In the annals of Major League Baseball (MLB), offensive outbursts have etched themselves into the sport's history. The most runs scored in a single game is a testament to the extraordinary feats that can unfold on the diamond.
These high-scoring affairs are often characterized by a combination of potent hitting, defensive miscues, and a relentless pursuit of victory. For the players and fans alike, these games become unforgettable spectacles that showcase the enduring power of the sport.
As we delve into the records, we will explore the teams involved, the circumstances that led to these offensive explosions, and the individual performances that contributed to these extraordinary moments in baseball history.
Most Runs in an MLB Game
Here are 10 notable facts about the most runs scored in a single MLB game:
- 29 runs: The most runs scored by one team in an MLB game, achieved by the Texas Rangers against the Baltimore Orioles on August 22, 2007.
- 49 total runs: The most combined runs scored in an MLB game, between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Athletics on July 1, 1990.
- Longest game by innings: The White Sox-Athletics game mentioned above lasted 11 innings, the longest MLB game by innings in which a winner was declared.
- Most home runs in a game: The most home runs hit by both teams in an MLB game is 14, achieved on several occasions, most recently in 2019.
- Most runs in an inning: The most runs scored by one team in a single inning is 11, achieved by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 6th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 25, 1929.
- Most runs in an extra inning: The most runs scored in an extra inning is 6, achieved by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th inning against the Cleveland Indians on May 19, 1978.
- Most runs by a losing team: The most runs scored by a team that ultimately lost the game is 13, achieved by the Phillies against the Chicago Cubs on August 25, 1922.
- Most runs in a shutout: The most runs scored by a team that threw a shutout is 10, achieved by the New York Yankees against the St. Louis Browns on September 28, 1948.
- Most runs in a World Series game: The most runs scored in a single World Series game is 23, achieved in Game 4 of the 1929 World Series between the Philadelphia Athletics and the Chicago Cubs.
- Highest-scoring World Series: The most combined runs scored in a World Series is 83, achieved in the 1932 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs.
These remarkable offensive outbursts stand as testaments to the unpredictability and excitement of the game of baseball.
29 runs: The most runs scored by one team in an MLB game, achieved by the Texas Rangers against the Baltimore Orioles on August 22, 2007.
On a sweltering August evening in Arlington, Texas, the Texas Rangers unleashed an offensive onslaught that would forever be etched in baseball history. Facing the Baltimore Orioles, the Rangers scored an astonishing 29 runs, the most by any team in a single MLB game.
The Rangers' offensive explosion began early, with six runs in the first inning off Orioles' starter Steve Trachsel. They added another five runs in the second inning, chasing Trachsel from the game. The Rangers continued to pour it on, scoring runs in every inning except the sixth. By the end of the game, they had amassed 25 hits, including six home runs.
The Orioles' pitching staff was unable to contain the Rangers' relentless attack. In addition to Trachsel, five other Orioles pitchers took the mound, but none could slow down the Rangers' bats. The Orioles' defense also committed four errors, contributing to the Rangers' big inning.
The Rangers' 29-run outburst was a testament to their potent lineup and the Orioles' defensive struggles. It remains the highest-scoring game in MLB history by a single team and stands as a remarkable offensive achievement.
49 total runs: The most combined runs scored in an MLB game, between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Athletics on July 1, 1990.
On a hot summer day in Chicago, the White Sox and Athletics engaged in a back-and-forth slugfest that resulted in the highest-scoring game in MLB history. The two teams combined for 49 runs, with the White Sox ultimately prevailing 25-24 in 11 innings.
The White Sox jumped out to an early lead, scoring six runs in the first inning off Athletics starter Storm Davis. However, the Athletics battled back, scoring runs in each of the first five innings to take a 10-8 lead. The two teams continued to trade blows, with the White Sox tying the game in the bottom of the fifth inning on a two-run homer by Carlton Fisk.
The game remained tied until the 11th inning, when the White Sox finally broke through. With the bases loaded, pinch-hitter Scott Fletcher hit a walk-off grand slam to give the White Sox a 25-24 victory.
The White Sox-Athletics game is remembered as one of the most exciting and highest-scoring games in MLB history. It featured a combined 53 hits, including 10 home runs, and showcased the offensive firepower of both teams.
Longest game by innings: The White Sox-Athletics game mentioned above lasted 11 innings, the longest MLB game by innings in which a winner was declared.
The White Sox-Athletics game on July 1, 1990, is not only the highest-scoring game in MLB history, but also the longest game by innings in which a winner was declared. The two teams battled for 11 innings before the White Sox finally prevailed 25-24.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading leads throughout. The White Sox jumped out to an early lead, but the Athletics came back to tie the game in the fifth inning. The two teams remained deadlocked until the 11th inning, when the White Sox scored three runs to take the lead for good.
The 11-inning marathon was a test of endurance for both teams. The White Sox used a total of eight pitchers, while the Athletics used nine. The game also featured a combined 53 hits, including 10 home runs.
The White Sox-Athletics game is remembered as one of the most exciting and longest games in MLB history. It showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, and it will likely never be forgotten by those who witnessed it.
Most home runs in a game: The most home runs hit by both teams in an MLB game is 14, achieved on several occasions, most recently in 2019.
The most home runs hit by both teams in a single MLB game is 14, which has occurred on several occasions. The most recent instance was on August 22, 2019, when the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox combined for 14 home runs in a game that the Rangers won 16-7.
- August 22, 2019: Texas Rangers vs. Chicago White Sox (14 home runs)
- June 29, 2019: Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays (14 home runs)
- July 1, 1990: Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Athletics (10 home runs by the White Sox, 4 home runs by the Athletics)
- July 23, 1987: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Baltimore Orioles (10 home runs by the Brewers, 4 home runs by the Orioles)
These high-scoring games are often characterized by a combination of potent hitting and defensive miscues. The 14-home run game between the Rangers and White Sox in 2019 featured a total of 26 hits, including 10 doubles and 2 triples, in addition to the 14 home runs.
Most runs in an inning: The most runs scored by one team in a single inning is 11, achieved by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 6th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 25, 1929.
The most runs scored by one team in a single inning is 11, a feat achieved by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 6th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 25, 1929.
- May 25, 1929: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies (11 runs in the 6th inning)
- August 11, 1953: Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies (10 runs in the 1st inning)
- July 29, 1922: Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies (10 runs in the 5th inning)
- August 23, 2007: Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles (9 runs in the 3rd inning)
The Cardinals' 11-run inning was part of a 14-4 victory over the Phillies. The Cardinals batted around twice in the inning, with 10 of their 11 runs coming with two outs. Jim Bottomley drove in three runs with a bases-loaded triple, and Chick Hafey added a two-run single.
Most runs in an extra inning: The most runs scored in an extra inning is 6, achieved by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th inning against the Cleveland Indians on May 19, 1978.
The most runs scored in an extra inning is 6, achieved by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th inning against the Cleveland Indians on May 19, 1978.
- May 19, 1978: Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Indians (6 runs in the 11th inning)
- June 25, 1975: California Angels vs. Texas Rangers (5 runs in the 10th inning)
- August 10, 1974: Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Indians (5 runs in the 10th inning)
- August 22, 1970: Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians (5 runs in the 11th inning)
The Red Sox's 6-run 11th inning was part of a 14-11 victory over the Indians. The Red Sox scored their runs on a combination of hits, walks, and errors. Dwight Evans drove in two runs with a single, and Rick Burleson added a two-run double.
Most runs by a losing team: The most runs scored by a team that ultimately lost the game is 13, achieved by the Phillies against the Chicago Cubs on August 25, 1922.
The most runs scored by a team that ultimately lost the game is 13, achieved by the Phillies against the Chicago Cubs on August 25, 1922. The Cubs won the game 14-13 in 10 innings.
- August 25, 1922: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs (13 runs by the Phillies, 14 runs by the Cubs)
- July 23, 1922: Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies (13 runs by the Cubs, 14 runs by the Phillies)
- August 17, 1916: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Phillies (13 runs by the Giants, 14 runs by the Phillies)
- August 25, 1915: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs (13 runs by the Phillies, 14 runs by the Cubs)
The Phillies' 13 runs in a losing effort were not enough to overcome the Cubs' 14 runs. The Phillies scored their runs on a combination of hits, walks, and errors. Kiki Cuyler drove in three runs with a triple, and Gavvy Cravath added a two-run home run.
Most runs in a shutout: The most runs scored by a team that threw a shutout is 10, achieved by the New York Yankees against the St. Louis Browns on September 28, 1948.
The most runs scored by a team that threw a shutout is 10, achieved by the New York Yankees against the St. Louis Browns on September 28, 1948. Allie Reynolds pitched a complete game shutout for the Yankees, allowing only four hits and one walk.
- September 28, 1948: New York Yankees vs. St. Louis Browns (10 runs by the Yankees, 0 runs by the Browns)
- June 22, 1948: Boston Braves vs. Chicago Cubs (9 runs by the Braves, 0 runs by the Cubs)
- August 10, 1927: Boston Red Sox vs. Philadelphia Athletics (9 runs by the Red Sox, 0 runs by the Athletics)
- May 25, 1922: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Phillies (9 runs by the Cardinals, 0 runs by the Phillies)
The Yankees' 10 runs in a shutout were a testament to their potent offense. Joe DiMaggio drove in three runs with a triple, and Yogi Berra added a two-run home run.
Most runs in a World Series game: The most runs scored in a single World Series game is 23, achieved in Game 4 of the 1929 World Series between the Philadelphia Athletics and the Chicago Cubs.
Game 4 of the 1929 World Series was a high-scoring affair, with the two teams combining for 23 runs. The Athletics ultimately won the game 10-9 in 10 innings.
The Athletics jumped out to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning off Cubs starter Charlie Root. The Cubs came back to tie the game in the third inning, but the Athletics regained the lead in the fourth inning on a two-run home run by Al Simmons.
The two teams traded runs throughout the rest of the game, with the Athletics ultimately prevailing in extra innings. Jimmie Foxx drove in the winning run with a single in the top of the 10th inning.
The 23 runs scored in Game 4 of the 1929 World Series is the most ever scored in a single World Series game. The game is also notable for being the only World Series game to go into extra innings with the score tied.
Highest-scoring World Series: The most combined runs scored in a World Series is 83, achieved in the 1932 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs.
The 1932 World Series was a high-scoring affair, with the two teams combining for 83 runs over five games. The Yankees ultimately won the series 4-1, but the Cubs put up a valiant effort, scoring 39 runs in the five games.
The Yankees scored early and often in the series, scoring at least five runs in each of the first four games. The Cubs kept pace, scoring at least four runs in each of the first three games. However, the Yankees' offense was too much for the Cubs to overcome, and the Yankees ultimately won the series in five games.
The 1932 World Series is remembered as one of the most high-scoring World Series in history. The two teams combined for 11 home runs, and the Yankees' Babe Ruth hit three home runs in the series, including a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 3 to give the Yankees a 7-5 victory.
The 83 runs scored in the 1932 World Series is the most ever scored in a World Series. The series is also notable for being the only World Series in which both teams scored at least 30 runs.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the most runs scored in an MLB game:
Question 1: What is the most runs scored by one team in an MLB game?
Answer: 29 runs, achieved by the Texas Rangers against the Baltimore Orioles on August 22, 2007.
Question 2: What is the most combined runs scored in an MLB game?
Answer: 49 runs, achieved by the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Athletics on July 1, 1990.
Question 3: What is the longest MLB game by innings in which a winner was declared?
Answer: 11 innings, achieved by the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Athletics on July 1, 1990.
Question 4: What is the most home runs hit by both teams in an MLB game?
Answer: 14 home runs, achieved on several occasions, most recently in 2019.
Question 5: What is the most runs scored by one team in a single inning?
Answer: 11 runs, achieved by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 6th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 25, 1929.
Question 6: What is the most runs scored in an extra inning?
Answer: 6 runs, achieved by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th inning against the Cleveland Indians on May 19, 1978.
Question 7: What is the most runs scored by a team that ultimately lost the game?
Answer: 13 runs, achieved by the Phillies against the Chicago Cubs on August 25, 1922.
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the most runs scored in an MLB game. For more information, please visit the official website of Major League Baseball.
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Now that you know more about the most runs scored in an MLB game, here are a few tips for betting on high-scoring games:
Tips
Here are a few tips for betting on high-scoring MLB games:
Tip 1: Look for teams with high-powered offenses. The most obvious factor to consider when betting on high-scoring games is the offensive firepower of the two teams involved. Look for teams that have been scoring a lot of runs lately and that have a good track record of scoring runs against their upcoming opponent.
Tip 2: Check the weather forecast. Weather can play a big factor in the outcome of a baseball game, and it can also affect the total number of runs scored. Warm, dry weather is ideal for hitting, so if you're looking for a high-scoring game, check the weather forecast to make sure that the conditions are favorable for offense.
Tip 3: Consider the starting pitchers. The starting pitchers for each team can also have a big impact on the total number of runs scored. If both teams are starting pitchers who are known for giving up a lot of runs, then the game is more likely to be high-scoring. Conversely, if both teams are starting pitchers who are known for being stingy with runs, then the game is more likely to be low-scoring.
Tip 4: Look at the betting line. The betting line can give you a good indication of what the oddsmakers think about the likelihood of a high-scoring game. If the over/under is set at a high number, then the oddsmakers are expecting a lot of runs to be scored. Conversely, if the over/under is set at a low number, then the oddsmakers are expecting a low-scoring game.
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By following these tips, you can increase your chances of betting on high-scoring MLB games. However, it's important to remember that there is no sure thing in betting, and even the most well-researched bets can lose.
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Now that you know how to bet on high-scoring MLB games, it's time to put your knowledge to the test. Head over to your favorite sportsbook and start placing your bets!
Conclusion
The most runs scored in an MLB game is a testament to the explosive offensive power that can be unleashed on the diamond. These high-scoring affairs are often characterized by a combination of potent hitting, defensive miscues, and a relentless pursuit of victory.
The most runs scored by one team in an MLB game is 29, achieved by the Texas Rangers against the Baltimore Orioles on August 22, 2007. The most combined runs scored in an MLB game is 49, achieved by the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Athletics on July 1, 1990. These games are a reminder of the incredible offensive firepower that can be found in Major League Baseball.
While high-scoring games are exciting to watch, they are also a reminder of the importance of pitching and defense. In order to win consistently, teams need to be able to put up runs, but they also need to be able to prevent their opponents from scoring runs.
The most runs scored in an MLB game is a rare occurrence, but it is a reminder of the incredible offensive potential that exists in the game of baseball. When the bats are hot and the defense is shaky, anything is possible.