Amazin' Date 5/3/1969: Ron Santo Continues Siege Against Mets Pitchers

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY 

Game #23: Saturday, May 3, 1969 - BR

New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs

Wrigley Field

Look What Ron Santo Did to the Mets, Again.

The Mets either failed to protect an early two run lead, or the Cubs rallied late to win the game ... depending on your point of view.  In either event, the Mets now find themselves eight games behind the first place Cubs.

Nolan Ryan climbed the bump in place of the injured Jerry Koosman for game two at Wrigley Field, and was opposed by Chicago's Fergie Jenkins.  Starting in place of Jerry Grote, J.C. Martin opened the scoring with a home run leading off the second.  Ron Swoboda followed suit in the third, connecting off Jenkins for his second home run of the season.  After which Jenkins would yield no more, allowing just five more scattered hits through a full seven innings pitched.

Ryan pitched masterfully surrendering just two hits and a walk through six scoreless innings, but did himself no favors in the seventh.  Ernie Banks led off the bottom half of the frame with a single, and would eventually score when Ryan misplayed a come-backer off the bat of Al Spangler.

With Cal Koonce pitching in relief of Ryan, Billy Williams singled with one out in the bottom of the eighth, and promptly scored when Ron Santo tripled to right.  Chicago would go on to load the bases.  Manager Hodges then handed the ball off to Ron Taylor, whom walked Adolfo Phillips to force in Santo from third with the go ahead run, and ultimately Chicago's final 3-2 margin of victory.

The Cubs Phil Regan earns the victory in relief following his save in game one.  Cal Koonce takes the loss.  Both Fergie Jenkins and Nolan Ryan settle for a no decision.

After returning to the line-up yesterday, Tommie Agee did not start game two, but appeared as a late defensive replacement. Jerry Koosman was placed on the two week disabled list.  Meanwhile, Cleon Jones continues right along with another 2 for 4 day, raising his average to a .422 mark.

The Mets and Cubs wrap up the series with a double-header on Sunday.

• Mets Record:  9-14 (.391)
• N.L. East:  5th; 8 GB