It was the kind of game that tested patience, endurance, and every ounce of competitive spirit. On August 23, 1989, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos battled through 21 scoreless innings at Olympic Stadium, locked in one of the longest shutouts in Major League Baseball history.
Then came Rick Dempsey.
At the top of the 22nd inning, the veteran catcher—known more for his defense and clubhouse charisma than power hitting—stepped to the plate and delivered a moment for the ages: a leadoff solo home run that finally broke the deadlock and gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.
It was the only run scored in a six-hour, 14-minute marathon that saw 20 hits, two errors, and a combined 30 strikeouts. The Dodgers’ bullpen held firm, with John Wetteland earning the win and Dennis Martínez taking the loss in a game that felt more like a war of attrition than a summer ballgame.
🧢 A Game of Grit
- Attendance: 21,742 fans witnessed the epic showdown in Montreal
- Pitching Duel: Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser started the game, with a parade of relievers keeping the Expos off the board
- Defensive Highlights: Both teams turned clutch plays to keep the scoreboard frozen through 21 innings
- Historic Note: This game ranks as the second-longest shutout in MLB history, a testament to pitching precision and defensive resilience
🎙️ Dempsey’s Moment
At age 39, Rick Dempsey wasn’t expected to be the hero. But with one swing, he etched his name into baseball lore—reminding fans that in a game of inches and hours, experience and heart still matter.
Photos courtesy https://www.baseball-reference.com/
KNCT 