48–42 W1
91 July 19 7:35 p.m. CDT Mets W 5–4 Smith (2–6) McDowell (7–3) — 2:38 44,502 49–42 W2
92 July 20 2:05 p.m. CDT Mets W 9–8 (15) Knepper (12–7) McDowell (7–4) — 5:29 23,900 50–42 W3
93 July 21 7:35 p.m. CDT Expos W 8–7 Kerfeld (7–1) Reardon (6–5) — 3:03 13,753 51–42 W4
94 July 22 7:35 p.m. CDT Expos W 1–0 (10) Smith (3–6) Youmans (10–6) — 2:43 19,271 52–42 W5
95 July 23 7:35 p.m. CDT Expos W 4–3 (11) López (2–1) Burke (7–4) — 3:07 15,364 53–42 W6
96 July 24 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Phillies W 9–3 Scott (10–6) Rawley (11–7) — 2:37 31,094 54–42 W7
97 July 25 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Phillies L 2–4 Hudson (6–9) Deshaies (5–3) Bedrosian (13) 2:28 23,387 54–43 L1
98 July 26 6:05 p.m. CDT @ Phillies L 2–3 Carman (5–2) Knudson (1–4) Schatzeder (2) 2:24 34,075 54–44 L2
99 July 27 12:35 p.m. CDT @ Phillies W 3–2 Ryan (7–7) Gross (6–8) López (4) 2:14 33,192 55–44 W1
100 July 28 7:35 p.m. CDT Braves W 4–2 Knepper (13–7) Alexander (6–7) Smith (18) 2:19 24,597 56–44 W2
101 July 29 7:35 p.m. CDT Braves L 0–1 Palmer (7–8) Scott (10–7) Garber (13) 2:31 26,610 56–45 L1
102 July 30 7:35 p.m. CDT Braves W 4–2 Deshaies (6–3) Acker (3–5) Smith (19) 2:50 34,102 57–45 W3
August: 16–12 (Home: 8–4; Away: 8–8)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
103 August 1 9:05 p.m. CDT @ Padres W 6–3 Knepper (14–7) Hoyt (5–7) Smith (20) 2:39 22,108 58–45 W2
104 August 2 9:05 p.m. CDT @ Padres W 5–4 Scott (11–7) Show (7–5) Smith (21) 2:40 28,612 59–45 W3
105 August 3 3:05 p.m. CDT @ Padres L 1–5 Hawkins (8–7) Knudson (1–5) Gossage (18) 2:20 21,850 59–46 L1
106 August 4 7:05 p.m. CDT @ Dodgers L 3–7 Valenzuela (15–6) Kerfeld (7–2) — 2:54 32,182 59–47 L2
107 August 5 9:35 p.m. CDT @ Dodgers W 10–2 López (3–1) Howell (4–7) Smith (22) 3:21 45,525 60–47 W1
108 August 6 3:05 p.m. CDT @ Dodgers L 4–7 Honeycutt (8–6) Keough (2–3) Neidenfuer (7) 3:06 40,709 60–48 L1
109 August 8 7:35 p.m. CDT Padres W 5–0 Scott (12–7) McCullers (5–6) — 2:15 31,142 61–48 W1
110 August 9 7:35 p.m. CDT Padres W 6–2 Deshaies (7–3) Hawkins (8–8) Kerfeld (4) 2:28 38,169 62–48 W2
111 August 10 2:05 p.m. CDT Padres L 3–5 Dravecky (8–9) Knepper (14–8) Gossage (19) 2:30 20,839 62–49 L1
112 August 11 7:05 p.m. CDT Dodgers W 7–6 Smith (4–6) Howell (4–8) — 3:31 23,206 63–49 W1
113 August 12 7:35 p.m. CDT Dodgers W 3–0 Ryan (8–7) Honeycutt (8–7) Kerfeld (5) 2:25 37,973 64–49 W2
114 August 13 7:35 p.m. CDT Dodgers L 3–5 Hershiser (12–8) Scott (12–8) Niedenfuer (8) 2:40 33,327 64–50 L1
115 August 14 7:35 p.m. CDT Dodgers W 3–2 Andersen (2–0) Valenzuela (15–8) Smith (23) 2:15 42,118 65–50 W1
116 August 15 6:40 p.m. CDT @ Braves W 3–0 Knepper (15–8) Acker (4–6) — 2:14 26,625 66–50 W2
117 August 16 6:40 p.m. CDT @ Braves W 7–4 Keough (3–3) Mahler (11–12) Smith (24) 2:43 31,862 67–50 W3
118 August 17 1:10 p.m. CDT @ Braves L 3–4 Speck (2–0) Andersen (2–1) Garber (18) 2:54 17,618 67–51 L1
119 August 18 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Pirates W 3–0 Scott (13–8) Walk (5–7) — 2:24 7,965 68–51 W1
120 August 19 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Pirates W 1–0 Deshaies (8–3) Bielecki (6–9) Smith (25) 2:31 9,128 69–51 W2
121 August 20 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Pirates L 1–4 Rhoden (14–7) Knepper (15–9) — 2:12 16,997 69–52 L1
122 August 22 7:35 p.m. CDT @ Cardinals L 5–6 Tudor (13–6) Ryan (8–8) Worrell (28) 2:44 33,918 69–53 L2
123 August 23 7:05 p.m. CDT @ Cardinals L 1–7 Cox (8–10) Scott (13–9) — 2:28 40,944 69–54 L3
124 August 24 1:15 p.m. CDT @ Cardinals W 5–1 Deshaies (9–3) Conroy (3–8) López (5) 2:50 33,687 70–54 W1
125 August 25 7:35 p.m. CDT Cubs W 3–2 Kerfeld (8–2) Smith (8–8) Smith (26) 2:40 24,211 71–54 W2
126 August 26 7:35 p.m. CDT Cubs L 3–5 Lynch (4–3) Darwin (6–9) Smith (25) 2:33 22,579 71–55 L1
127 August 27 7:35 p.m. CDT Cubs W 7–1 Ryan (9–8) oyer (5–4) Kerfeld (6) 2:39 24,198 72–55 W1
128 August 29 7:35 p.m. CDT Pirates W 3–2 Scott (14–9) Reuschel (8–15) Smith (27) 2:37 22,801 73–55 W2
129 August 30 7:35 p.m. CDT Pirates L 3–13 Rhoden (15–7) Deshaies (9–4) — 2:46 30,598 73–56 L1
130 August 31 2:05 p.m. CDT Pirates L 2–8 Walk (7–7) Knepper (15–10) — 2:17 25,405 73–57 L2
September: 18–9 (Home: 9–3; Away: 9–6)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
131 September 1 1:20 p.m. CDT @ Cubs W 6–4 Darwin (7–9) Lynch (4–4) Smith (28) 3:01 25,547 74–57 W1
132 September 2 3:05 p.m. CDT @ Cubs W 8–7 (18) Darwin (8–9) Maddux (0–1) — 5:14 10,501 75–57 W2
133 September 3 1:20 p.m. CDT @ Cubs W 8–2 Scott (15–9) Sanderson (7–11) — 2:48 7,051 76–57 W3
134 September 5 7:35 p.m. CDT Cardinals L 5–8 Soff (2–0) López (3–2) — 2:50 23,547 76–58 L1
135 September 6 7:35 p.m. CDT Cardinals W 7–6 Kerfeld (9–2) Worrell (8–10) — 2:58 21,802 77–58 W1
136 September 7 2:05 p.m. CDT Cardinals W 6–3 Calhoun (1–0) Mathews (10–5) Smith (29) 2:50 20,773 78–58 W2
137 September 8 7:35 p.m. CDT Reds W 3–1 Ryan (10–8) Welsh (5–6) Kerfeld (7) 2:26 26,997 79–58 W3
138 September 9 7:35 p.m. CDT Reds W 9–2 Scott (16–9) Browning (12–12) — 2:11 22,711 80–58 W4
139 September 10 9:35 p.m. CDT @ Dodgers L 1–5 Hershiser (13–10) Deshaies (9–5) — 2:56 27,534 80–59 L1
140 September 11 9:35 p.m. CDT @ Dodgers L 6–14 Valenzuela (19–9) Knepper (15–11) — 2:51 34,816 80–60 L2
141 September 12 9:05 p.m. CDT @ Padres W 5–3 Kerfeld (10–2) McCullers (8–8) Smith (30) 2:35 11,319 81–60 W1
142 September 13 9:05 p.m. CDT @ Padres L 3–4 Lefferts (8–7) Smith (4–7) — 2:42 32,729 81–61 L1
143 September 14 3:05 p.m. CDT @ Padres L 2–3 Lefferts (9–7) Scott (16–10) — 2:35 13,279 81–62 L2
144 September 16 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Reds W 6–1 Knepper (16–11) Gullickson (13–11) Andersen (1) 2:34 16,927 82–62 W1
145 September 17 6:35 p.m. CDT @ Reds W 6–1 Darwin (9–9) Welsh (6–7) — 2:26 15,195 83–62 W2
146 September 18 11:35 a.m. CDT @ Reds W 5–3 Keough (4–3) Browning (13–13) López (6) 2:16 11,825 84–62 W3
147 September 19 7:35 p.m. CDT Padres W 5–4 Kerfeld (11–2) LaPoint (4–9) Smith (31) 2:47 23,805 85–62 W4
148 September 20 7:35 p.m. CDT Padres W 10–6 Scott (17–10) Hayward (0–1) — 2:33 36,878 86–62 W5
149 September 21 2:05 p.m. CDT Padres L 0–5 Jones (1–0) Knepper (16–12) — 2:24 23,385 86–63 L1
150 September 22 7:35 p.m. CDT Dodgers L 2–9 Valenzuela (20–10) Darwin (9–10) — 2:35 27,641 86–64 L2
151 September 23 7:35 p.m. CDT Dodgers W 4–0 Deshaies (10–5) Powell (2–7) — 2:44 27,734 87–64 W1
152 September 24 7:35 p.m. CDT Giants W 6–0 Ryan (11–8) LaCoss (10–13) — 2:39 37,611 88–64 W2
153 September 25 3:35 p.m. CDT Giants W 2–0 Scott (18–10) Berenguer (2–3) — 2:24 32,808 89–64 W3
154 September 26 6:40 p.m. CDT @ Braves L 4–5 Alexander (11–10) Keough (4–4) Smith (1) 2:15 6,754 89–65 L1
155 September 27 1:20 p.m. CDT @ Braves W 4–0 Darwin (10–10) Palmer (11–10) — 2:22 13,545 90–65 W1
156 September 28 1:10 p.m. CDT @ Braves W 2–0 Deshaies (11–5) Acker (5–11) Smith (32) 2:22 6,280 91–65 W2
157 September 30 9:35 p.m. CDT @ Giants L 5–6 Davis (5–7) López (3–3) — 2:34 13,358 91–66 L1
October: 5–0 (Home: 3–0; Away: 2–0)
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/
Streak
158 October 1 2:05 p.m. CDT @ Giants W 5–0 Darwin (11–10) Krukow (19–9) — 2:41 9,881 92–66 W1
159 October 2 3:05 p.m. CDT @ Giants W 2–1 Keough (5–4) Robinson (6–3) Smith (33) 3:07 8,656 93–66 W2
160 October 3 7:35 p.m. CDT Braves W 6–2 Ryan (12–8) Acker (5–12) — 2:22 25,068 94–66 W3
161 October 4 1:20 p.m. CDT Braves W 3–2 Deshaies (12–5) Smith (8–16) López (7) 2:18 17,314 95–66 W4
162 October 5 2:05 p.m. CDT Braves W 4–1 Knepper (17–12) Mahler (14–18) — 1:50 37,531 96–66 W5

Detailed records

Postseason Game log

Legend
  Astros win
  Astros loss
  Postponement
Bold Astros team member
1986 Postseason game log: 2–4 (Home: 1–2; Away: 1–2)
NL Championship Series: vs. New York Mets 2–4 (Home: 1–2; Away: 1–2)[54]
# Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Series Box/
Streak
1 October 8 7:25 p.m. CDT Mets W 1–0 Scott (1–0) Gooden (0–1) — 2:56 44,131 HOU 1–0 W1
2 October 9 7:20 p.m. CDT Mets L 1–5 Ojeda (1–0) Ryan (0–1) — 2:40 44,391 Tied 1–1 L1
3 October 11 11:10 a.m. CDT @ Mets L 5–6 Orosco (1–0) Smith (0–1) — 2:55 55,052 NYN 2–1 L2
4 October 12 7:20 p.m. CDT @ Mets W 3–1 Scott (2–0) Fernandez (0–1) — 2:23 55,038 Tied 2–2 W1
— October 13 2:05 p.m. CDT @ Mets Postponed (Rain) (Makeup date: October 14)
5 October 14 12:05 p.m. CDT @ Mets L 1–2 (12) Orosco (2–0) Kerfeld (0–1) — 3:45 54,986 NYN 3–2 L1
6 October 15 2:05 p.m. CDT Mets L 5–6 (16) Orosco (3–0) López (0–1) — 4:42 45,718 NYN 4–2 L2

Player stats

Batting

Starters by position

Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Pos Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI
C Alan Ashby 120 315 81 .257 7 38
1B Glenn Davis 158 574 152 .265 31 101
2B Bill Doran 145 550 152 .276 6 37
SS Craig Reynolds 114 313 78 .249 6 41
3B Denny Walling 130 382 119 .312 13 58
LF José Cruz 141 479 133 .278 10 72
CF Billy Hatcher 127 419 108 .258 6 36
RF Kevin Bass 157 591 184 .311 20 79

Other batters

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI
Phil Garner 107 313 83 .265 9 41
Dickie Thon 106 278 69 .248 3 21
Terry Puhl 81 172 42 .244 3 14
Mark Bailey 57 153 27 .176 4 15
Jim Pankovits 70 113 32 .283 1 7
Davey Lopes 37 98 23 .235 1 13
Tony Walker 84 90 20 .222 2 10
John Mizerock 44 81 15 .185 1 6
Ty Gainey 26 50 15 .300 1 6
Bert Peña 15 29 6 .207 0 2
Dan Driessen 17 24 7 .292 1 3
Eric Bullock 6 21 1 .048 0 1
Robbie Wine 9 12 3 .250 0 0
Louie Meadows 6 6 2 .333 0 0

Pitching

Starting pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Player G IP W L ERA SO
Mike Scott 37 275.1 18 10 2.22 306
Bob Knepper 40 258.0 17 12 3.14 143
Nolan Ryan 30 178.0 12 8 3.34 194
Jim Deshaies 26 144.0 12 5 3.25 128
Mark Knudson 9 42.2 1 5 4.22 20

Other pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Player G IP W L ERA SO
Danny Darwin 12 54.1 5 2 2.32 40
Mike Madden 13 39.2 1 2 4.08 30
Matt Keough 10 35.0 3 2 3.09 25
Manny Hernández 9 27.2 2 3 3.90 9

Relief pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Player G IP W L SV ERA SO
Dave Smith 54 56.0 4 7 33 2.73 46
Charlie Kerfeld 61 93.2 11 2 7 2.59 77
Aurelio López 45 78.0 3 3 7 3.46 44
Larry Andersen 38 64.2 2 1 1 2.78 33
Frank DiPino 41 40.1 1 3 3 3.57 27
Julio Solano 16 32.0 3 1 0 7.59 21
Jeff Calhoun 20 26.2 1 0 0 3.71 14
Tom Funk 8 8.1 0 0 0 6.48 2
Rafael Montalvo 1 1.0 0 0 0 9.00 0

National League Championship Series

Main article: 1986 National League Championship Series

Game 1

October 8 (Astrodome, Houston, Texas)

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
New York 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Houston 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 1 7 1
WP: Mike Scott (1–0)  LP: Dwight Gooden (0–1)
HR: NYM – None.; HOU – Glenn Davis (1)

In Game 1, Scott allowed just 5 singles while reriting an LCS record-tying 14 batters via strikeout.[10]

Game 2

October 9 (Astrodome, Houston, Texas)

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
New York 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 5 10 0
Houston 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 10 2
WP: Bob Ojeda (1–0)  LP: Nolan Ryan (0–1)
HR: NYM – None.; HOU – None.

Game 3

October 11 (Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York)

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Houston 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 8 1
New York 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 2 6 10 1
WP: Jesse Orosco (1–0)  LP: Dave Smith (0–1)
HR: HOU – Bill Doran (1); NYM – Darryl Strawberry (1), Lenny Dykstra (1)

Game 4

October 12 (Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York)

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Houston 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 4 1
New York 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0
WP: Mike Scott (2–0)  LP: Sid Fernandez (0–1)
HR: HOU – Alan Ashby (1), Dickie Thon (1); NYM – None.

Game 5

October 14 (Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York)

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 R H E
Houston 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 1
New York 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 0
WP: Jesse Orosco (2–0)  LP: Charlie Kerfeld (0–1)
HRs: HOU – None. NYM – Darryl Strawberry (2)

Game 6

October 15 (Astrodome, Houston, Texas)

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 R H E
New York 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 7 11 0
Houston 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 6 11 1
WP: Jesse Orosco (3–0)  LP: Aurelio López (0–1)
HRs: NYM – None. HOU – Billy Hatcher (1)

Game 6 of the 1986 NLCS still ranks as one of the most memorable baseball games of the 1980s, if not baseball (and certainly baseball postseason) history. Played at The Astrodome, the game went 16 innings with the Mets coming out on top 7–6. It was the highest scoring game of the series; in fact, the 16th inning alone featured more runs than three of the previous five games had in their entirety.

The big story of Game 6 was that it was most nearly a must-win for both teams. The Astros obviously had to have it because they were facing elimination. Even though they were up 3–2 in the series, the Mets regarded it as a must-win because they were scheduled to face Mike Scott again in Game 7. Scott had given up a grand total of 1 run in his first two starts of the series, and had dominated the Mets so completely that even the most optimistic Mets fans knew their chances of beating him in a potential Game 7 were small. The end result was one of the greatest games in baseball history.

The Astros broke through first, and for a low scoring series like this, they broke through big, scoring three runs off a possibly tired Bob Ojeda in the bottom of the first. Ojeda settled down after that, however, and the Astros wouldn't score again for the next 12 innings. Meanwhile, Astros starter Bob Knepper was brilliant from the very first pitch, and the game headed to the 9th with Houston still seemingly comfortably ahead 3–0.

Just when it looked like the Mets would have to face the mighty Scott, however, their bats suddenly came to life. After pitching almost perfectly for the first eight innings, Knepper clearly tired in the 9th. Starting with a Lenny Dykstra lead off triple that barely evaded the glove of Hatcher in right center field, Knepper allowed three hits and recorded only one out, and left with the Astros clinging to a 3–2 lead.

The decision by Lanier not to bring in Smith to start the inning was talked about for years to come. Smith was firmly established as one of the best closers in the National League, but he had blown a save earlier in the series, taking both the blown save and the loss in Game 3 thanks to Dykstra's walkoff homer.

When Smith finally did appear, he was ineffective, walking two batters to load the bases and then allowing the tying run to score on a sacrifice fly by Ray Knight. In a matter of minutes, the previously raucous crowd of 45,718 had been almost completely silenced and extra innings had soon begun.

In the 14th, the Mets made their first bid to win. After Gary Carter opened with a single, a walk to Darryl Strawberry put two runners on with nobody out. After Knight forced Carter at third, Wally Backman drove a single to right. When Kevin Bass' throw to the plate sailed high over Alan Ashby's head to the screen, Strawberry scored. It looked like the end for the Astros, as Orosco came in to close them down.

With one out in the bottom of the 14th and the Houston fans with their heads in their hands, Billy Hatcher shocked everyone with a line drive home run off the left field foul pole. It was the first earned run allowed by the Mets bullpen in the entire series. Hatcher went 3 for 7 in the game, and his homer meant the Astros would be kept alive for at least one more inning. Both teams failed to score in the 15th, and the game went to the 16th inning, the most innings in playoff history at that time.

The 16th inning would be the deciding factor, and it was not an easy 16th for either pitching staff. The Mets appeared to take control of the game once again, this time coming up with 3 runs in the top half of the inning. The rally began with Strawberry receiving a gift double when Billy Hatcher and Bill Doran misplayed his towering fly ball with one out. When Knight followed with a single to right, a poor throw to the plate by Kevin Bass allowed the tiebreaking run to score, just as it had in the 14th. A walk, two wild pitches, and a single by Lenny Dykstra brought in two more runs, putting the Mets up 7–4. This sent some of the Houston faithful for the exits; those who stayed, however, almost witnessed the unthinkable.

Orosco struck out Craig Reynolds to open the inning, but a walk and two singles later, Houston had a run in and the tying run on base. Orosco induced Denny Walling to hit into a force play at second for the second out, but Glenn Davis singled home another run, bringing the Astros within a run. People everywhere were quiet as they watched Orosco face right fielder Kevin Bass with two outs and the tying run on second, and the winning run on first.

It was all up to Bass to drive in a run and tie the game. Orosco threw Bass six straight sliders; when Bass swung and missed the last of them, the epic series was over. Orosco was awarded the victory, marking the first time in postseason history a reliever won three games in a series. It would be a long winter for the Astros, but for the Mets, an even bigger trial awaited them. After taking two days off to recover from the exhausting series against Houston, the Mets began a legendary World Series against the Boston Red Sox, a series in which they would pull off one of the greatest comebacks of all time.

The Mets had won the series with a .189 batting average, the lowest average recorded by a winning team in a postseason series. Their pitching had been the key.

Scott's masterful performance in the series was, such that, in spite of pitching for the losing side, he was recognized with the NLCS Most Valuable Player Award (MVP), the first time in the 10-year history of the award history that a member of the losing team was so honored. Hence, Scott also became the first Astros player to receive a playoff award.[55][10]

Awards and achievements

Grand slams

No. Date Astros batter Venue Inning Pitcher Opposing team Box
1 April 12 Craig Reynolds₤ Astrodome 6₰ Rick Mahler Atlanta Braves [7]
2 July 7 Kevin Bass Olympic Stadium 9 Dan Schatzeder Montreal Expos [17]
₰—Tied score or took lead • ₤—Pinch hitter

Awards

Pitching achievements

300 strikeout club
Player K W–L ERA K/9
Mike Scott 309 18–10 2.22 10.0

League leaders

NL fielding leaders

Minor league system

See also: Minor League Baseball
Level Team League Manager
AAA Tucson Toros Pacific Coast League Carlos Alfonso
AA Columbus Astros Southern League Dave Cripe, Chuck Taylor and Gary Tuck
A Osceola Astros Florida State League Tom Wiedenbauer
A Asheville Tourists South Atlantic League Ken Bolek
A-Short Season Auburn Astros New York–Penn League Keith Bodie
Rookie GCL Astros Gulf Coast League Julio Linares

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Columbus

See also

References

Footnotes
  1. ^ a b c From its inception in 1944 until 2012, The Sporting News recognized one pitcher each from the NL and the American League (AL) for this award. Beginning in 2013, the award was redesignated to recognize one starting pitcher and relief pitcher from each league.
  2. ^ Recognized one Manager of the Year for each of the NL and the American League (AL).
  3. ^ a b Beginning in 1986, The Sporting News presented one award each in both the NL and the American League (AL). From 1938–1985, one award had been presented for all of MLB.
  4. ^ Major league debut.
  5. ^ The third and final no-hitter that Torborg caught was delivered by Nolan Ryan on May 15, 1973, when they played for the California Angels.
  6. ^ Composed of leading the league in each of wins, strikeouts and ERA.
  1. ^ It was the first time since 1979 that the Astros sent as many as four representatives to the MLB All-Star Game.
  2. ^ Moyer joined Ryan as one of the very few to play in each of four decades in the major leagues and went on to win 269 career games over 25 seasons.
  3. ^ Deshaies' feat was equaled by Jacob deGrom on September 14, 2014, and Germán Márquez on September 26, 2018. The record was later broken on July 11, 2021, by Pablo López, with the Miami Marlins.[29]
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