Some more historical WS stats, as we heads into game 6 (once again, I've only sourced stats from WS - 44 in total - that have taken place since '69, the point where the post season was first expanded to include championship series). Make of them what you will...
(1) Since '69 (& incl. games already played in this WS), these are the percentages of games decided by 4+ run margins:
Game 1 - 35.5%
Game 2 - 35.5%
Game 3 - 37.8%
Game 4 - 20.0%
Game 5 - 33.3%
Game 6 - 40.0%
Game 7 - 14.2%
Game 6 has been the single most likely spot to deliver a blowout result. Interestingly, 50% of the game 6's involving blowouts ended the WS concerned, and 50% led to a game 7: numbers don't portray the series leader or trailer as more likely to deliver a blowout (if there is one).
(2) There's been 3 previous instances of games 5 & 6 being decided by 4+ run margins (1977-78-79).
(3) The above said, since '69 there's been no instances of game's 4-5-6 all being decided by 4+ run margins. There is, however, 1 instance of games 4-5-6 all being decided by 3+ run margins: in 1977, a WS that ended with game 6.
(4) Since '69, 56% of teams leading the WS 3-2 have scored 1st in game 6.
(5) Since '69, 64% of the teams who scored 1st in game 6 have won game 6.
(6) Prior to 1995 (& therefore the advent of WC teams, making for a longer postseason), 56.2% of game 6's had a run scored in the 1st inning. Since 1995, only 22.2% of game 6's have seen a 1st inning run scored.
(7) Since '69, only 1 road team has managed 2+ 1st inning runs in a game 6, compared to 5 home teams. Curiously, that sole road team lost their game 6 and the WS as a result.
(8) Since '69, there's only been 2 previous instances of a team (1 home, 1 road) having scored a 1st inning run in a game 6 win that consequently clinched the WS. The kicker? No team based in the US has done it (The Blow Jays are responsible for both instances, in '92 & '93).