Amazin' Date 5/28/1969: Harrelson's Hit in 11th Lifts Mets Over Padres

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #42: Wednesday, May 28, 1969 - BR
San Diego Padres @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Jerry Koosman is masterful as the Mets snap a five game losing streak.

San Diego Padres starter Clay Kirby pitched a gem of his own, whitewashing the Mets through nine complete innings, allowing seven hits and three walks, with four strikeouts albeit in a no-decision effort.  But Jerry Koosman would outlast Kirby, yielding just four hits and two walks, with 15 strikeouts through ten scoreless innings pitched.  Despite a dominant performance, he too was made to settle for a no-decision.

Tug McGraw pitching in relief of Koosman kept the Padres scoreless in the top of the eleventh.  Leading off the bottom half of the frame, Cleon Jones reached safely on shortstop Tommy Dean's error.  With one out, Ron Swoboda put runners on the corners with a hard single to right/center.  San Diego reliever Frank Reberger then intentionally walked Jerry Grote to load the bases.  Next up, shortstop Bud Harrelson promptly singled to left/center plating Jones from third for the game winning run.

Tug McGraw earned the win improving his record to 4-1 for the season.

With their first ever meeting in the books, the Mets come away with a split of their two game series against the expansion San Diego Padres.

• Mets Record: 19-23
• N.L. East: 4th; 9 GB