A record-breaking offensive explosion and a tragic pre-game aviation disaster
In short: The 2021 American League Championship Series was defined by historic power hitting and high-stakes drama. From the first team to ever hit two grand slams in one postseason game to an aviation crash involving fans, this series blended peak athletic achievement with sobering real-world events.
The 2021 ALCS between the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox was a showcase of offensive milestones. In Game 2, Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez became part of baseball history by hitting grand slams in the first two innings, making Boston the first team ever to achieve that feat in a single postseason game. By Game 3, the Red Sox had hit three grand slams in a single series—a Major League first. Meanwhile, Kiké Hernández set new records for total bases in a five-game playoff span (34), surpassing previous marks held by Reggie Jackson.
The series also featured significant individual milestones and strategic shifts. Jose Altuve tied Derek Jeter for third on the all-time MLB list for postseason home runs (21) and became the fastest hitter to reach 20 such homers. However, the games often devolved into grueling bullpen battles; in Game 1 alone, the teams combined to use eight relievers each. This high-leverage environment was punctuated by a dramatic ninth inning in Game 5, where Houston scored seven runs—the most ever scored by a team in that inning during a postseason game since 2007.
Beyond the diamond, the series was marked by a somber aviation incident. While heading toward the stadium, an MD-87 aircraft transporting three crew and 18 Astros supporters plummeted close to Houston Executive Airport during a game day. While no significant injuries were reported, it served as a stark reminder of the external realities surrounding high-profile sporting events. The Astros ultimately won the series four games to two, advancing to a World Series where they fell to the Atlanta Braves.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2021 American League Championship Series
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