In Andy's thread from yesterday, Tomepp asked: "Has there ever been an MLB game that was ended by a K/dropped 3rd strike?" I understood the question as meaning with 2 outs (otherwise the run scores because of the WP or PB and the K is irrelevant.) I quickly found 1 game, which I (sort of) posted in the comments of that thread, but with a little more research I decided that this game is worthy of a thread of its own.

There has only been 1 game since 1954 in which a pitcher has lost the game on the play in which he recorded a 2 out strike-out. Not surprisingly it was done by a knuckle-baller. Amazingly enough though, the loss was actually more painful that it sounds.

On June 16th, 1986, Chalie Hough had a  1-0 lead and was 2 outs away from a no hitter. However, a three base error by defensive replacement LF George Wright, followed by a single by Wally Joyner cost Hough both the no hitter and the lead.  A passed ball and  an intentional walk to Reggie Jackson sandwiched a strikeout and Hough was facing  1st and second with two outs and the game tied.  That set up that unique game-winning strike-out.

Hough struck out George Hendrick (according to the NY Times it was on a 3-2 pitch), but for the second time that inning Orlando Mercado couldn't catch the ball.  Hendrick was safe at first and  Joyner scored all the way from second.  Glory had agonizingly turned into misery for Charlie Hough.

For his career, Hough would only throw one other 1 hitter. He lost that one as well.

In case you missed it here is the link to the game. This is how I found it. (All other years came up empty.)

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