The state has gone a decade without appearing in one, but Minnesota teams have a rich history of Game 7s. State teams have suited up for one 16 times, going a combined 10-6 through the years. Current Minnesota teams are a remarkable 5-1 in Game 7s, and the two teams that left for warmer climes were 5-5.
Twins (2-1 in game 7s)
YearPostseason roundGame 7 result
1965World SeriesDodgers 2, Twins 0
Highlight: Sandy Koufax, pitching on two days rest, pitched a three-hit shutout against the Twins. Koufax benefited from a tremendous defensive play by third baseman Jim Gilliam — a diving stop of hard grounder down the line off the bat of Zoilo Versalles — after the Twins had put runners on first and second with one out.
1987World SeriesTwins 4, Cardinals 2
Highlight: The Twins tied the score 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth when Kirby Puckett's double drove home Greg Gagne. An inning later, Gagne's two-out infield single with the bases loaded drove in the eventual winning run. Frank Viola pitched eight innings for the victory, with Jeff Reardon recording the save in the ninth.
1991World SeriesTwins 1, Braves 0 (10 inn.)
Highlight: Jack Morris had one of the greatest pitching performances in World Series history, allowing seven hits over 10 shutout innings. Morris benefited by Lonnie Smith's baserunning gaffe after the Braves outfielder led off the eighth inning with a single. On a hit-and-run, Terry Pendleton doubled to left-center. Gagne and second baseman Chuck Knoblauch faked starting a double play by pretending to force Smith at second; Smith slowed down just enough to prevent him from scoring. The Twins won in the bottom of the 10th when Gene Larkin's fly-ball single scored Dan Gladden.
