Jim Palmer claps back at fan saying he was beaten in World Series Game 4 by Reds in 1970
In MLB World Series history, there have been 21 four-game sweeps. Meanwhile, there have only been three times a team has forced a Game 5 while being down 3-1. Including the Yankees this year, one memorable Fall Classic that comes to mind is the 1970 World Series.
The Baltimore Orioles took the title that season after overcoming the Cincinnati Reds 4-1. Central to the story is Orioles legend Jim Palmer. Carrying a 20-10 record with a 2.71 ERA, Palmer started both Games 1 and 4. While Palmer got the win in Game 1, he was immediately relieved by Eddie Watt in Game 4.
Fast forward to today, and a fun interaction between a fan discussing World Series history and Palmer ensued. A tweet by a fan on social media site X mentioned that the Cincinnati Reds beat Palmer in Baltimore 6-5. Palmer corrected the person, saying it was Watt who incurred the loss in Game 4, and not him.
"Actually the Reds beat Eddie Watt but why let the truth get in the way of your narrative." - @ Jim Palmer
The Game 4 loss was the sole game that the 1970 Orioles gave up to the Reds as they won the championship in the next game. Baltimore added another title in 1983 after defeating the Phillies in five games. That was Baltimore's most recent title.
Odds stacked against Yankees in Game 5 of World Series
The New York Yankees staved off embarrassment after their 11-4 World Series Game 4 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. Before the game, several scenarios and narratives surrounded the team, including but not limited to, getting swept in the Fall Classic.
As previously mentioned, there have only been three teams in MLB history that have forced a Game 5 after being down 3-0. However, the chances get slimmer or, in this case, close to none when it comes to forcing further games.
Since its inception in 1903, there has never been a team that has forced a Game 6 or 7 after being down 3-0. Up to this point, there has only been one successful 3-0 reverse sweep in MLB postseason history. That belongs to the 2004 Boston Red Sox who overcame the Yankees in the ALCS.