Baseball’s rich history includes some of the wildest, highest-scoring games ever played. Ranging from keenly contested duels to record-breaking one-sided onslaught, these 15 games stand out for their jaw-dropping high scores. Despite evolving strategies and modern batting techniques, some of these games predate the twentieth century. Read on to discover these unforgettable score lines and the teams headlining them.
33 Runs: Blue Jays 28, Red Sox 5 (2022)
The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Boston Red Sox 28-5, setting several records, including a home run cycle and an inside-the-park grand slam. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had six hits. The Red Sox’s bullpen struggled, allowing 19 runs, and the Blue Jays scored 28 runs in a single game.
33 Runs: Rangers 30, Orioles 3 (2007)
At Oriole Park, the Rangers created history with an amazing thirty runs against the Orioles, who had first taken a 3-0 lead. Ramon Vazquez and Jarrod Saltalamacchia both knocked two home runs in a game where Rangers were relentless, particularly in the eighth inning when they scored ten straight runs.
33 Runs: Red Sox 29, Browns 4 (1950)
With 29 runs, the Red Sox totally wrecked the Browns at Fenway Park. Ted Williams walked four times and scored three runs to heighten Bobby Doerr’s three-homer frenzy. Under Coach Joe McCarthy, the Red Sox made a day to remember by overpowering the Browns.
33 Runs: Rangers 26, Orioles 7 (1996)
The Rangers unleashed their power against the Orioles, winning 26-7 at The Ballpark in Arlington. They set a franchise record with 16 runs in the 8th inning, the second-most in MLB history. Dean Palmer smashed two home runs, while Rusty Greer and Kevin Elster each chipped in with three hits.
34 Runs: Cardinals 28, Phillies 6 (1929)
The Cardinals exploded with 10 runs in both the 1st and 5th innings, crushing the Phillies 28-6 in the second leg of a doubleheader. With 28 hits, they set a National League record for the most runs achieved by a team in a single game.
35 Runs: White Sox 29, A’s 6 (1955)
The White Sox crushed the Kansas City A’s 29-6, tying the modern major league record for most runs in a game. Sherm Lollar led the charge with two home runs and seven RBIs, while the team hit seven homers at gusty Municipal Stadium, setting a high bar for offensive displays.
38 Runs: Braves 29, Marlins 9 (2020)
With every player getting at least one hit, the Braves were unstoppable in a record-breaking 29 runs against the Marlins. Outfielder Adam Duvall was a standout, hitting a grand slam as the game set a new National League record in recent MLB history.
38 Runs: Beaneaters 30, Wolverines 8 (1883)
Boston Beaneaters crushed the Detroit Wolverines to set a historic record at the time with a 30-8 victory in their highest-scoring game ever, on June 9, 1883. This impressive win showcased the Beaneaters’ strong batting and gave fans a taste of all-star lineups of early baseball.
40 Runs: Reds 23, Alleghenys 17 (1890)
In a year, their opponents, Allegheny, had the second worst record of all time; Cincinnati Reds made history with their 23-17 victory. Scoring a combined forty runs, the game was an exciting offensive exhibition highlighting the erratic character of late 19th-century baseball.
42 Runs: Beaneaters 28, Alleghenys 14 (1887)
Sam Wise’s standout performance, with six RBIs, was key as the Beaneaters overwhelmed the Alleghenys 28-14 on August 19, 1887. They took advantage of the Alleghenys’ errors at South End Grounds, displaying Boston’s offensive prowess in a game full of early baseball excitement.
42 Runs: Phillies 30, Bisons 12 (1890)
Capitalizing on nine Bisons’ errors and Jack Clement’s six RBIs, the Phillies triumphed 30-12 on August 15, 1890, turning the game into a memorable offensive showcase. This fifth-highest-scoring match highlighted the Phillies’ relentless power, making it a standout game in baseball history.
43 Runs: Colts 36, Colonels 7 (1897)
The Chicago Colts made history by crushing the Louisville Colonels 36-7 at West Side Park, unleashing 32 hits for a staggering 51 bases and scoring 15 runs in the final two innings. Louisville’s defense crumbled with nine errors, while rookie pitcher Jim Jones allowed 28 runs in his brief MLB career.
43 Runs: Gladiators 22, Stars 21 (1890)
While some were products of one-sided dominance, the Brooklyn Gladiators’ duel with Syracuse Stars has been the most keenly contested, high-scoring game in history. Unsatisfied with Ridgewood Park II’s structural modifications, only 700 spectators witnessed this intense battle that produced 43 total runs.
44 Runs: Ward’s Wonders 28, Bisons 16 (1890)
The Buffalo Bisons were defeated 28-16 by the Brooklyn Ward’s Wonders, who put on an impressive offensive display. With 44 runs in total, it was the highest-scoring game up to the 20th century and is still the second-highest now, highlighting the exciting, high-scoring nature of early professional baseball.
49 Runs: Cubs 26, Phillies 23 (1922)
In MLB’s highest-scoring game, the Cubs leaped ahead with a huge early lead, only to face a fierce comeback by the Phillies. Despite scoring 24 runs initially, Chicago barely held on as Philadelphia scored 17 late runs. Hollocher and Miller excelled for the Cubs, while Wrightstone and Walker shined for the Phillies.
15 Wildest Score Lines In MLB History