Amazin' Date 8/13/1969: Houston Completes Third Straight Sweep of Mets

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #113: Wednesday, August 13, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Houston Astros
Astrodome

Thank goodness that's over with!  The Mets had no chance, or so it appeared.

Houston jumps out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looks back.  In fact, starter Gary Gentry never makes it to the second inning.  The Astros not only sweep these last three games from the Mets, it's their third straight series sweep of the Mets this season.  Said another way, the Mets have now lost nine in a row against Houston and close out the season series against their expansion brothers with a 2-10 record.  For what it's worth the Astros now trail the first place Cincinnati Reds by 2.5 games in the N.L. West division standings.  Not so for the Mets whose lopsided 8-2 loss drops them out of second place for the first time since June 2 when they were straddling .500 with a 23-23 record.  The loss also widens New York's N.L. East deficit to a season high ten games behind the first place Cubs.  St. Louis slips into second place nine games out.

The Mets get a run on Bobby Pheil's two out hit in the second.  Their second and final run comes off the bat of Tommie Agee who connects against Astros starter Larry Dierker on his 20th home run of the season in the fifth.  Otherwise Dierker goes the distance yielding just two runs on five hits and two walks with seven strikeouts en route to his 14th victory of the season with a 2.57 ERA.  Gary Gentry takes the loss for his one inning of work.  Cal Koonce and Jack DiLauro join in allowing another five runs on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts through five innings.  At least Don Cardwell closes out the game with two scoreless innings.

Now for the long trip back home after a disheartening 4-7 road trip.

Less than fifty games remain in the Mets season.

• Mets Record: 62-51
• N.L. East: 3rd; 10 GB