Amazin' Date 10/5/1969: Slugging Mets Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Atlanta Braves

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME TWO

Mets    11

Braves  6

FINAL

New York scores early, often, and late, en route to an 11-6 victory, and two game lead against the Atlanta Braves in this best of five National League championship series.

• GAME TWO: Sunday, October 5, 1969 - BR

The Mets knock Braves starter Ron Reed out of the box with haste.  Ed Kranepool's clutch two-out hit with the bases loaded in the first plates Tommie Agee for the game's first run.  In the second Reed issues a base on balls to counter-part Jerry Koosman.  It brings up Tommie Agee whom makes Reed pay dearly with a home run hit deep into the seats in left.  Cleon Jones keeps the line going with a double to left, and Art Shamsky strokes a single to right scoring Jones.  Manager Lum Harris can stand no more and yields to his bullpen before the second inning is through.

The Mets continue pressing for three more runs against relievers Paul Doyle and Milt Pappas.  First baseman Orlando Cepeda finally gets Atlanta on the board in the fourth.  But Cleon Jones' second hit of the game in the top of the fifth stakes the Mets to a 9-1 lead.  Hank Aaron's three run home run and Clete Boyer's two run single in the bottom half of the frame cut the Braves deficit to three.  That is, until Cleon Jones puts the game out of reach in the seventh with a two run home run off reliever Cecil Upshaw.  Jerry Koosman takes his lumps, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and four walks with five strikeouts before yielding to Ron Taylor with two outs in the fifth.  Taylor pitches through the sixth.  After which Tug McGraw closes out the game with three scoreless innings for the save.

Cleon Jones goes 3 for 5 with a double, home run, and three runs batted in.  Ken Boswell homers and drives in a pair.  Bud Harrelson drives in his third run of the series.  Art Shamsky goes 3 for 5 with a run batted in, and Tommie Agee goes 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs batted in.  The Mets generate 21 hits and 22 runs through two games at Atlanta.

The series now shifts to Shea Stadium for game three on Monday.

Amazin' Date 10/2/1969: Mets End Regular Season With Split at Wrigley Field

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

End Regular Season
New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs
Wrigley Field

METS WIN 100th GAME OF SEASON

• GAME #161: Wednesday, October 1, 1969 -BR

The Mets rub salt into the wounds of 10,000 some odd Cubs fans in attendance Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field.  After Tommie Agee gives the Mets a 5-3 lead in the top of the ninth, Chicago scores two runs off Nolan Ryan in the bottom portion of the inning sending the game into extra innings.  Bud Harrelson doubles leading off the 12th inning, and comes around to score on Art Shamsky's one out hit to right.  In relief of Ron Taylor, Bob Johnson retires the Cubs in the bottom of the frame to secure the New York Mets National League leading 100th victory of the season.  Starter Jerry Koosman takes a no decision.  He yields three runs on six hits and one walk with a pair of strikeouts through five innings.  He ends the season with a 17-9 record and 2.28 ERA.  Ron Taylor earns his ninth victory against four losses with a 2.72 ERA.  Cleon Jones is 1 for 5 and falls to .339 in the batting race with a game left to play.  Bud Harrelson is 2 for 6 with two runs batted in.


NEXT STOP: ATLANTA

• GAME #162: Thursday, October 2, 1969 - BR

Chicago defeats the Mets on the final day of the regular season to gain a consolation series split with the post-season bound New York Mets.  Making his 35th and final start, Gary Gentry yields just one run on two hits and no walks with four strikeouts through five innings pitched.  He exits on the winning side of a 3-1 game but not before surrendering a home run to third baseman Ron Santo.  Chicago goes on to score four more times against Don Cardwell whom allows five hits including Ernie Banks 23rd home run of the season.  Cardwell finishes the season with an 8-10 record and a 3.01 ERA.  Cleon Jones goes 2 for 5 and drives in his 75th run of the season but his club record .340 average falls short of clinching the National League batting title.  The Mets will open the first ever National League Championship Series on Saturday at Atlanta.  The series shifts to Shea Stadium after game two.

• FINAL RECORD: 100-62 (.617)
• N.L. EAST: First Place; 8 Games Up
• NEXT GAME: Saturday, October 4, 1969 @ Atlanta Braves

Amazin' Date 9/23/1969: Mets Clinch Tie for N.L. East Division Title

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

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50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #156: Tuesday, September 23, 1969 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

METS CLINCH A TIE FOR NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST TITLE

Bud Harrelson Drives Home Game Winning Run Off Bob Gibson in 11th Inning at Shea

With Tuesday's victory over St. Louis, the New York Mets increase their division lead to six games over the Cubs with six games left in the season, assuring themselves of at least a tie for the N.L. East pennant.  Meanwhile fading Chicago loses to the Expos at Wrigley Field.  It's their 15th loss in their last 21 games.

Jim McAndrew and Tug McGraw duel Bob Gibson for eleven innings.  The Mets open the scoring in the third on Wayne Garrett's run batted in.  Ken Boswell's error in the fourth contributes to a pair of unearned St. Louis runs in the fifth.  But the Mets tie the game at two on Art Shamsky's base hit scoring Tommie Agee in the eighth.

Into extra innings they go.  Bob Gibson stays in the game to pitch a scoreless tenth.  Tug McGraw retires the Cardinals in order in the top of the eleventh inning.  With one out in the bottom half of the frame, Ron Swoboda and Jerry Grote each reach on consecutive singles.  Buddy Harrelson then slaps a third straight single against Gibson scoring Swoboda from second base.

Jim McAndrew allows no earned runs on nine hits and no walks with three strikeouts.  Tug Mcgraw earns his ninth victory of the season in relief of McAndrew, allowing just three hits through four scoreless innings.

It's the Mets fourth straight victory and their 19th of September against just seven losses.

• Mets Record: 95-61 (.609)
• N.L. East: Clinch Tie for First Place
• Magic Number: ONE

Amazin' Date 9/22/1969: Victory Over Cards Reduces Mets Magic Number to Three

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

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50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #155: Monday, September 22, 1969 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

TOM SEAVER WINS 24th GAME OF SEASON

The Mets welcome St. Louis to Shea Stadium where they defeat the Cardinals 3-1 and reduce their magic number to clinch the N.L. East flag to three games.  Tom Seaver limits the Redbirds to just one late run in the eighth on four total hits and no walks with four strikeouts through nine complete innings for his 24th victory of the season against seven losses with a 2.28 ERA.  Seaver also helps himself out at the plate with his sixth run batted in of the season.  Tommie Agee and Art Shamsky drive in a run apiece for a 3-1 Mets victory.  Art Shamsky has 18 hits and ten runs batted in over his last 18 games.  The Cubs were idle, and so the Mets increase their lead to five games over Chicago with seven left to play.

• Mets Record: 94-61
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 5 Games Up
• Magic Number: 3

Amazin' Date 9/21/1969: Mets Closer to Clinching with Twin Bill Sweep Against Bucs

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AMAZIN'

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50th ANNIVERSARY

Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Mets
Double-Header
Shea Stadium

New York Mets Snap Three Game Skid;
Sweep Double-Header From Pirates at Shea Stadium

MAGIC NUMBER

4

• GAME ONE: Sunday, September 21, 1969 - BR

Jerry Koosman improves to 16-9 with a 2.30 ERA after limiting the Pirates to three earned runs on six hits and four walks with seven strikeouts in a complete game performance.  Pirates third baseman Jose Pagan homers off Koosman in the fourth, whom also yields runs batted in by Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell.  Ron Swoboda is 2 for 4 with two runs batted in.  Duffy Dyer also drives in a pair.  Art Shamsky caps off the scoring in the seventh with his 14th home run of the season.

• GAME TWO: Sunday, September 21, 1969 - BR

Don Cardwell pitches a gem in game two.  He allows seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts through nine complete innings.  Willie Stargell's home run in the fourth accounts for Pittsburgh's only run.  The Mets score three in the first en route to a 6-1 victory and a Sunday sweep.  The Pirates commit four errors in the field and wind up surrendering four unearned runs.  Cleon Jones marks his return to action with a run batted in as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning.  Wayne Garrett and Art Shamsky drive in a run apiece.

New York extends their first place lead to 4.5 games over the Cubs who were victorious over the Cardinals at Wrigley for only their fifth win in their last 19 games.

• Mets Record: 93-61
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 4.5 Games Up
• Magic Number: 4

Amazin' Date 9/14/1969: Pirates Salvage Series Finale at Forbes Field

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

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50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #148: Sunday, September 14, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

METS WIN STREAK ENDS AT TEN

Pittsburgh wins the series finale to avoid being swept at Forbes Field, and thereby halt New York's winning streak at ten.  But with the Cubs losing in extra innings at St. Louis, the Mets maintain their 3.5 game lead over second place Chicago.

The Pirates open a 3-0 lead in the third on Al Oliver's two run triple, and Manny Sanguillen's base hit.  New York ties the game with runs batted in from Tommie Agee and Art Shamsky in the fifth, and Nolan Ryan's run scoring hit in the sixth.  However, Ryan can not keep the Pirates at bay.  With two outs and two runners on base in the bottom of the seventh, Pirates starter Steve Blass and Al Oliver each drive in a run apiece for a 5-3 lead and final margin of victory.  Steve Blass limits the Mets to three earned runs on eleven hits and four walks with four strikeouts in a complete game winning effort.  Nolan Ryan is charged with five earned runs on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts through seven innings pitched.  Bud Harrelson is 3 for 5; Jerry Grote is 2 for 4; together they account for nearly half of the Mets eleven hits.

The game marks only the Mets fourth loss in September.  Meanwhile the Cubs today lose their tenth game in their last eleven contests.  New York now moves on to St. Louis for one game against the Cardinals before closing out the road trip with two games at Montreal.  Just 16 more games remain in the regular season.

• Mets Record: 88-58
• N.L. East: 1st Place; 3.5 Games Up

Amazin' Date 9/11/1969: First Place Mets Win Seventh in a Row

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #142: Thursday, September 11, 1969 - BR
Montreal Expos @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

New York completes a three game sweep of Montreal.  Thursday afternoon's 4-0 whitewashing of the Expos at Shea Stadium is the Mets seventh straight win and ninth of September against just three losses.  Meanwhile the Chicago Cubs lose to the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium and fall two games back of the first place Mets.

Gary Gentry puts his last few appearances behind him by tossing a gem, surrendering no runs on six hits and just two walks with nine strikeouts in a complete game shut out performance.  He evens his record at 11-11 with a 3.62 ERA.  The Mets score three times against Montreal starter Jerry Robertson, and once more off reliever Claude Raymond.  Tommie Agee scores on a passed ball in the third.  Ken Boswell's double in the fifth plates Cleon Jones.  And in the sixth Cleon scores all the way from first base on Art Shamsky's line single to right.  Rod Gaspar caps the scoring in the eighth with a single and run batted in.

• Mets Record: 85-57
• N.L. East: 1st; Up 2 Games

Amazin' Date 9/9/1969: Black Cat and Mets Sweep Durocher and the Cubs

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

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50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #138: Tuesday, September 9, 1969 - BR
Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

METS SWEEP CUBS; JUST HALF GAME OUT OF FIRST!

In the seven years since the gates first opened in 1964 there's never been a more surreal game at Shea Stadium.  The most creative minds of Hollywood could not have better scripted the events of Tuesday evening.

On Aug. 13 the Mets lagged ten game behind the first place Cubs.  But Leo Durocher's club has since faltered posting a 10-14 record, while New York goes on to win 19 of their next 25 games, including Monday's game one 3-2 victory over the Cubs, to pull within 1.5 games of first place.

Game two features a match-up between aces.  First time 20-game winner Tom Seaver is opposed by  Fergie Jenkins, whom enters Tuesday's action one victory shy of achieving his third straight 20-win season.  Seemingly with all the momentum of the world and a raucous home crowd at the ready the Mets strike for two runs in the first inning.  Fergie Jenkins does himself no favors by walking Tommie Agee and Cleon Jones.  Ken Boswell makes Jenkins pay with a two run double to right.  Donn Clendonon's two run home run in the third stakes Tom Seaver to a commanding 4-0 lead.

Don Kessinger looks at strike three leading off the top of the fourth.  Second baseman Glenn Beckert then doubles to left/center.  With slugger Billy Williams at the plate a black cat suddenly appears from under the stands behind home plate.  Shea's resident feline takes a direct route toward on deck batter Ron Santo.  At first it circles the Cubs third baseman before nearing the edge of Chicago's dugout for a closer inspection of manager Leo Durocher.  As quickly as it appears, the cat wraps up its business with the Cubs bench and scatters back under the stands.  Somewhat superstitious, Ron Santo still manages to drive home Beckert for the Cubs first run.

That is quickly negated as Tom Seaver helps his own cause with a double off Jenkins leading off the bottom of the fourth.  Tommie Agee advances Seaver to third, and Wayne Garrett plates him with a sac-fly to center for a 5-1 Mets lead.  Art Shamsky leads off the fifth with his 13th home run of the season, and Jerry Grote caps off the scoring with a two run double in the seventh.  By then over 51,000 fans packing Shea Stadium begin serenading the familiar Chicago manager (from his days in New York City) with "Goodbye Leo, we hate to see you go!" on through the conclusion of the Mets 7-1 victory.  They continue singing down the ramps and into the parking lots ... and maybe all the way home.

Fergie Jenkins yields seven runs, five earned, on three walks with nine strikeouts through seven innings.  He is denied his bid at New York's expense for a third straight 20-win season.  Tom Seaver allows the Cubs just one run on five hits and one walk with five strikeouts en route to his 21st victory of the season against seven losses with a 2.43 ERA.  Tommy Agee, Ken Boswell, and Jerry Grote continue their hot hitting, joining on 6 for 12 at the plate, with two doubles, and three runs batted in.

No heel clicking for Ron Santo either; at least not at Shea Stadium.  The Mets sweep two games from the Cubs and close within one-half game of first place.  The Cubs meanwhile lose their sixth in a row.  Black cats seem to be the least of their problems, although Leo the Lip may beg to differ.

For the 1969 Mets, another amazin' night at Shea!

• Mets Record: 82-57
• N.L. East: 2nd; 0.5 GB

Amazin' Date 9/5/1969: Mets Trounce Phillies; First Place Cubs Arrive Monday

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #137: Sunday, September 7, 1969 - BR
Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

The Pittsburgh Pirates complete a sweep of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley.  Coupled with Sunday's commanding victory over the Phillies, the Mets clinch a 3-1 series win over Philadelphia and close to within 2.5 games of first place Chicago who arrive at Shea Stadium on Monday.

Trailing the Phillies 2-3 after five, Ken Boswell scores the tying run on Bud Harrelson's sixth inning grounder to short.  Art Shamsky then drives in the go ahead run and Ken Boswell triples home Shamsky giving the Mets a 5-3 lead after seven.  In the eighth Tommie Agee and Rod Gaspar each drive in two runs apiece en route to a 9-3 final score.  The Mets inflict near all their damage against starter Bill Champion, who yields eight earned runs on nine hits and six walks with eight strikeouts.  Tommie Agee and Art Shamsky each hit first inning home runs.  Making his 29th start of the season, Gary Gentry allows three earned runs on eight hits and one walk with six strikeouts through six innings pitched, but does not figure in the decision.  Nolan Ryan tosses three scoreless innings of two-hit ball in relief of Gentry to earn is fifth victory of the season.

It's the Mets 80th victory of the season, and their 12th victory in their last 17 games.  The Chicago Cubs are 7-9 over the same stretch and presently in the midst of a four game losing streak.  Since Aug. 22, the Mets have gained 3.5 games in the standings.  Jerry Koosman is scheduled to pitch game one against the Cubs on Monday.

• Mets Record: 80-57
• N.L. East: 2nd; 2.5 GB

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

From the desk of: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

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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

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

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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

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

Amazin' Date 8/20/1969: Jim McAndrew Whitewashes San Francisco Giants at Shea

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AMAZIN'

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50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #119: Wednesday, August 20, 1969 - BR

San Francisco Giants @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

The Mets win their sixth in a row and record their second straight shutout over the San Francisco Giants.  Another packed house at Shea Stadium witness Jim McAndrew pitch his finest game of the season.  Making his 21st appearance, McAndrew allows just two hits and three walks with six strikeouts en route to a complete game shutout and his fifth victory of the season.  Giants starter Gaylord Perry fails to pitch out of the fifth.  Despite seven strikeouts, the Mets rough him up for six runs, five earned, on nine hits and a walk through 4.1 innings.  The Mets strike for six extra-base hits including a triple from Bud Harrelson and a fifth inning three run home run from Art Shamsky.  Bobby Pheil continues getting starts in place of the injured Ken Boswell.  He goes 3 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.  Art Shamsky is 2 for 4 with a double, his aforementioned tenth home run of the season, with four RBI.  The Mets improve to 13-7 in August.  The Mets gain a game in the standings as Atlanta defeats the Cubs.

• Mets Record: 68-51
• N.L. East: 2nd; 7 GB

Amazin' Date 8/5/1969: Mets Split Twin Bill at Crosley Field

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Games # 104 & 105
New York Mets @ Cincinnati Reds
Crosley Field

GAME ONE: Tuesday, August 5, 1969 - BR 

The Mets lose their second straight at Cincinnati, this time in the first game of Tuesday's twin bill at Crosley Field.  Cincy has the Mets playing catch-up all game scoring runs by pairs in the first, third, fifth, and seventh.  The Mets make it a 2-4 game in the top of the fourth on Art Shamsky's two run home run against starter Gary Nolan.  New York musters three more runs in the eighth on a run batted in from Cleon Jones and a pair of RBI from Wayne Garrett.  Reds reliever Clay Carroll would yield no more.  Starter Tom Seaver is roughed up for four earned runs on five hits, including home runs from catcher Bobby Tolan and Pete Rose, while walking two and fanning just one en rout to his seventh loss of the season.  It's Seaver's fourth loss in his last five decisions, and the second time in his last four starts that he's failed to pitch into the fourth inning.  Cal Koonce and Jack DiLauro fare no better joining to yield four earned runs on seven hits with one walk and a strikeout.  DiLauro surrenders Tony Perez' 28th home run in the seventh.  All told Perez is 2 for 3 on the day including a walk, double, three runs batted in, and a run scored.  Cleon Jones drives in his team leading 62nd run of the season.

GAME TWO: Tuesday, August 5, 1969 - BR 

Whatever it is Gil Hodges said to his team in between games of Tuesday's twin bill - we can only imagine - seems to have worked.  Lest we forget his calculated removal of Cleon Jones from left field during the recent Houston series at Shea.  For the Mets roll towards a 10-1 victory over host Cincinnati in the nightcap.  Getting the start Nolan Ryan goes the distance allowing just one earned runs on seven hits and just two walks with seven strikeouts en rout to his fourth victory of the season.  The Mets get home runs from Donn Clendenon in the third and Tommie Agee in the fifth.  Jerry Grote, Bobby Pheil, Ron Swoboda, Cleon Jones, and even Nolan Ryan all drive in runs for the Mets.

However, net result of the day is the Mets fall another half-game behind the Cubs.  They've now lost 4.5 games in the standings since July 9 when they closed to within 3.5 games of first.

• Mets Record: 59-46 (.562)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 8 GB

Amazin' Date 7/25/1969: Mets Take Koosman Off the Hook Against Reds

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50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #94: Friday, July 25, 1969 - BR

Cincinnati Reds @ New York Mets

Shea Stadium

For seven innings Reds starter Jim Maloney and Jerry Koosman duel in game two at Shea Stadium.  Maloney allows just one earned run on five hits and four walks with one strikeout before exiting on the winning side of Friday night's affair.  Koosman on the other hand yields three earned runs on six hits and one walk with five strikeouts through seven, but with a little help from his friends escapes with a no decision.  A two run home run by J.C. Martin and an RBI from Wayne Garrett in the eighth put the Met ahead en route to a 4-3 final.  Ron Taylor gives up just one hit in two innings for the win, improving his record to 5-2 with a 2.19 ERA.  Art Shamsky goes 1 for 2 with a walk, double, and a run batted in.  Pete Rose goes 1 for 4 with an RBI, and Tony Perez clubs his 28th home run and drives in his 72nd run of the season.  The Mets even the series with Cincy and gain a full game on the Cubs whom lost to the Dodgers earlier this afternoon at Wrigley.

• Mets Record: 54-40
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5 GB

Amazin' Date 7/18/1969: Koosman Goes Distance in Victory Over Expos

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Game #89: Friday, July 18, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Montreal Expos
Parc Jarry

With the Mets making their second visit to Parc Jarry, game one pits Jerry Koosman against Montreal's Jerry Roberston.  Art Shamsky opens the scoring in the fourth with his eighth home run of the season.  Expos center fielder Adolfo Phillips returns the favor in the bottom half of the frame when he connects off Koosman with a runner on.  Undeterred, the Mets score twice more in the fifth; Art Shamsky draws a bases loaded walk, and Wayne Garrett's base hit scores Ken Boswell.  However Cleon Jones is thrown out at home in his attempt to score.  Jerry Grote caps off the scoring in the eighth with his second home run of the season.  Jerry Koosman goes the distance, yielding two runs on seven hits and two walks with seven strikeouts.  He improves to 8-5 on the season with a stellar 1.88 ERA.

With Friday's series opening victory over the Montreal Expos, the Mets win their fourth in a row, and their twelfth game in their last 15 games.  Unfortunately they failed to gain ground on the Cubs whom defeated the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium.

• Mets Record: 52-37 (.584)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4 GB

Amazin' Date 7/16/19: Slugging Mets Take Series at Wrigley

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50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #88: Wednesday, July 16, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs
Wrigley Field

The Mets win rubber game at Wrigley; close within four games of the first place Cubs.

Said simply, both starting pitchers Don Cardwell and Fergie Jenkins are terrible.  The Cubs rough up Cardwell for four runs on six hits in only 1.2 innings pitched.  The Mets meanwhile tag Jenkins for five runs on six hits.  Tommie Agee finally knocks Jenkins out if the box with a home run leading off the second.  The Mets ultimately prevail by a 9-5 final.  Al Weis hits his second home run in as many days, and Art Shamsky hits his seventh home run of the season.  J.C Martin, Ed Kranepool, Ken Boswell, and Wayne Garrett, also drive in runs for the Mets.  Cal Koonce earns his fourth victory with a marvelous five inning effort, yielding no runs on four hits with a strikeout.  Ron Taylor closes out the game with two scoreless innings in relief of Koonce to earn his ninth save of the season.

Chicago still leads the season series by a slim 7-6 margin.  The Mets and Cubs do not meet again until September.  In the meantime, the dog days of summer are upon us.

• Mets Record: 51-37 (.579)
• N.L. East: 2nd; 4 GB

Amazin' Date July 4, 1969: Met Sweep Twin Bill at Forbes Field

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Games 77 & 78 / Double-Header
New York Mets @ Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

A Happy Independence Day to all.  A happy day indeed for New Yorkers back home as the Mets open a holiday weekend series at Pittsburgh by sweeping a double-header from the Pirates on Friday.  The Amazins bring their own fireworks, outscoring the Bucs by a combined 20-8 margin, and out-hitting them by a 30-18 mark.

• GAME ONE: Friday, July 4, 1969 - BR

Mets     11

Pirates   6

Starting game one, Tom Seaver yields four runs, but only three earned on seven hits and four walks with seven strikeouts through 7.2 innings pitched.  He surrenders a home run to Willie Stargell in the fourth.  Seaver improves to 13-3 on the season with a 2.62 ERA.  Cal Koonce pitches 1.1 innings for his fifth save.  The Mets tally five extra base hits including Tommie Agee's 12th home run of the season.  Donn Clendenon drives in a pair while Cleon Jones reaches 50 RBI in the Mets 77th game of the season.  Roberto Clemente drives in two runs, Bill Mazeroski knocks in one.

• GAME TWO: Friday, July 4, 1969 - BR

Mets      9
Pirates  2

The Mets keep the heat on Pittsburgh, scoring early and often against Pirates starter Doc Ellis.  With two outs in the first the Mets get RBI from Ed Kranepool and J.C. Martin.  With the bases loaded, Al Weis triples giving the Mets a 5-1 lead after one.  Freddie Patek homers off Mets starter Don Cardwell in the second, but the Pirates would score no more.  The Mets go on to score four more times on a J.C. Martin home run, two RBI from Art Shamsky, and another from Wayne Garrett.
Don Cardwell happily wins his third game of the season versus eight losses and a 3.44 ERA  He limits Pittsburgh to two runs on six hits and two walks with a strikeout through seven innings of work.  Jack DiLauro tosses two scoreless in relief for his first save of the season.

• Mets Record: 44-34
• N.L. East: 2nd; 7.5 GB

Amazin' Date 6/24/1969: Mets Sweep Second Straight Double-Header at Shea

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Mets win their third and fourth games in a row upon sweeping Tuesday's double-header against the Philadelphia Phillies at Shea Stadium.

Game #66: Tuesday, June 24, 1969 - BR
Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium/ GAME ONE

With two runs in the third off Phillies starter Woodie Fryman, the Mets hold on to win game one by a slim 2-1 margin.  In the third, Bud Harrelson triples home Al Weis, and Cleon Jones singles home Harrelson.  Tom Seaver goes the distance, yielding seven hits including a fifth inning home run to Larry Hisle, while walking one and fanning nine for his 11th victory of the season against three losses.

Game #67: Tuesday, June 24, 1969 - BR 
Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium/GAME TWO

Jim McAndrew and Ron Taylor join to whitewash the Phillies in the night-cap.  McAndrew tosses a gem yielding just two hits and no walks with two strikeouts through eight innings en route to his first victory of the season.  Ron Taylor pitched a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts for his sixth save of the season.  The Mets score four times in the fourth on runs batted in from Art Shamsky, Wayne Garrett, Ed Kranepool, and even Jim McAndrew.  Tommie Agee hit his tenth home run of the season in the eighth.  The Mets knocked Phillies starter Jerry Johnson out of the box after 3.1 innings pitched.

That's back-to-back double-header sweeps for the Mets (Cardinals/Phillies).  Don't look now ... but the Mets are ten games above the .500 mark.

• Mets Record: 38-28
• N.L. East: 2nd; 5 GB

Amazin' Date 6/21/1969: Cardinals Win Game Two Over Listless Mets

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #62: Saturday, 6/21/1969 - BR
St. Louis Cardinals @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Cardinals Game Two Victory at Shea Snaps Mets Streak at Three.

Jack DiLauro and the Mets are outdone by Cardinals starter Nelson Briles in game two at Shea Stadium on Saturday.  The two hurlers duel through four scoreless innings until Briles put matters into is own hands with a fifth inning home run off DiLauro.  Soon after yielding a double to Lou Brock, Curt Flood singles off DiLauro giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.

Jack DiLauro exits the game after six innings on the losing side of a 2-1 game.

The Cardinals extend their lead in the seventh when second baseman Julian Javier connects for a two run home run off Jim McAndrew pitching in relief of DiLauro.  Art Shamsky cuts the deficit to two with a solo home run in the seventh.  But that was promptly erased by yet another run scoring hit courtesy of pitcher Nelson Briles.

Briles allowed the Mets a third run in the eight on a wild pitch, but finishes the night yielding three runs on just four hits and three walks with seven strikeouts for his sixth victory against five losses.  Jack DiLauro's record falls to 0-2 on the season albeit with a 1.57 ERA.

Art Shamsky collects two of the Mets four hits lifting his average to .344 for the season.  All four of Shamsky's home runs have come within his last seven games.

• Mets Record:  34-28
• N.L. East:  2nd; 6 GB