Amazin' Date 8/8/1969: Mets Split Twi-Night Double-Header at Atlanta

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

August 8, 1969 - Double Header

New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves 

Atlanta Stadium

GAME ONE - BR #107
Jerry Koosman Silences Braves; Lowers ERA Below Two.

Jerry Koosman toes the rubber in game one of Friday's twi-night double-header at Atlanta and is opposed by crafty veteran Milt Pappas.  J.C. Martin drives in the first run of the game with a hit to left scoring Wayne Garrett from second base.  The game remains a one run affair through the eighth.  But with Pappas out of the game by the ninth, the Mets rally for three runs against Atlanta's bullpen.  Cleon Jones and Donn Clendenon drive in runs, while J.C. Martin drives home Wayne Garrett for a second with a single to right.  With two outs in the bottom of the ninth Braves catcher Bob Tillman connects on his eleventh home run of the season ruining Jerry Koosman's shutout bid.  Otherwise Koosman goes the distance allowing the one lone run on seven hits and three walks with five strikeouts.  He improves to 9-7 for the season with a stellar 1.98 ERA.  Three Atlanta relievers join in surrendering three earned runs on four hits and a walk with no strikeouts in the ninth.  Yet, Milt Pappas takes the loss.  The Braves starter allows just one earned run on six hits and no walks with five strikeouts through eight innings.

GAME TWO -BR #108
Atlanta's Ron Reed Pitches Ten Inning Whitewash to Salvage Night Cap.

In game two Gary Gentry faces off against Ron Reed.  Neither yields a run through nine innings of play.  Gentry faces 32 batters allowing just four hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts.  Braves manager Lum Harris sends his starter Ron Reed out for the tenth.  Reed responds with yet another scoreless inning pitched.  In the bottom half of the frame, Atlanta loads the bases against Ron Taylor pitching in relief of Gentry.  With one out Felipe Alou lines a single through the middle plating Clete Boyer with the game winning run.

The Mets are 5-5 in their last ten, but gain back a half-game on the Cubs.

• Mets Record: 60-48
• N.L. East: 2nd; 8.5 GB