How many teams have come back from a 3-1 World Series deficit?

Is history on the side of the Houston Astros, who look to bounce back from a 3-1 World Series deficit?

The Houston Astros are in an unenviable situation. Following their 3-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves in Game 4 of the World Series, they are now facing a 3-1 deficit. If they fall in one more game, they will watch as the Braves celebrate with the Commissioner’s Trophy.

Regardless of the sport, you can never count out a team. Some of them thrive in the face of the adversity that is a 3-1 deficit. But how many teams were able to do so in the World Series?

How many teams have come back from a 3-1 World Series deficit?

There have been six teams to successfully bounce back from a 3-1 deficit to win the World Series. Here are the teams that were able to do so:

• 1925: Pittsburgh Pirates over Washington Senators
• 1958: New York Yankees over Milwaukee Braves
• 1968: Detroit Tigers over St. Louis Cardinals
• 1979: Pittsburgh Pirates over Baltimore Orioles
• 1985: Kansas City Royals over St. Louis Cardinals
• 2016: Chicago Cubs over Cleveland

Of course, the most recent team to overcome this deficit is the 2016 Chicago Cubs. Not only did they win the final three games of the World Series, but they broke their 108-year curse in the process.

Perhaps the most impressive feat comes courtesy of the 1985 Royals. Not only did they come back from their 3-1 deficit against the Cardinals in the Fall Classic, but also in the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Pirates hold the distinction of overcoming 3-1 World Series deficits twice, while the Cardinals have blown two 3-1 leads.

It is simple for the Astros — win or you are done. They will certainly hope that the Braves blow this 3-1 lead as they did back in the 2020 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.