Amazin' Date 6/19/1969: Ken Boswell Hit in Ninth Lifts Mets Over Phils

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #60: Thursday, June 19, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
Connie Mack Stadium

Ninth Inning Rally Gets Seaver Off Hook; Mets Take Series Finale at Connie Mack Stadium

A late New York rally in the ninth Thursday night at Connie Mack Stadium gives the Mets their third victory in four games over the Philadelphia Phillies, and moves them a half game closer to the first place Chicago Cubs.

The Phillies however mistreat Tom Seaver on this evening roughing him up for five earned runs on ten hits and five walks with eight strikeouts before forcing his exit on the losing side of a 4-5 affair in the bottom of the eighth.

Philadelphia produces their five runs with RBI hits from Johnny Callison and Rick Joseph, and with home runs from Mike Ryan and Cookie Rojas.  Through eight innings the Mets manage an RBI hit from Al Weis, a two run home run from Art Shamsky in the sixth, and a second Shamsky home run in the eighth.

With two outs in the top of the ninth, Ken Boswell singled home both Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda with the tying and winnings runs respectively.  Tug McGraw closed out the Phillies in the bottom half of the frame earning his fourth save of the season.  Ron Taylor is credited with the win for his work in the eighth in relief of Seaver.

The Mets wrap up their 12 game road trip with a triumphant 8-4 record.  They've now climbed to a season high six games above .500 for a second time and remain in striking distance of the Cubs.

• Mets Record:  33-27 (.550)
• N.L. East:  2nd; 6 GB