Amazin' Date 9/5/1969: Tom Seaver Earns 20th Win of Season

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Mets
Double-Header
Shea Stadium

The Amazin's open what is easily the most important home stand of their eight history featuring the much anticipated two game showdown against the first place Chicago Cubs.  Before then New York hosts Philadelphia in a four game weekend series at Shea Stadium, while the Cubs have their hands full hosting the third place Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field.

TOM SEAVER WINS 20th GAME OF SEASON

• GAME ONE: Friday, September 5, 1969 - BR

Tom Seaver wins twenty games for the first time in his marvelous three year career.  Making his 31st start of the season the 1967 rookie of the year limits the Phillies to just one run on five hits with one walk and seven strikeouts through nine innings pitched.  His ERA is now 2.48 and falling fast.  Seaver also helps himself out the plate with a hit and run batted in.  Phillies center fielder John Briggs goes 3 for 4 off Seaver with a double, and triple.  The Mets score three unearned runs against starter Grant Jackson who otherwise surrenders four hits and three walks in seven innings pitched.  Al Weis is 1 for 3 with a run batted in.  Jerry Grote's two run home run off reliever John Boozer in the eighth gives the Mets a 5-1 final margin of victory.

• GAME TWO: Friday, September 5, 1969 - BR

The Mets surrender two late runs and drop the nightcap by a 4-2 final score.  Philadelphia opens the game with consecutive hits off starter Jim McAndrew.  Johnny Callison plates the game's first run with a sac-fly to right.  The Phillies then connect for consecutive extra-base hits in the fourth but New York limits the damage to one run when Art Shamsky throws out Johnny Callison at third.  The Mets tie the game with runs batted in from Duffy Dyer and Bub Harrelson in the fifth.  Philadelphia scores a third time off McAndrew in the seventh, then pick up an insurance run against Ron Taylor on John Brigg's base hit in the eighth.  The Mets strand two base runners in the ninth.

Chicago gets battered at Wrigley Field, 9-2, by the Pirates.  As a result of the extra contest, the Mets gain one-half game on the Cubs to end the day just 4.5 games back of first.

• Mets Record: 78-57
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4.5 GB