For the second time in team history, the Astros won the National League West; it was their third postseason appearance the past seven seasons, and it would be their last for eleven years.
Infielders Coaches Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg.
= Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts October 8 (Astrodome, Houston, Texas) October 9 (Astrodome, Houston, Texas) October 11 (Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York) October 12 (Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York) October 14 (Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York) October 15 (Astrodome, Houston, Texas) 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.
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.
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.
When Kevin Bass' throw to the plate sailed high over Alan Ashby's head to the screen, Strawberry scored.
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.
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.
Orosco was awarded the victory, marking the first time in postseason history a reliever won three games in a series.