2017 World Series Game 6: Justin Turner's Grand Slam
The swing that snatched victory from the jaws of elimination in Houston.
Game 6 of the 2017 World Series remains a defining chapter in Los Angeles Dodgers history, defined by sheer desperation and sudden euphoria. Facing elimination at Minute Maid Park with their backs against the wall, the Dodgers were staring down defeat until Justin Turner stepped to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, Turner connected on a slider from Charlie Morton, launching a grand slam that erased a five-run deficit (13-8) in an instant. The blast did more than alter the score; it forced a Game 7, keeping the championship dream alive against all odds.
- Player
- Justin Turner
- Team
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Opponent
- Houston Astros
- Series Status
- Down 3-2, forcing Game 7
- Inning
- Bottom of the 7th
- Result
- Grand Slam off Charlie Morton
Lore & Background
By 2017, Justin Turner had evolved from a journeyman utility player into the Dodgers' emotional leader. This moment cemented his legacy as the ultimate clutch performer for a franchise defined by near-misses. While the series would ultimately conclude with heartbreak in Game 7, Turner's seventh-inning explosion broke the Astros' psychological stranglehold on the game. The deafening roar from the traveling Dodger contingent signaled a violent shift in momentum, transforming Minute Maid Park from an enemy fortress into a battleground where anything seemed possible.
In Their Own Story
Inside Minute Maid Park, the air felt heavy with humidity and tension as the scoreboard displayed Astros 4, Dodgers 1. In the bottom of the seventh inning, the bases were loaded with two outs. Turner dug in, eyes locked on Charlie Morton. He let a first pitch go by; the second came in as a strike. On the third offering, he waited for the slider and unleashed a deep, resonant crack that sent the ball sailing toward the left-field wall. Turner began his trot slowly at first, watching it clear the fence before breaking into a run. Four runs crossed home plate instantly. The stadium shook—not with Houston celebration, but with a shockwave of hope from the Dodgers' section. As Turner rounded third, teammates swarmed him, knowing this single swing had bought them one more day to fight.
Reader's Guide
This event occurred during Game 6 of the 2017 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros. The series was a high-octane offensive battle, but the Dodgers entered Game 6 trailing three games to two. In this specific contest, they found themselves in a precarious position, down 4-1 late in the game. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Justin Turner hit a grand slam off Charlie Morton to take a 5-4 lead.
Did You Know?
- Justin Turner became the first player in World Series history to hit a grand slam with two outs in the bottom of an inning while his team was down by five runs.
- The blast was Turner's only home run of the series, making it his singular offensive highlight despite the eventual heartbreak in Game 7.
- Despite the grand slam, the Dodgers still had to survive one more game, which they lost 1-5 in Game 7, making this moment a bittersweet memory for fans.
- The pitch Turner hit was a slider from Charlie Morton, who had been dominant throughout the series until that specific at-bat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during Justin Turner's seventh-inning at-bat?
Turner connected on a slider with two outs and bases loaded to drive in four runs immediately. This clutch effort cut Houston's lead significantly and kept the Dodgers from being eliminated on the road.
Who was the pitcher facing Turner for this hit?
Charlie Morton of the Houston Astros delivered the pitch that Turner launched into right field. The slider was a mistake in a high-leverage situation that allowed Los Angeles to mount their comeback.
How did the grand slam affect the game score and series status?
The blast turned a 13-8 deficit into a one-run game, forcing the teams to play a decisive Game 7. Without this swing, the championship run would have ended prematurely in Houston.
Why is this specific moment considered iconic in Dodgers history?
Fans view it as a defining chapter because it snatched hope from certain defeat during a high-pressure playoff environment. It stands out as one of the most memorable individual plays in franchise postseason history.
Did the Dodgers win the World Series after this performance?
No, Los Angeles ultimately lost the series in the seventh game despite surviving elimination. Turner's heroics are celebrated for saving their season even though they did not secure the final title that year.