Breaking Records: The Top 5 MLB Games with the Most Runs Scored

Discover the most runs scored in MLB game history, featuring standout performances from players and unforgettable moments on the baseball diamond.

Baseball is known for its exciting moments and unforgettable performances and high-scoring games are a big part of that. Over the years, there have been some incredible offensive displays in Major League Baseball (MLB), with some games producing more runs than anyone could have predicted. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the top five most runs scored in mlb game history, highlighting the teams, players and key moments that made these games so memorable.

Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies – August 25, 1922

In the early days of MLB, high-scoring games were relatively rare but the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies put on an offensive display for the ages on August 25, 1922. The final score was an incredible 26-23 in favor of the Cubs, with both teams combining for 49 runs, 51 hits and 11 errors. The game lasted over three hours and featured some impressive performances from players on both sides. Cubs outfielder Max Flack went 4-for-7 with six RBIs, while Phillies catcher Butch Henline had five hits, including a home run and a triple.

Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Browns – June 8, 1932

The 1930s were a time of high offensive output in MLB and the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Browns took advantage of that trend in their game on June 8, 1932. The final score was a stunning 29-4 in favor of the Red Sox, with Boston scoring in every inning of the game. The team set several records that day, including the most runs scored by a team in a single game and the most runs scored in a game without hitting a home run. The game also featured standout performances from Red Sox players such as Earl Webb, who set the record for most doubles in a season that year with 67 and Red Ruffing, who pitched a complete game for Boston.

Cleveland Indians vs. New York Yankees – April 18, 2007

Fast forward several decades to a game that took place in the 21st century – the Cleveland Indians vs. New York Yankees on April 18, 2007. This game was a seesaw battle that lasted over four hours. It ended with a final score of 14-15 in favor of the Yankees. The game featured several lead changes and momentum swings. Both teams scored multiple runs in multiple innings. Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez had a particularly impressive game, going 3-for-6 with four RBIs. Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner, hit two home runs and drove in six runs.

Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles – August 22, 2007

Just a few months later another high-scoring game took place. This time it was between the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles in August. The final score was 30-3 in favor of the Rangers. The team scored 10 runs in both the third and eighth innings and several Rangers players had standout performances. Notebly, Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 4-for-6 with two home runs and seven RBIs and Ramon Vazquez hit two home runs and drove in six runs.

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds – August 25, 2020

The most recent addition to the list of the most runs scored in mlb game took place in 2020. The Chicago Cubs faced off against the Cincinnati Reds on August 25. The game featured a combined total of 23 runs, with the Cubs coming out on top with a final score of 12-11. Both teams had multiple lead changes throughout, with the Cubs scoring five runs in the eighth inning to secure the bag. Cubs first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, had a standout performance going 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs.

What do these games tell us about the state of baseball?

High-scoring games have been a part of baseball for a long time and serve as a reminder of just how explosive offenses can be in certain situations. However, these games are relatively rare. Even in eras known for high-scoring games most games ended with significantly fewer runs on the board. Additionally, high-scoring games often come with their fair share of errors and mistakes, which can detract from the overall quality of the game.

At the same time, high-scoring games can be incredibly exciting for fans and players alike. The thrill of a back-and-forth battle or a record-breaking performance can create memories that last a lifetime and it’s these moments that help make baseball the beloved sport that it is today.

The top five MLB games with the most runs scored are a testament to the power of offense in baseball. Whether it’s a historic game from the early days of the sport or a modern-day slugfest, these games remind us of the incredible performances that are possible on the baseball diamond. As fans continue to tune in and watch their favorite teams compete, there’s no doubt that we’ll see even more memorable games in the years to come.