N. Y. Mets: Snap Out of Offensive Funk at Philly

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Mets Tilt Pinball Bank Stadium

FRIDAY

Mets    11

Phillies  5

FINAL

See what happens when you put runners on base?  The Mets hit seven home runs through six games against the Braves and Cubs, but only two come with runners on base for a net ten runs.  They average just 2.83 runs per game during their six game skid.  Then miraculously the Mets effectively outperform their previous six games in one night.  They hit three home runs in Friday's series opener at Philadelphia, and all three come with runners on base for a net eight runs.  It's also no coincidence they win by an 11-5 final.

In summarizing the Mets six game losing streak, they go 49 for 219 (.224) with 14 walks, and 49 strikeouts.  They leave 44 runners on base and go 7 for 48 (.146) with runners in scoring position.  In game one at Philadelphia's Pinball Bank Stadium, the Met go 12 for 39 (.308), with four walks, two doubles, three home runs, and nine strikeouts.  They leave six runners on base and are 4 for 10 (.400) with runners in scoring position.

Todd Frazier finally breaks out.  He goes 2 for 4 with a pair of three-run home runs.  He had previously hit two home runs all month.  Frazier was a main culprit during the Mets six game offensive shutdown going 0 for 5 with RiSP.

However, Amed Rosario has been a force throughout.  He is now 4 for 10 (.400) with runners in scoring position over the last seven games.

Wilson Ramos extends his hitting streak to 23-games.

Michael Conforto hit his 28th home run of the season in the ninth inning tying his career high, with still a month to go.

Now sweep the Phillies, then we'll talk.

Brooklyn Cyclones Open Wild Season Finale at Coney Island

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

SHOWDOWN

Staten Island Yankees

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM

CONEY ISLAND

The schedule makers can pat themselves on the back for this one.  In one of the most gripping division races I can recall, all four McNamara Division teams have at least forty victories.  The playoff fates of them all lay in the balance as we enter the regular season's weekend finale.  Hudson Valley hosts Aberdeen.  Brooklyn plays a home and home series against Staten Island with games one and three at Coney Island.  One of these teams will emerge as division champs; one will enter the post-season as the wild card; the other two will pack up and embark on their respective off-seasons.

McNAMARA DIVISION

• 1) Aberdeen             41-31  *
• 2) Hudson Valley     41-31  *
• 3) Brooklyn             40-32  1 GB
• 4) Staten Island       40-33  1.5 GB

WILD CARD

• 1) Aberdeen          *
• 2) Husdon Valley  *
• 3) Brooklyn           1 GB
• 4) Staten Island     1.5 GB

The Cyclones do themselves no favors by dropping two straight against the Ironbirds at Aberdeen.  Leading Friday's game 4-3 through eight innings they surrender two runs in the bottom of the ninth.  Therefore instead of entering today's action tied for first with Hudson Valley the Cyclones relinquish to the field any self determining autonomy.

Hence their dilemma ...

Best case scenario: Hudson Valley or Aberdeen sweeps the other, and the Cyclones sweep the Yankees.  Anything less and the Cyclones are in a real pickle.  In turn Staten Island's only recourse is to sweep the Cyclones.

New York Penn League

Amazin' Date 8/31/1969: Tom Seaver Defeats Giants for 19th Victory of Season

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Games #129 and #130
New York Mets @ San Francisco Giants
Candlestick Park

Giants Salvage Series Split at Candlestick Park

• GAME ONE: Sunday, August 31, 1969 - BR

With a five run outburst in the fourth and three more runs in the fifth New York rolls to an 8-0 whitewashing of the Giants.  Ron Swoboda, Jerry Grote, and Al Weis, each drive in a pair of runs apiece.  Bud Harrelson is 2 for 5 with an RBI, and starter Tom Seaver helps his own cause with a hit and an RBI; his fourth of the season.  On the mound Tom Seaver allows just seven hits and three walks with eleven strikeouts for the complete game shutout.  He improves to 19-8 with a 2.54 ERA.  It's the fourth time this season Seaver fans double-digits, and now gives him 175 for the season.

• GAME TWO: Sunday, August 31, 1969 - BR

The Giants salvage game two and gain a four game split as the Mets lose a heart-breaker in extra innings at Candlestick Park.  San Francisco scores straightaway against starter Jim McAndrew on Don Mason's lead-off hit, Ken Henderson's one-out triple to right, and Jim Ray Hart's RBI hit for a 2-0 first inning lead.  The Mets eventually strike back in the seventh when Ron Swoboda connects on his sixth home run of the season with Cleon Jones aboard.  The game remains deadlocked at two after nine, and into extra innings they go.  Pitching into the bottom of the eleventh, Tug McGraw issues a lead-off walk, and a hit by Willie McCovey.  Manager Hodges opts for Ron Taylor whom intentionally walks Bobby Bonds loading the bases.  However with Jim Davenport at the plate Taylor issues a second straight walk forcing in the game winning run in from third.  Jim McAndrew puts forth a fine performance allowing two earned runs on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts through nine innings full.  But it's Tug McGraw whom incurs his third loss of the season.

The Mets lose a half-game in the standings, as Ken Holtzman and the Cubs again defeat Phil Niekro and the Braves at Atlanta.  However the Mets close out the month of August with a stellar 21-10 record and enter September winners of 13 of their last 16 games.  The Cubs close out August with an 18-10 record.

• Mets Record: 76-54
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4.5 GB

OTD 8/31/194: Brooklyn Tip Tops Open Road Series With Victory at Buffalo

From the desk of:  THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops lead Buf-Feds 1-0

I - BTT 4; BUF 1

II - TUESDAY

HOME/HOME SERIES

Brooklyn Tip Tops

vs.

Brooklyn Buf-Feds

FROM

International Fair Grounds

Brooklyn wins Monday's series opener in 4-1 final at Buffalo

After trading runs in the fourth, Brooklyn pulls away with three late inning runs to win their fourth game in their last five.  Lead-off batter and left fielder George Anderson goes 3 for 5 with a run scored.  Center fielder Al Shaw is 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored.  Second baseman Solly Hofman is 2 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in.  And Steve Evans and Grover Land also drive in a run each.  Buffalo second baseman Tex McDonald is 2 for 4 and drives in the Buf-Feds lone run of the day.  Tip Tops starter Happy Finneran yields the lone unearned run on seven hits and four walks with two strikeouts for his 11th win of the season against seven losses and a representative 2.23 ERA.  Buffalo's Fred Anderson earns his 13th loss upon yielding four runs on nine hits through nine full innings.

• BOXSCORE: Monday, August 31, 194 - BR

The Tip Tops were off on Sunday.  But when factored in with Indianapolis' three straight losses including Monday's double-header sweep by Kansas City, Brooklyn creeps back to within six games of first place with 41 regular season games left to play.  Meanwhile Buffalo's latest loss levels them at par with a 57-57 record.

After posting a stellar 21-8 record in July, the Top Tops close out the month of August with a 12-16 record which includes a debilitating nine game losing streak.  Playing just nine home games and 18 on the road could have partly been to blame .  The good news is all but four of their upcoming 27 September games are scheduled to be played at Brooklyn's Washington Park; advantage Tip Tops.

• Tip Tops Record: 58-56 (.509)
• Federal League: 4th; 6 GB

N.Y. Mets: Lose Six, Pick Up Sticks

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

SKID HITS SIX

When you get swept in consecutive series by the N. L. East leading Braves and the wild card leading Chicago Cubs it becomes safe to say the 2019 New York Mets are not playoff contenders.  In head to head action against more competitive teams they're just not measuring up.  In a matter of six games they've lost a large measure of self-determination and control with regard to their future day to day standing.

I could be wrong, stranger things have happened.  Just ask members of the 1973 Mets whom were ten games under .500 and 6.5 games out of first place at this point in their season.  After Thursday's loss to the Cubs at Citi Field, these Mets are one game above .500 and five games back of wild card contention.  Still not the worst place to be.  However, they've now lost six in a row, and ten of their last 18 games.

The main culprit no doubt has been the offense, or lack thereof.  The Mets hit a total of seven home runs against the Braves and Cubs, but only two came with men on base.  Said another way: they hit seven home runs which result in only ten runs scored.  What a waste of dingers.  That being said, they're averaging just 2.83 runs per game during this six game skid.

Allow me then to pick up where I left off after game two vs. Chicago as the numbers speak for themselves:


I - RUNNERS LOB / RiSP

   A) - vs. Atlanta Braves

• Game 1) - 9 LOB; 0 for 7 RiSP
• Game 2) - 5 LOB; 3 for 10 RiSP
• Game 3) - 7 LOB; 1 for 8 RiSP
• TOTAL: 21 LOB; 4 for 25 RiSP (.160)

   B) - vs. Chicago Cubs

• Game 1) - 5 LOB; 0 for 5 RiSP
• Game 2) - 11 LOB; 3 for 15 RiSP
• Game 3) - 7 LOB; 0 for 3 RiSP
• TOTAL: 23 LOB; 3 for 23 RISP (.130)

• SIX GAME TOTALS: 44 LOB; 7 for 48 (.146) RiSP

But this time I'm naming names.  Over the last six games Juan Lagares, Todd Frazier, Michael Conforto, and Wilson Ramos, are a combined 0 for 19 with runners in scoring position.

• Lagares - 0 for 6
• Frazier - 0 for 5
• Conforto - 0 for 5
• Ramos - 0 for 3

II - TEAM BATTING

   A) - vs. Atlanta Braves

• Game 1) - 6 for 47 (.128); 4 walks; 14 strikeouts
• Game 2) - 11 for 37 (.297); 0 walks; 8 strikeouts
• Game 3) - 7 for 31 (.226); 3 walks; 7 strikeouts
• TOTAL: 24-115 (.209); 7 walks; 29 strikeouts

   B) - vs. Chicago Cubs

• Game 1) - 6 for 32 (.187); 1 walk; 7 strikeouts
• Game 2) - 14 for 40 (.350); 3 walks; 6 strikeouts
• Game 3) - 5 for 32 (.156); 3 walks; 7 strikeouts
• TOTAL: - 25 for 104 (.240); 7 walks; 20 strikeouts

• SIX GAME TOTALS: 49 for 219 (.224); 14 walks; 49 strikeouts

Next up: @ Philadelphia

Geno's cheese steaks suck!

Amazin' Date 8/30/1969: Mets Defeat Gaylord Perry in Ten Innings

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #128: Saturday, August 30, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ San Francisco Giants
Candlestick Park

The triumvirate of Don Cardwell, Ron Taylor, and Tug McGraw best Giants starter Gaylord Perry at Candlestick. 

The Mets put up the first run of the day on Bud Harrelson's RBI hit in the second.  In the third, however, Cardwell yields a lead off base hit to his counterpart then walks three straight forcing in a run.  New York retakes the lead on Jerry Grote's hit to right scoring Ken Boswell from second in the sixth.  But the Giants answer with haste in the seventh on Willie McCovey's double scoring former Mets all-star Ron Hunt.  The game remains tied at two through nine, and into extra-innings they go.  The Mets waste little time as Donn Clendenon with two outs in the tenth homers off Perry.  Tug McGraw then retires the Giants in order.

Don Cardwell surrenders just two earned runs on five hits, but walks seven batters and fans two.  He does not figure in the decision.  Ron Taylor finishes up the eighth inning in relief of Cardwell.  Tug McGraw earns his seventh victory of the season with two scoreless innings in relief of Taylor.  Gaylord Perry pitches all ten innings, yielding three runs, two earned, on nine hits and no walks with nine strikeouts en route to his 11th loss of the season against 16 wins and a 2.63 ERA.

Clendenon hits his fifth home run since joining the Mets.  Ken Boswell is 3 for 4 with a double and run scored.  He is 9 for 20 (.450) since his return to action on Aug. 23 and in the midst of a six game hitting streak.

With their 75th victory of the season, the Mets even the series at one with a double-header on tap for Sunday.  However they fail to gain ground on Chicago whom defeat the Braves at Atlanta.  Willie Mays who has only played 12 games this month has yet to make an appearance this series.

• Mets Record: 75-53 (.586)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4 GB

N.Y. Mets: Latest Dive Hits Five

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

FAILING TO SEIZE THE MOMENT

I'll pick up where I last left of on our Metsian Podcast ... what good are home runs if there is no one on base?  In the last five games against Atlanta and Chicago the Mets have hit six home runs (including one by Jacob deGrom) yet have only had a total of three runners on base.  Perhaps that's because an unfortunate and very untimely trend is developing before our very eyes.  It started against the Braves and is holding true against the Cubs.  Without naming names, the numbers speak for themselves:

I - RUNNERS LOB / RiSP

   A) - Atlanta Braves Series

• Game 1 - 9 LOB; 0 for 7 RiSP
• Game 2 - 5 LOB; 3 for 10 RiSP
• Game 3 - 7 LOB; 1 for 8 RiSP
• TOTAL - 21 LOB; 4 for 25 RiSP (.160)

   B) - Chicago Cubs Series

• Game 1 - 5 LOB; 0 for 5 RiSP
• Game 2 - 11 LOB; 3 for 15 RiSP
• TOTAL - 16 LOB; 3 for 20 RISP (.150)

FIVE GAME TOTALS:  37 LOB; 7 for 45 (.155) RiSP

II - TEAM BATTING

   A) - Atlanta Braves Series

• Game 1) - 6 for 47 (.128); 4 walks; 14 strikeouts
• Game 2) - 11 for 37 (.297); 0 walks; 8 strikeouts
• Game 3) - 7 for 31 (.226); 3 walks; 7 strikeouts
• TOTAL - 24-115 (.209); 7 walks; 29 strikeouts

   B) - Chicago Cubs Series

• Game 1) - 6 for 32 (.187); 1 walk; 7 strikeouts
• Game 2) - 14 for 40 (.350); 3 walks; 6 strikeouts
• TOTAL) - 20 for 72 (.277); 4 walks; 13 strikeouts

FIVE GAME TOTALS: 44 for 187 (.235); 11 walks; 42 strikeouts


Circle back to August 9 against Washington.  That's when the schedule begins intensifying in competition.  Since that series the Mets have gone 8-9 and are presently losers of five in a row.  As such their winning record at home this season no longer holds water.  They have one more game at Citi Field against the Cubs on Thursday before heading to Philadelphia and Washington.  But a major opportunity has already been blown.

Brooklyn Cyclones Remain Tied For First With Victory at Aberdeen

From the desk of:  

THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS  &  THE RICHMOND COUNTY RATS

Wednesday

Brooklyn Cyclones  9

Aberdeen Ironbirds  8

FINAL

What we have here is a classic fight to the finish.  With just five games remaining in the regular season, the tightest division race in the New York Penn League, and the wild card chase for that matter, remain undecided as ever.  On Wednesday Brooklyn defeats the Ironbirds in their series opener at Aberdeen, while the Yankees defeat Hudson Valley in their series opener at Staten Island.  As a result the Cyclones and Hudson Valley Renegades end the night tied for first in the McNamara Division and the wild card race.  Aberdeen now trails both races by one full game, while Staten Island closes to within 1.5 games.

Despite bum rushing the Ironbirds for a 7-0 lead after two and a half innings of play, Brooklyn barely holds on for Wednesday's victory.  While single runs in the fourth and in the eighth cap the Cyclones output at nine, the Irondbirds answer with a trio of runs in the third, four more in the sixth, and one more in the eighth.  But they're never able to push an eighth run across the plate.  Designated hitter Gavin Garay is 3 for 5 with a run scored and two runs batted in.  Ranfy Adon goes 2 for 3 with two walks, two runs scored, and two runs batted in.  Joe Genord is 1 for 5 with three runs batted in.  Starter Michel Otanez earns his second victory of the season, despite yielding three runs on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts through five innings.  Reliever Mitch Ragan is roughed up for two runs on four hits in just two innings pitched.  But Nelson Leon pitches the final two innings and fans four in picking up his third save of the season.  The Cyclones ar 7-3 in their last ten games and now join Hudson Valley in the forty victory club.

WEDNESDAY

Hudson Valley Renegades  2

Staten Island Yankees         3

FINAL

At Staten Island, Hudson Valley maintains a 2-0 lead through six innings.  But the Baby Bombers finally break through for a pair in the seventh.  With the bases full catcher Thomas Gallardo scores from third on a sac-fly from third baseman Andres Chaparro, and shortstop Joe Smith scored on an error by Renegades first baseman Jacson McGowan.  Staten Island goes ahead in the eighth when designated hitter Carlos Narvaez leads-off with a double and is replaced with pinch runner Isaiah Pasteur.  After a passed ball advances Pasteur to third, pinch hitter Borinquen Mendez drives him home for a 3-2 Yankees lead, and final score.  Fading fast, Hudson Valley is now 4-6 in their last ten games.

New York Penn League

OTD 8/29/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Clinch Series Victory Over Buffalo

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops defeat Buffalo 3-1

I - BTT 6; BUF 2

II - BTT; 7; BUF 5

III - BUF 3; BTT 2

IV - BTT 4; BUF 1

Home/Home Series

Brooklyn Tip Tops

vs.

Buffalo Buf-Feds

FROM

INTERNATIONAL FAIR GROUNDS

Buffalo, New York

Brooklyn clinches a much needed series victory versus Buffalo by a score of 4-1 in Saturday's finale at Washington Park.

• BOXSCORE: Saturday, August 29, 1914 - BR

Buffalo third baseman Fred Smith opens the scoring with an RBI double in the third.  But Tip Tops starter Ed Lafitte would allow no more.  Brooklyn ties the game in the sixth, then pulls away with three more runs in the seventh.  Catcher Grover Land is 2 for 2 with a double and a run scored.  Shortstop Al Halt goes 1 for 3 with a double and a run batted in.  Meanwhile Ed Lafitte helps his own cause with a 2 for 3 day at the plate and two runs batted in.  On the mound he allows just one unearned run on eight hits and three walks with two strikeouts through nine innings full.  Lafitte evens his season record at 12-12 with a representative 2.87 ERA.

The home and home series now shifts to Buffalo where Brooklyn and the Buf-Feds will play five.  Since their destabilizing nine game losing streak the Top Tops are now winners of three of their last four.  They're once again a game above .500, and with Indianapolis' loss against Kansas City the Tip Tops gain a full game on the first place Hoosiers whom now lead Brooklyn by 7.5 games in the Federal League standings.

Commemorative Plaque Now!

Amazin' Date 8/29/1969: Juan Marichal Blanks Mets at Candlestick

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

GAME #130: Friday, August 29, 1969
New York Mets @ San Francisco Giants
Candlestick Park

Juan Marichal is indeed the Dominican Dandy.  The Giants starter pitches a gem in Friday's opening game of a weekend series at Candlestick Park.  He limits the Mets to just four hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in a complete game shutout performance.  Marichal improves to 16-9 with a 2.28 ERA.  Bobby Pheil accounts for two of the Mets four hits off Marichal.

Willie McCovey drives in San Francisco's first run of the game and Bobby Bonds jolts a three run home run off Mets starter Gary Gentry all in the first inning.  The Giants pick up another unearned run off Jack DiLauro in the sixth for a 5-0 margin of victory.

Gary Gentry allows four earned runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts through five innings.  It's his third straight road loss in August during which he has yielded 16 earned runs through 34.2 innings for a 4.21 ERA.

Yesterday's off day coupled with Chicago's victory over the Atlanta Braves drops the Mets four games behind the Cubs.

• Mets Record: 73-57
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4 GB

Brooklyn Cyclones Off to Maryland for Wild Showdown Versus Ironbirds

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Cyclones defeat Lake Monsters 2-1

I - BRK 12; VMT 3

II - BRK 2; VMT 0

III - VMT 3; BRK 2

WILD CARD SHOWDOWN

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

vs.

ABERDEEN IRONBIRDS

FROM

CAL RIPKEN'S WORLD

Vermont Salvages Victory in Series Finale at Coney Island

Brooklyn designated hitter Gavin Garay's double plates pinch runner Ranfy Adon with the game's tying run in the ninth, and into extra innings they go at MCU Park.  With the obligatory runner stationed at second base starting off the tenth, Vermont's Josh Watson successfully bunts Shane Selman to third.  Then, of all things Cyclones reliever Matt Mullenbach unleashes a wild pitch allowing the go-ahead run to score from third.  The Cyclones are retired in order in the bottom half of the frame ... game over.  Wilmer Reyes goes 2 for 4 with a run batted in, and Gavin Garay is 3 for 4 with a run batted in.  Together they account for five of the Cyclones seven hits.

The other bad news is that Hudson Valley defeats the Connecticut Tigers and retake sole possession of first place.  Otherwise Aberdeen and Staten Island both lose, leaving Brooklyn and the Ironbirds tied for second, one game back of the Renegades.  However Brooklyn and Aberdeen still remain tied for the wild card and will open a three game series at Aberdeen on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Staten Island is two games back of the division lead and 1.5 games back of Brooklyn and Aberdeen for the wild card.  They open a three game series against the Renegades at Staten Island.

Six games remain in the regular season.

• New York Penn League

OTD 8/28/1914: Tip Tops Bow to Buffalo at Washington Park

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Tip Tops led series 2-1

I - BTT 6; BUF 2

II - BTT 7; BUF 5

III - BUF 3; BTT 2

BUFFALO BUF-FEDS

vs.

BROOKLYN TIP TOPS

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

Solly Hofman's base hit gives Brooklyn a 2-0 first inning lead.  But they can not hold it.  Buffalo scratches out single runs in the third, fourth, and sixth innings to forge a 3-2 final score on runs batted in from catcher Walter Blair, third baseman Fred Smith, and center fielder Charlie Hanford.  Buf-Feds starter Harry Moran yields just two runs on five hits and one walk with nine strikeouts for his ninth victory of the season against six losses.  Tip Tops starter Bert Maxwell allows all three runs on ten hits and three walks with four strikeouts.  His record falls to 2-4 with a 3.21 ERA.

• BOXSCORE: Friday, August 28, 1914 - BR

Thursday's loss once again brings the Tip Tops back again to .500 with a 56-56 record.  Indianapolis was idle for a second straight day, thus Brooklyn slips another half-game to 8.5 games back of the Hoosiers.  Brooklyn and the Buf-Feds conclude their series Saturday afternoon at Washington Park, then it's off to western New York to complete the home and home series with a five game set at Buffalo's International Fair Grounds.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Tied in Knots With Seven Games Left

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Cyclones lead series 2-0

I - BRK 12; VMT 3

II - BRK 2; VMT 0

Vermont Lake Monsters

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM

Coney Island

Make that two straight against the Lake Monsters.  However, Hudson Valley, Aberdeen, and Staten Island, also win on Monday.  Therefore everything remains as it was as of close of business Sunday.  The Cyclones, Renegades, and Ironbirds, will spend another day locked in a three way tie for both first place of the division and the wild card standings, and for the league's best record as well.  That said, the Staten Island Yankees sit a mere 1.5 games back of both the division lead and wild card race.  In fact the league's four best clubs (four top records) all reside in the ultra competitive McNamara Division.  But time is running short as only seven more games remain in the regular season.  It seems apropos the Cyclones and Yankees should play a home and home series to close out the regular season.

• New York Penn League

Game two starter Garrison Bryant, Jared Biddy, and Josh Hejka, join together in limiting Vermont to just five hits and no walks with a combined 14 strikeouts en route to a 2-0 whitewashing of the Lake Monsters Monday night at Coney Island.  Bryant yields just two hits and no walks with nine strikeouts through 6.1 innings.  He throws 73 pitches with 53 (73%) going for strikes en route to his fifth victory against one loss with a declining 2.18 ERA.

Meanwhile Brooklyn batters outlast Lake Monsters starter Michael Murray whom tosses a gem of his own, yielding no runs on just one hit and no walks with five strikeouts.  But once out of the game, Antoine Duplantis and Wilmer Reyes each drive in a run apiece against reliever Jack Cushing.  After which Cyclones relievers Jared Biddy and Josh Hejka take care of the rest.

Brooklyn hosts one more against Vermont before traveling down to Maryland for a three game showdown versus the Aberdeen Ironbirds.  And keep a close eye on Staten Island versus Hudson Valley, as the Yankees can leapfrog em all.

Amazin' Date 8/27/1969: Koosman's Gem Caps Series Sweep at San Diego

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #126: Wednesday, August 27, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ San Diego Padres
San Diego Stadium

The amazingly hot Metropolitans complete a sweep of the Padres and extend their winning streak to six.

San Diego jumps out to an early lead on Ollie Brown's first inning home run off Jerry Koosman.  However, they do not again cross home plate as Koosman turns in his latest gem of the season, allowing the one run on just two hits and two walks with six strikeouts for his 12th victory and a stellar 2.24 ERA.

With two outs and two on in the third Cleon Jones clears the bases with a double to right.  Art Shamsky's double and Ken Boswell's base hit in the sixth gives the Mets a 4-1 lead and final margin of victory.

New York has now won 12 of their last 13 games and improve to 19-8 in August.  With Chicago losing to Cincinnati at Wrigley the Mets close to within 2.5 games of first place.  It's the closest to first place they've been since being two games back on April 12th.  On July 7 they were again within 3.5 games of first, but then stumble mightily.  As recently as Aug. 13 the Mets were a season high ten games out of first.  In the meantime Chicago loses their fourth in a row and their eighth in their last twelve games.  Tables are turning in the N.L. East.

The victory also sets an organizational record, surpassing last year's season total of 73 victories.

• Mets Record: 74-52
• N.L. East: 2nd; 2.5 GB

OTD 8/27/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Win Second Straight Over Buffalo

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

Brooklyn leads series 2-0

I - BTT 6; BUF 2

II - BTT 7; BUF 5

Buffalo Buf-Feds

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

It's good to be home.  Just ask manager Bradley.  The Tip Tops win their second straight over the Buffalo Buf-Feds, and climb a game back over the .500 mark.

• BOXSCORE: Thursday, August 27, 1914 - BR

Brooklyn holds a 7-3 lead through seven but need to stave off a late Buf-Fed rally.  Brooklyn starter Jim Bluejacket earns his third career victory allowing five runs (four earned) on eleven hits and two walks with one strikeout through nine innings full.  Al Shaw goes 3 for 3 with a walk, double, two runs scored, and two runs batted in.  First baseman Steve Evans lifts his average to .353 with two hits and a run batted in.  Claude Cooper picks up where he leaves off with a triple, two runs scored, and two runs batted in.  Buffalo first baseman and former New York Yankee Hal Chase goes 2 for 4 with a double, and two runs batted in.  The Federal League leading Indianapolis Hoosiers were idle, and so the 56-55 Top Tops gain one-half game in the standings.  They remain in fourth place, eight games back of first.

Commemorative Plaque Now!

N.Y. Mets: On the Difference Between Sweeping and Being Swept

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Braves Sweep Series 3-0

I - ATL 2; NYM 1

II - ATL 9; NYM 5

III  ATL 2; NYM 1

The Metropolitans are in the midst of the 18 most pivotal games of their season.  Having completed their series with Cleveland and Atlanta, they next play the Chicago Cubs, followed by Philadelphia, Washington, then Philadelphia again.

So far the first six games have garnered mixed results.

vs. Cleveland

• Game #1:  Mets 9; Indians 2
• Game #2:  Mets 4; Indians 3
• Game #3:  Mets 2; Indians 0

They sweep a good Cleveland Indians team, outscoring them by a 15-5 margin for a plus-ten run differential.  Starters Steven Matz, Marcus Stroman, and Noah Syndergaard, join forces in allowing just two earned runs on twelve hits and three walks with 13 strikeouts over 16.1 total innings pitched.


vs. Atlanta

• Game #1: Braves 2; Mets 1 *14 innings
• Game #2: Braves 9; Mets 5
• Game #3: Braves 2; Mets 1

The Mets are outscored 13-7 for a minus-six run differential - a far cry from the Cleveland series.  Mets batters go 24 for 115 (.209) against Braves pitching - barely above the Mendoza Line.  They draw a mere seven walks through three games and strikeout 29 times.  Moreover, the Mets go 4 for 25 (.160) with runners in scoring position.  Todd Frazier, Juan Lagares, and Michael Conforto, just to name a few, combine on 0 for 8 with RiSP.  Then ponder how in game one the Mets play 14 innings and their lone run of the game comes on a home run off the bat of Jacob deGrom.  How and why should that be?  Once again the Mets get effective pitching from the ranks.  In fact the bullpen matches deGrom pitch for pitch.

• deGrom: seven innings; four hits; one earned run; one walk; 13 strikeouts.
• Bullpen: seven innings; four hits; one earned run; four walks; 13 strikeouts.

Yet, the Mets go 0 for 7 with RiSP and leave nine men on base.  The line-up is a mere 6 for 47 (.128) for the game with just four walks and 14 strikeouts through 14 innings.

On Sunday Steven Matz limits the Braves to one run on just two hits and one walk with six strikeouts through six innings pitched.  But third baseman Josh Donaldson connects off Paul Sewald in the seventh giving the Braves a 2-0 lead.  The Mets muster one run in the ninth when Todd Frazier legs out a fielder's choice, but nothing more.


Mets Offense vs. Braves

• Game #1 - 6 for 47 (.128); 4 walks; 14 K; 9 LOB; 0 for 7 w/risp.
• Game #2 - 11 for 37 (.297); no walks; 8 K; 5 LOB; 3 for 10 w/risp.
• Game #3 - 7 for 31 (.226); 3 walks; 7 K; 7 LOB; 1 for 8 w/risp.

Mets Pitching Last Six Games:

• Starters: 35.1 innings; 23 hits; 8 ER; 9 BB; 35 K; 2.31 ERA; 0.912 WHiP.
• Bullpen: 23.2 innings; 15 hits; 8 ER; 9 BB; 35 K; 3.49 ERA; 1.034 WHiP.
• TOTAL: 59.0 innings; 38 hits; 16 ER; 18 BB; 70 K; 2.44 ERA; 0.949 WHiP.

The next twelve games represent the Mets best opportunity for controlling their destiny and will likely define their entire season.  They host the Cubs starting Tuesday, then play at Philadelphia and Washington before returning home to host the Phillies.  They have no games scheduled against Milwaukee nor St, Louis.  But the path to the postseason is nevertheless laid out before them.  All they need do is seize the moment.

Brooklyn Cyclones Forge Three-Way Tie For First Place

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BROOKLYN CYCLONES IMPROVE TO 

A LEAGUE BEST 21-13 RECORD AT HOME

GAME ONE

Vermont Lake Monsters  3

Brooklyn Cyclones         12

FINAL

Brooklyn scores early and often en route to a 12-3 slaying of the Vermont Lake Monsters in Sunday afternoon's series opener at Coney Island.  The Cyclones score ten runs in the first three innings alone with tack on runs in the fifth and seventh.  Starter Matt Cleveland faces 20 batters and throws 82 pitches with 47 going for strikes.  He limits the Monsters to just one run on two hits and four walks with five strikeouts through 4.1 innings, but does not figure in the decision.  Andrew Edwards earns the victory in relief of Cleveland despite yielding two runs on four hits with two strikeouts.  Christian Tripp takes care of the final two innings allowing no runs on one hit while fanning two.  Brooklyn strikes for 15 total hits in 38 at-bats, with five going for extra bases, and go 8 for 16 with RiSP.  Center fielder Kennie Taylor hits his second home run of the season.  Antoine Duplantis, Wilmer Reyes, Joe Genord, and Ranfy Adon each drive in a pair of runs apiece.

Sunday's victory forges a three way tie along with Aberdeen and Hudson Valley for first place of the McNamara Division.  The three teams are likewise locked in the three way tie for the Wild Card with only eight games remain in the regular season.  Connecticut lends Brooklyn an assist with an extra-inning victory over Hudson Valley.  Lowell however is soundly beaten by Aberdeen.  Staten Island splits a double-header up at Troy and close out the weekend 1.5 games out of both the division lead and the wild card.

• New York Penn League

Recaps and Previews with Megan Bungeroth and Mets Daddy on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Atlanta Braves Sweep Mets at Citi Field

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

SPECIAL GUESTS

John of MetsDaddy.com

and

WRITER/EDITOR HAILING FROM CHICAGO 

Megan Bungeroth

8/25/2019

Ninety Minutes

STUFF

Chicago Cubs Preview w/ Megan Bungeroth

The Cleveland Indians Series ~ The Atlanta Braves Series

Brodie Van Wagenen ~ Roster ~ Mickey Callaway

Asdrubal Cabrera ~ Francisco Cirvelli ~ Billy Hamilton ~ Adeiny Hechavarria

Good Pitching ~ An Untimely Offensive Shut Down ~ Poor Fundies

Pete Alonso ~ Brandon Nimmo ~ Jed Lowrey ~ Big Foot

JD Davis ~ Jeff McNeil ~ Todd Frazier ~ Michael Conforto

Randy Jones ~ Jose Offerman ~ Roy Staiger

Ed Lynch ~ Doc Ellis ~ Dillon Gee ~ Rick Reed

The Next 12 Games ... and so much more!

#LGM

OTD 8/26/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Defeat Buffalo in Return to Washington Park

From the desk of: THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

HOME SWEET HOME

Buffalo Buf-Feds

vs.

Brooklyn Tip Tops

FROM

WASHINGTON PARK

BROOKLYN

Brooklyn has much work to do if they are to rectify the considerable damage they caused themselves during their recent and potentially ruinous 4-14-1 road swing through the Midwest.  Wednesday afternoon's series opening win over Buffalo is only one small step in the right direction, but a first step nonetheless.  Playing in front of their home crowd for the first time in twenty days the Tip Tops prevail by a 6-2 final score over the Buf-Feds at Washington Park.  The victory snaps their nine game skid and gets them back to .500 (55-55) with 45 games left in the regular season.

• BOXSCORE: Wednesday, August 26, 1914 - BR

After trading runs in the first, Brooklyn starter Happy Finneran limits Buffalo to just one more run (none earned) on six total hits and two walks with five strikeouts through nine full.  Meanwhile the Tip Tops generate five more runs against Buf-Fed starter Al Schultz and reliever Fred Anderson en route to a 6-2 triumph.  Right fielder Claude Cooper goes 1 for 4 with a home run.  Grover Land and George Anderson each drive in a run.  Third baseman Tex Wisterzil is 1 for 2 with a triple and two runs scored.  Finneran also helps his own cause going 1 for 3 with a run batted in.  Happy notches his tenth victory of the season against seven losses with a 2.38 ERA.

Despite the victory Brooklyn does not gain ground on either first place Indianapolis or second place Chicago and thus remain mired in fifth place, 8.5 games back of the league leading Hoosiers.  After posting a stellar 21-8 record in July, the Tip Tops have slumped to 8-15 to date through August.  However, if nothing else Bradley's Boys are resilient.  This is the same team that on June 27 were in sixth place, eight games below .500 and 9.5 games back of first place.  By August 6 they had climbed all the way to within 1.5 games of first place.

And then they headed west ...

Commemorative Plaque Now!

Amazin' Date 8/26/1969: Mets Sweep Double-Header at San Diego

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

New York Mets @ San Diego Padres
San Diego Stadium
Double-Header

After closing out a stellar 9-1 home stand, the Mets are back on the west coast where on Tuesday they opened a three game series with a twi-night double-header against the Padres at San Diego Stadium.

• GAME ONE: Tuesday, August 26, 1969 - BR

Bolstered by eight runs Tom Seaver wins his 18th decision of the season against seven losses.  He limits the Padres to three earned runs on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts through nine complete innings.  Padres center fielder Cito Gaston inflicts the most damage going 2 for 3 with a triple, home run, and three runs batted in.  The Mets get home runs from Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda.  Tommie Agee is 2 for 3 with two walks, two runs scored, and a run batted in, and Cleon Jones plates his team leading 70th run batted in of the season.

• GAME TWO: Tuesday, August 26, 1969 - BR

New York sweeps the night away with a 3-0 whitewashing of the Padres.  Jim McAndrew and Joe Niekro duel through five scoreless innings until Al Weis finally breaks through with an RBI hit in the sixth.  Art Shamsky makes it a 2-0 game with an RBI single in the seventh.  Cleon Jones scores from third on a passed ball charged to catcher Chris Cannizzaro in the ninth giving the Mets a 3-0 final margin of victory.  McAndrew turns in perhaps his finest outing of the season allowing no runs on just five hits and no walks with six strikeouts.

The Mets are now an amazing 21-games above the .500 mark.  With their double-header sweep of the Padres they gain two full games on the Cubs whom on Tuesday lose their second straight against the Cincinnati Reds.  Chicago has now lost ten of their last 18 games.

• Mets Record: 73-52 (.576)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 3.5 GB

Brooklyn Cyclones: Staten Island Yankees Continue Playing Guardian Angel

From the desks of: 

THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS  &  THE RICHMOND COUNTY RATS

Cyclones split series with Tigers; 2-2

I - CON 1; BRK 0

II - BRK 4; CON 0

III - BRK 5; CON 0

IV - CON 6; BRK 5

SUNDAY

Vermont Lake Momsters

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM

Coney Island

Thank goodness for the Staten Island Yankees.  At least they got things right Saturday night ... insofar as the Cyclones are concerned and the race for the McNamara Division title, that is.

Leading Connecticut 5-2 entering the eighth inning at the Dodd, Brooklyn surrenders two runs in the eighth, and two more in the ninth en route to a deflating loss against the Tigers.  Net result is yet another huge blown opportunity to impact the standings.  That's because despite Hudson Valley's best efforts Tri City prevails in 13 innings for a 4-3 victory at Dutchess County.  Meanwhile the Yankees outlast Aberdeen in a tightly contested 1-0, three-hit whitewashing of the Ironbirds.

• Yankees starter Blakely Brown tosses a gem, allowing no runs on just two hits and one walk with five strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Relievers Nick Ernst, Marcus Evey, and Barrett Loseke, join together on three innings of one-hit ball with one walk and three strikeouts to complete Saturday's shutout over Aberdeen.

While nothing is lost, nothing is gained either.  After an uneventful Saturday night Hudson Valley remains in first place with a one game lead over the Ironbirds and Cyclones.  The Yankees however close within two games of first.  Meanwhile Aberdeen and Brooklyn remain locked in a tie for the wild card with Staten Island now threatening just one game behind.  In the meantime the clock is ticking and time is running short.  Nine games remain in the regular season.

• New York Penn League

NEXT:

• Vermont @ Brooklyn
• Staten Island @ Tri City
• Connecticut @ Hudson Valley
• Aberdeen @ Lowell

This upcoming series marks Brooklyn's third against the Lake Monsters.  The first two take place at Burlington where the Cyclones sweep three games in July, and the Lake Monsters sweep three just over one week ago.  The series now shifts to Coney Island for the first time.

Let's go Cyclones!

N.Y. Mets: Pete Alonso Ties Club Single-Season Home Run Mark

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

PETE ALONSO HITS 41st HOME RUN of SEASON

New York Mets Rookie First Baseman 

Ties Franchise Single Season Home Run Record

Pete Alonso - the half-man/half Polar Bear going around ripping jerseys from team mates bodies -  connects on his 41st home run of the season in the fifth inning of Saturday's game against the Braves; a prodigious blast into the black of straight away center field at Citi Field tying him for the Mets franchise single season home run record now shared with Carlos Beltran and Todd Hundley.  Along with Mike Piazza, the four represent the only Mets to ever break the 40 home run barrier.

Hundley first accomplishes the feat in 1996 in 140 games and 486 official at-bats.  Ten season later, Carlos Beltran ties Hundley in 137 games and 500 at-bats.  P. Bear LLC joins the Mets 41-club in just his 128th major league game, and 465th ever MLB at-bat.  Said another way, no player in the history of Mets baseball has ever hit more homes in a season than Pete Alonso whom it "bears" reminding over and over is just a rookie.

• Alonso - slashing .266/.369/.593/.962; with 26 doubles; 41 home runs; 100 RBI; through 467 at-bats.  Also leads Mets with 77 runs scored and 277 total bases.

Alonso also reaches the century mark with his 100th run batted in.  It marks the 27th time a Mets player achieves the feat, but he becomes only the 15th ever Met player to do it.  If you're wondering, Mike Piazza in 1999 drives in his franchise record 124th run of the season in his 139th game and in his 528th official at-bat.  Alonso would need to drive in 25 runs within his next 63 at-bats in order to outpace Piazza.  Otherwise there's still a full week left in August and 33 games remaining overall in which to chase down Piazza's club record.  While that seems a bit improbable, he's done nothing but prove naysayers wrong all season long.

Why stop now?

#LFGM

OTD 8/24/1914: Brooklyn Tip Tops Head Home After Ruinous Road Trip

From the desk of:  THE BROOKLYN BAKERS NINE

THE ROAD TO RUIN

Midwest Trip: 4-14-1

Losing Streak Hits Nine

The Dog Days of Summer Continue Chewing Away Hungrily at the Brooklyn Tip Tops Season.

Back on Thursday, Aug. 6, manager Bill Bradley is feeling mighty fine.  The Tip Tops close out a 9-6 home stand with a sweep of the Packers.  They rise a season high nine games above .500 and a mere 1.5 games out of first place.

Then it's time to hit the road.  On Saturday, Aug. 8, the confident Tip Tops open a four city swing with a closely contested 2-1 loss against the first place Chi-Feds at Chicago.  In this greatly anticipated showdown Brooklyn loses four of five and leave town 3.5 games out of first.  Then it's off to St. Louis where they split four games with the Terriers.  After which the Tip Tops drop three of four (one tie) to the Packers at Kansas City.  Manager Bradley's road to ruin ends mercilessly at Indianapolis where the Hoosiers win both games of Monday's twin bill, thus completing a five game sweep of the Tip Tops.  Brooklyn conjures just four wins the entire trip.  Their season altering losing streak now stands at nine.  Worse, the Tip Tops fall a game below .500, and 8.5 games out of first.

Sitting beside himself left to ponder a potential pennant now seemingly out of reach, manager Bradley and his beaten and battered Tip Tops embark on the long quiet ride home.  Through the remaining weeks of the season, Sunday's (game one) loss is perhaps the one Brooklyn players and fans alike will most dwell over.  It's the game that drops the Tip Tops to .500 for the first time since establishing themselves as legitimate contenders with a July 11 double-header victory over the Pittsburgh Rebels.

• BOXSCORE: Monday, August 24, 1914 - BR

The Hoosiers open the scoring with a run in the first and a pair in the second.  Brooklyn rallies back with three runs in the fourth.  After trading runs in the sixth, the teams remain deadlocked through the ninth and into extra innings they go.  The Tip Tops finally breakthrough with two runs in the top of the 13th inning.  However Indianapolis answers right back in the bottom half of the frame with three runs for the victory.  Brooklyn starter Dan Marion yields seven runs on eleven hits through twelve innings, but only three Indianapolis runs are earned as the Tip Tops commit five errors.  Hoosiers starter George Kaiserling goes the distance, allowing six runs, four earned, on 13 hits and three walks with four strikeouts.  He improves to 13-4 with a  3.26 ERA.  Brooklyn third baseman Tex Wisterzil is 2 for 6 with three runs batted in.  Right fielder Claude Cooper is 2 for 6 with a triple and run scored.  Second baseman Solly Hofman goes 2 for 6 with a double and two runs scored.

Brooklyn's game two loss is the game that actually sinks the Tip Tops below .500, but unofficially goes down as a mere afterthought.

Amazin' Date 8/24/1969: Mets Complete Sweep Over Dodgers at Shea

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #123: Sunday, August 24, 1969 - BR
Los Angeles Dodgers @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

What, you ask, could possibly top Jerry Grote's two out game-winning double in the ninth inning yesterday afternoon at Shea?  The amazin' Mets answer that question by completing a three game sweep of the reviled Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

Making his 26th start of the season Gary Gentry opposes Dodgers hurler Don Sutton.  First baseman Wes Parker homers in the third, and center fielder Willie Davis puts the finishing touches on Gentry's afternoon with a two out run scoring hit in the fifth.  The Mets rookie exits on the losing side of a 4-2 game.  Jack DiLauro enters in relief of Gentry and douses the fire.  Tommie Agee's RBI double off Sutton in the fifth makes it 4-3 in favor of the Dodgers.  When Sutton yields consecutive singles to Cleon Jones and Art Shamsky leading off the seventh Walter Alston summons Jim Brewer from the pen.  Ken Boswell's bunt single loads the bases.  Ron Swoboda then clears the bases with a double to left/center, and Jerry Grote's follow-up hit scores Swoboda giving the Mets a 7-4 lead and ultimate margin of victory.  Cal Koonce closes out the game with three scoreless innings of two-hit ball with two strikeouts in notching his sixth win of the season.

The Mets close out their ten game home stand with an outstanding 9-1 record, which includes sweeps of the Padres and the aforementioned Dodgers.  Their lone loss comes against the Giants in extra-innings on Thursday.  Otherwise the Mets are now winners of 16 of their last 24 games and since falling ten games back just two short weeks ago have clawed their way back to within 5.5 games of the Cubs.  Chicago (79-48) is 5-5 in over their last ten games.

• Mets Record: 71-52 (.577)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5.5 GB

Brooklyn Cyclones: And Then There Were Ten

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Cyclones Lead Series 2-1

I - CON 1; BRK 0

II - BRK 4; CON 0

III - BRK 5; CON 0

SATURDAY

Brooklyn Cyclones

vs.

Connecticut Tigers

FROM

THE DODD

With just ten games left in the regular season both the McNamara Division and Wild Card remain up for grabs.  On Thursday Brooklyn bows to the Connecticut Tigers in a rain shortened five inning game.  First baseman Joe Genord records the Cyclones lone hit of the night.  Meanwhile starter Frank Valentino is once again the hard luck loser upon yielding just one earned run on four hits and three walks with three strikeouts through 4.2 innings pitched.  Heavy storms continue through the evening postponing game two of a scheduled double-header (stemming from yet another 7/22 PPD).

On Friday the teams finally play two at the Dodd where pitching wins the day.  Brooklyn hurlers join forces on back to back shutout efforts over the Tigers yielding a mere six total hits through 18 innings pitched.

Michel Otanez starts game one throwing 4.1 innings of scoreless one-hit ball with three walks and three strikeouts.  Mitch Ragan enters in relief of Otanez, allowing no runs on two hits with a strikeout.  Josh Hejka then pitches a scoreless ninth.  Ragan earns his second win of the season to go along with a 2.32 ERA.  Otanez lowers his ERA to a 2.49 mark.  Brooklyn gets runs batted in from Luke Ritter, and Joe Genord, and Wilmer Reyes hits his fifth home run of the season en route to a 4-0 Cyclones final.

• Game one marks Edgardo Alfonzo's 100th victory as manager of the Cyclones.

In game two Brooklyn and Norwich duel through six scoreless innings before the Cyclones finally break through for five runs in the top half of the seventh.  Tigers starter Jack O'Loughlin stymies Cyclones batters through six full, yielding just three hits and two walks while fanning six.  Coming off Wednesday's NYPL all-star game, Brooklyn starter Dan Goggin is limited to a pair of innings during which he allows just one hit, but walks three and fans four.  Hunter Parsons pitches two innings in relief of Goggin allowing just one hit and one walk while fanning six.  Jared Biddy is then tasked with pitching the final three innings.  He faces nine batters, yields one hit, walks none and fans four in completing Brooklyn's second straight whitewashing of the Tigers.  The Cyclones three combine for a three-hit, 14-strikeout effort.  Biddy now sports a stellar 0.40 ERA through eleven appearances and 22.1 innings pitched with 28 strikeouts.  Ranfy Adon is big man on campus going 3 for 3 with a run batted in.  Wilmer Reyes drives in his 25th run of the season.

The Cyclones enter Saturday's McNamara Division race tied with Aberdeen in second place one game behind first place Hudson Valley.  Meanwhile Brooklyn and Aberdeen are now tied for the wild card.  Staten Island loses their second straight to Aberdeen, getting limited to just six hits and no runs against the Ironbirds on Friday.  In fact Aberdeen are winners of three straight.

• New York Penn League

Amazin' Date 8/22/1969: Koosman Gets Mets Back On Track Against Dodgers

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR.MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #121: Friday, August 22, 1969 - BR
Los Angeles Dodgers @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

The Mets score early against the Los Angeles Dodgers starter Bill Singer during Friday's opening victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Shea Stadium.

Ron Swoboda's two run home run in the second opens all scoring.  An inning later Art Shamsky drives in a run, and a passed ball charged to catcher Jeff Torborg allows a fourth Mets run to cross the plate.  After which it becomes a matter of Jerry Koosman and the Mets holding on.  Torborg atones for his mistake behind the plate with an RBI hit in the fourth.  When Jerry Koosman yields two singles in the seventh, manager Hodgers summons Tug McGraw from the bullpen whom surrenders consecutive RBI hits to Willie Davis and Wes Parker making it 4-3 game.  Cleon Jones' RBI hit in the eighth gives the Mets a two run cushion.  McGraw then retires the Dodgers in order in the ninth for his ninth save.  Jerry Koosman allows three earned runs on ten hits and no walks with five strikeouts in earning his eleventh victory of the season.

The announced crowd of 50,460 is the Mets sixth largest of the season.  They've won six of their last seven, and gain another game on the Cubs who lose to the Houston Astros at Wrigley.

• Mets Record: 69-52
• N.L. East: 2nd; 6 GB