Amazin' Date 4/21/1969: Mets Drop Extra-Inning Heart Breaker to Phillies

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS
50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #13: Monday, April 21, 1969 - BR
Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Home is Where the Heart Break Is; Woody Fryman Dominates Mets Yet Again.

To say Woody Fryman spoiled the Mets return home to Shea Stadium is wording it mildly.  In each of his two starts against the Mets, the Phillies veteran has offered them no quarter.  Last Monday, he tossed a complete game four-hitter, allowing just one run and striking out six.  On this day Fryman pitched another ten full innings, limiting the Mets to just one run on five hits and one walk, with eight strikeouts.

Early on the Mets appeared to have Fryman's number.  Cleon Jones and Ed Charles strung together consecutive hits leading off the bottom of the second.  Ron Swoboda then plated Jones with the Mets third straight hit.  But Fryman would regroup himself.  After issuing a two-out walk to Ed Kranepool, the crafty vet would retire twelve straight batters until Amos Otis snapped the string a two-out double in the sixth.

FINAL

Phillies  2

Mets      1

11-innings

Rookie Gary Gentry would incur a heartbreaking no decision.  Despite issuing eight base on balls, Gentry allowed just one run on Larry Hisle's fourth inning home run, and seven hits overall with eight strikeouts through nine innings of quality work.  With Ron Taylor pitching his second inning in relief of Gentry, Philadelphia third baseman Tony Taylor's base hit with two on and one out delivered the go-ahead run.

The game marks New York's first extra inning game of the season.  This also marks their fifth game decided by one run, which entering the season Gil Hodges made very clear would be his pet peeve.  Sorry to report the Mets are now 1-4 thus far in such games.

Cleon Jones accounted for one of the Mets five hits.  He has now hit safely in 11 of the Mets 13 games to date, and as reached base in all but one.  Cleon is 21 for 51 (.312), with three doubles, a home run, and seven RBI.

• Mets Record:  5-8
• N.L. East:  3rd; 6 GB

Amazin' Date 4/20/1969: Mets Complete Sweep Over Cardinals

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #12: Sunday, April 20, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium

Mets Bats Strike Back; Lift Nolan Ryan to Victory

The Mets complete their first sweep of the season, albeit a two game set, and gain a measure of revenge against the defending N.L. champion St. Louis Cardinals.

But it was the Cardinals whom jumped out to an early lead off Mets starter Jim McAndrew.  Joe Torre connected on a two-run home run, and third baseman Mike Shannon delivered a run scoring double to left giving host St. Louis a 3-0 first inning lead.

McAndrew was relieved after three innings in favor of hard throwing Nolan Ryan.  After which the Mets bats were enlivened.  With an RBI double by Jerry Grote in the second, and a five run outburst in the fifth a home run by third baseman fill-in Kevin Collins, and RBI's from Ed Kranepool and Ron Swoboda, the Mets placed Ryan on the winning side of the equation.  Kranepool and Swoboda would again drive in another run apiece in the seventh inning.  And with the bases loaded in the ninth, Jerry Grote capped off the Mets scoring with a bases clearing double.

FINAL

Mets        11

Cardinals  3

Nolan Ryan picked up his first victory of the season, allowing no runs on just one hit and three walks, with four strikeouts.  Cal Koonce pitched 1.1 scoreless innings in relief of Ryan for his third save of the season.

Mets Record:  5-7
N.L. East:  3rd; 5.5 BG

Brooklyn Nets: Sixers Let Game Four Play Do All Their Talking

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Sixers lead series 2-1

I - BKN 111; PHI 102

II - PHI 145; BKN 123

III - PHI 131; BKN 115

GAME FOUR

Philadelphia 76ers

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

FROM

Flatbush Avenue

Brooklyn Nets: No Joel Embiid ... no problem.  With their second straight victory, the Sixers take back home court advantage, and gain control of the series.

Joel Embiid or not, we're starting to see the Philly team that won 51 regular season games and entered the playoffs as the Eastern Conference third seed.

It's that simple.

Ben Simmons made Jared Dudley eat his words, showing just how average he can be by leading the floor with 31 points and a game high nine assists.  Meanwhile, Dudley failed to score a single point in 17 minutes of play.  The Nets also had no answer for Tobias Harris whom scored 29 points and secured a game-high 16 rebounds, nor JJ Redick who added another 26 points.  All three Sixers exceeded thirty minutes of play.  In a curious distribution of playing time, only D'Angelo Russell managed thirty minutes of play for the Nets.

That said, Coach Atkinson is receiving some criticisms for the way he negotiated game three.  However, I'm not going there - not at all.  That would be completely taking this whole season and what he and the team have achieved to date completely out of context.

Everything else, though, is fair game.

For instance ...

GM3 #Nets put up 39 shots from three, missed 31 of them.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) April 19, 2019

For a team that largely predicates its game on rebounding, spreading the floor, pick-and-roll, and taking three-point shots, Thursday's game was about as confounding as it gets.

On the eve of game one, I said this:

Through the first three regular season games versus Philly, Joe Harris averaged just 11.3 ppg., but was a hawk-eye 6 for 12 (50%) from three point land.  The Nets fourth game against Philly is perhaps the first time Joe Harris exerts himself, posting a team high 22 points and shooting 4/6 from beyond the arc.  The problem is the Nets will require from him more than just four attempts (3-pointers) per game.  In fact "his here today gone tomorrow" act must end post haste if the Nets are to hang around through an extended series against the Sixers.  What I ask for is a little more consistency; playing up to his averages on a nightly basis.  Granted, he only averaged 13.7 ppg for the season.  Make no mistake; I'm not picking on Joe.  But we all know the impact a sharpshooting Harris can have on any given game.  In fact, when Joe Harris shines hot the rest of the Nets radiate brilliance.

Therefore I say again: Joe Harris must impact these next several games.  Because so far he's done  quite the opposite.  He played up to his career average with 13 points and shooting 3/4 form behind the arc in game one's opening win.  But he's been missing ever since.  Harris scored just four points and was 0/2 from three range in game two, and scored eight but was 0/4 from the arc in game three.  That's 0/6 from three range with just twelve points over his last two games.

Cycling back to my Tweet, Brooklyn shot 20.5% from beyond the arc, and just 41.1% from the field.  In game two, Philly shot a stellar 56.1% from the field, then followed up shooting 48.4% from the field, and 40.7% (11/27) from three range on Thursday.  None of this even begins to describe the damage they're causing in the paint.

And on the glass ...

REBOUNDS

• GM1 - Nets 45; Sixers 50 (-5)
• GM2 - Nets 32; Sixers 49 (-17)
• GM3 - Nets 43; Sixers 54 (-9)

Ball distribution has also been a major problem.  Sixers head coach Brett Brown seems to have pulled a fast one over Coach Atkinson as Philly has D'Angelo Russell and the rest of the Nets seemingly slogging through a bog.

ASSISTS

• GM1 - Nets 15; Sixers 20 (Russell four assists)
• GM2 - Nets 20; Sixers 29 (Russell two assists)
• GM3 - Nets 12; Sixers 26 (Russell three assists)

Despair not, folks.  The Nets are a resilient bunch.  They've given us many reasons over the course of the season, and within this series, to believe they can bounce back and win game four at Barclays Center.  I'm particularly interested to see what adjustments Coach Atkinson has in store.

But if game three proved anything, it's that Flatbush is behind him, and this team 100%.

April Showers Sprout Red Flags on Another Metsian Podcast

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Get a load of me playing good cop for a change.

Don't Worry - Be Happy

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH , and MIKE

w/GUEST

Band Member ~ Composer ~ Actor

Adam B. Spiegel

1 hour: 45 minutes

"There are no words to describe Jason Vargas" - Rich

STUFF

Michael Conforto ~ Brandon Nimmo ~ Keon Broxton ~ Pete Alonso

Wilson Ramos ~ Travis d'Arnaud ~ Tomas Nido ~ Devin Mesoraco

Amed Rosario ~ Todd Frazier ~ Front Office Talk vs. Action

Jeurys Familia ~ Edwin Diaz ~ Jason Vargas

Jeff McNeil ~ Robinson Cano ~ Yoenis Cespedes

National League Rankings: Offense; Pitching; Defense

Players in Mets History to Wear #22

and so much more ..!

Amazin' Dates 4/19/1969: Tom Seaver Out-Duels Bob Gibson in Rematch

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #11 - Saturday, April 19, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium

Cleon Jones and Ed Kranepool Come Through in the Clutch; Mets Take Opener at Busch Stadium.

With the sour taste of getting swept by the Cardinals earlier this month at Shea Stadium still fresh in their mouths, the Mets arrived in St. Louis seeking perhaps a measure of self-validation, much less revenge.

For the second time within a week Tom Seaver opposed Bob Gibson in game one at Busch Stadium on Saturday.  In the top of the third, Gibson did himself no favors issuing a lead-off walk to his counterpart Tom Seaver.  Buddy Harrelson successfully bunted Seaver to third.  Gibson then issued a second base on balls to Ken Boswell.  With a runner in scoring position, Amos Otis fanned for out number two.  Cleon Jones and Ed Kranepool would then deliver in the clutch with consecutive RBI hits giving the Mets a 2-0 lead.

This time, Tom Seaver made it stand.  St. Louis threatened in the eighth, putting together three hits and cutting their deficit to one.  But that's as close as the Cardinals would get.  Tom Seaver retired the side in order in the ninth to close out his first victory of the season.  He allowed just one earned run on nine hits and one walk with three strikeouts.

FINAL

Mets          2

Cardinals  1

After defeating Seaver six days ago, the Mets turn the tables in handing Gibson his first defeat of the season.  The Cardinal great allowed two earned runs on seven hits and a few very costly base on balls, with eight strikeouts through a full nine innings pitched.

Cleon Jones and Ed Kranepool share the team lead with seven RBI apiece.

Sunday afternoon's game concludes this six game trip.  With a victory, they can achieve a 3-3 split.

• Mets Record:  5-7
• N.L. East:  4th; 6 GB

N.Y. Mets: Gainfully Flawed Employees

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

10-8 (.566)

2nd Place; 1.5 GB

New York Mets: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

It's been a funky start to the season, and the numbers bear that out.  For the moment, you can't help but call the Mets a good, entertaining team, with a flare for the dramatic.  Yet they're also proving quite flawed.  The pitching, and the bullpen in particular, is beset with more problems than a math book.

After 18 games, here is how the Mets stack up against the National League:

• Runs:  3rd (103)
• Avg:  5th (.268)
• OBP:  4th (.354)
• SLG:  9th (.437)
• OPS:  8th (.791)
• HR:  8th (23)
• Total Bases:  5th (279)
• XBH:  6th (60)
• Walks:  5th (74)
• Strikeouts:  3rd (178)
• Stolen Bases:  1st (10)

I'm pleased to see the Mets leading the N.L. in stolen bases.  It means they're not a static offense.  Although middle of the pack in power, they're top five in runs scored, team average, OBP, and total bases.  In other words, the Mets feature a varied offense not dependent on the home run for scoring.

Although Zack Wheeler most recently turned in a fine performance, the entire staff has been largely ineffective.  We know who they are.  It's early; it's cold; wait till it warms up; I get it.  But pitching is supposed to be this team's primary strength.  In light of their collective struggles, the Mets have been somewhat lucky to be getting by as well as they have.

• League worst ERA:  5.54 
• League worst WHiP:  1.53
• Most Hits Allowed:  172
• HR Allowed: 4th (29)
• Earned Runs Allowed:  14th (98)
• Walks Allowed:  4th (71)
• Strikeouts:  1st (181)
• Highest Average Against:  .273
• Highest OPS Against:  .837

They've certainly done themselves no favors on defense.

• Ninth in total chances and 10th in turning double plays (as they do not pitch to contact).  Yet, they've committed the fourth most errors.  They have allowed the most stolen bases; fifth worst at throwing runners out.  Their overall .980 fielding average ranks 13th of 15th, and their defensive efficiency ratio rates dead last. 

I've said all along the Mets, Braves, Phillies, and Nationals will spend the better part of the season abusing one another.  It may not take many more than 90 victories to secure this season's division flag.  Of the Mets 18 games played to date, all but two have been against the N.L. East.

Record vs. Division

• Philadelphia:  1-2
• Atlanta:  2-2
• Washington:  3-3
• Miami:  3-0

If nothing else, the Mets are proving resilient - flawed, but resilient.

• Stats: Mets.com

N.Y. Islanders Complete Sweep of Penguins

From the desk of:  THE BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

Long Island Crowd Deserves to Have Islanders 

Remaining Games Played at Uniondale Barn

NHL PLAYOFFS ~ ROUND ONE

ISLANDERS SWEEP PENGUINS

I - NYI 4; PITT 3*

II - NYI 3; PITT 1

III - NYI 4; PITT 1

IV - NYI 3; PITT 1

New York Islanders: The Wizard of Trotz Makes Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin Disappear.

Trailing the Islanders by a goal, the Penguins pulled Matt Murray in the waning minutes of regulation.  But even their best laid plans would be short lived.  Josh Bailey's empty netter with 37-seconds left effectively put the Penguins season to rest.

The joint was jumping very soon after the opening face-off.  Pittsburgh's PPG Watercolor Igloo Arena popped with Penguin mania when Jake Guentzel scored just 0:37 into the game.

Then ... a collective gasp, and deafening Steel City silence.

At the 2:09 mark, Jordan Eberle's fourth goal of the series tied the game, leaving the crowd fit to be tied.  If that weren't bad enough, the Penguins broke one of hockey's cardinal rules: never give up a goal in the last two minutes of a period.  Brock Nelson did just that, scoring his third goal of the playoffs at 18:06 of the first.

The Isles finished the game minus the services of blue liner Johnny Boychuck and winger Cal Clutterbuck.  Ideally speaking, eliminating the Penguins in quick fashion will allow them both time for recovering from bumps and bruises incurred during game four.

This season's stingiest defense allowed the Penguins just six goals through four games; none generated from the stick of Sidney Crosby.  The Penguins captain managed no shots on goal in game four, and was limited to a mere six shots on goal all series.  Josh Bailey and Jordan Eberle joined on seven shots on goal in game four alone.  Crosby's lone point came on an assist in Tuesday's finale.  Evgeni Malkin managed 11 shots on goal (2.7 shots per game) but just one goal and a pair of assists.

Jordan Eberle is skating like a man possessed, tallying four goals and two assists in four games against the Penguins.  Josh Bailey added another three goals.

Goalie Robin Lehner faced 136 shots on goal through four games, stopping 130 of them.  In game four, he faced 33 shots and stopped all but one.  He even engaged in some pushing and perhaps maybe threw a punch or two.

As reward for their series win, the NHL is evicting the Islanders from the Barn at Uniondale, and forcing their return to Brooklyn.  I've always believed the Islanders belong on Long Island.  And so I feel for their fans whom must now forgo tailgating, for sake of trekking back to Flatbush Avenue.  It's an injustice to say, well, it was good while it lasted.  Through the latter part of the season and every game since, Long Island poured their soul back into hometown hockey.

In the meantime, the New York Long Islanders of Brooklyn await the winner of the Washington Capitals/Carolina Hurricanes series.

No Sleep Till Belmont.

Amazin' Date 4/17/1969: Mets Drop Second Straight at Forbes Field

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game Ten: Thursday, April 17, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

Don Cardwell Suffers Hard Luck Loss; Pirates Sweep Mets at Forbes.

At 36-years of age, the old veteran showed em how it's done.  Stalwart hurler Jim Bunning took one step closer to achieving his 200th victory by holding the Mets scoreless on just three hits and two walks, with nine strikeouts through six innings pitched.  His first victory of the season is the 196th of his stellar career.  Ron Kline, pitching in relief of Bunning finished out the game with two scoreless innings of no-hit ball to earn his first save of the season.  With Thursday's joint effort 4-0 whitewashing of the Mets, the Pirates sweep both games of this abbreviated set by a 15-3 aggregate score.

Mets starter Don Cardwell matched Bunning pitch for pitch through seven innings of work.  But committed one very costly mistake. After issuing a walk to third baseman Richie Hebner leading off the fifth and with Roberto Clemente at the plate, Cardwell unleashed his first wild pitch of the inning.  Roberto Clemente's ground out then advanced Hebner to third.  With Willie Stargell at the plate Cardwell unleashed his second wild pitch allowing Hebner to score.

Insurance came in the eighth.  Al Oliver's three run home run off Cal Koonce lifted the Pirates to a final 4-0 margin of victory.

Pirates catcher Manny Sanguillen threw out two would be base-stealers.

Rod Gaspar, Cleon Jones, and J.C. Martin were the lone Mets to hit safely.

Mets have now lost six of their last seven.  Next stop is St. Louis for another two game rematch against the Cardinals whom swept three games from the Mets last week at Shea Stadium.

• Mets Record:  3-7
• N.L. East:  5th; 6 GB

Brooklyn Nets: Philly Creates Some Elbow Room

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BACK IN THE LAB

Series tied 1-1

I - BKN 111; PHI 102

II - PHI 145; BKN 123

III - Thursday @ Nets

GAME TWO

Nets     123

Sixers  145

FINAL

Brooklyn Nets: Sixers Counter Punch in Game Two; Series Shifts to Flatbush Avenue.

This is the Philadelphia team Nets fans - and even their own fans - expected to see.  The Sixers played with great physicality unlike game one.  Just ask Jarrett Allen who took a Joel Embiid elbow to the face.  There is great debate as to whether or not Embiid should have been hit with a flagrant-two.  I say that's neither here nor there.  Not when the Nets put up 123 points and still lose by 22 points.

In game one, Embiid scored 22 points with 15 rebounds in 24 minutes mostly spent loitering around the three-point line.  He shot 12/18 from the floor, and 0/5 from beyond the arc.  In game two, he scored 23 points with 10 rebounds in 21 minutes.  However, the biggest difference from game one to game two was Embiid taking his game into the paint.  He attempted no three-point shots in game two, while going 8/12 from the field and 7/8 from the line.

In game one, Philly had only three players score in double-digits.  They featured six double-digit scorers (four from the starting lineup) in game two on Monday.  Jared Dudley, so instrumental to Coach Atkinson's defensive scheme in game one, did not participate in Monday's loss.

Most concerning to me was the Nets getting overwhelmed on the boards by a wide 49-32 margin.  They managed just 12 offensive rebounds, while the Sixers secured 34 defensive rebounds.  And although the Nets shot a respectable 47.8% from the field, Philly executed at a rate of 56.1% and benefited from nine more possessions.

While the win/loss sequence somewhat dampens the mood, the Nets nevertheless accomplished what needed to be done: earning a split on the road.  Now it's back to the lab in preparation of game three at Barclays Center on Thursday.

N.Y. Yankees: The Red Sox Are Coming

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

THE RIVALRY RESUMES

BOSTON RED SOX

vs.

NEW YORK YANKEES

FROM

Bronx County Grounds

What a difference a year makes.  This time last season both the Red Sox and Yankees were getting off to sizzling hot starts en route to century mark campaigns.  Fast forward twelve months later, and each team is beset with more problems than a math book.  Both are playing below par; both have demonstrated an unwillingness to best the Orioles; meanwhile Yankees injuries and Red Sox money issues abound.

However, nothing will prove more troublesome for either team than the emerging Tampa Bay Rays.  They were a 90 win team last season which only earned them a third place finish behind the two aforementioned rivals.  For the moment, however, Tampa has turned the tables with an early division lead.

A.L. East

1) Rays         12-4

2) Orioles     7-10

3) Yankees     6-9

4) Red Sox    6-11

5) Blue Jays  5-11

It would have been unreasonable to expect the Red Sox pulling a repeat performance of last year's record setting 17-2 start.  At the same time, no one could have foreseen the crippling number of injuries presently befalling the Yankees.  As such, for very different reasons both teams enter this series on relatively equal footing; albeit unsure footing.  And quite frankly, a two game sweep of this series isn't going to help either team much ... at least not at the moment.

This much is true: the Red Sox are the defending World Champions.  The last time these teams met was last October at Yankee Stadium when for a second time within a matter of two weeks the Red Sox trashed the visiting clubhouse in a triumphant champagne super nova.

They still appear hungover.  

But ready or not, the rivalry resumes Tuesday evening at Yankee Stadium.

Amazin' Date 4/16/1969: Mets Flounder About at Forbes Field

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game Nine: Wednesday, April 16, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Pittsburgh Pirates
Forbes Field

Pirates Lay Siege With 11-3 Rout of Mets Pitching

Suffice it to say Jerry Koosman's season is off to a rather unpleasant beginning.  Making his second appearance, the Pittsburgh Pirates knocked him out of the box after just 2.1 innings pitched, but not before allowing five earned runs on eight hits and a walk with four strikeouts.  Over his first two starts Koosman has now surrendered nine earned runs on 17 hits and three walks with six strikeouts in only 9.1 innings pitched.

The Pirates went on to treat the Mets bullpen similarly.  Nolan Ryan faced nine batters whom tagged him for four earned runs on four hits and two walks.  Although Al Jackson was able to settle things down with 2.2 innings of perfect ball, the Pirates would strike again with two earned runs on three hits off Ron Taylor.

FINAL

Mets       3

Pirates  11

In all, the Pirates romped to an 11-3 victory over the visiting Mets.  Lead-off hitter Matty Alou set the table for his mates, going 2 for 3, with two walks and three runs scored.  Roberto Clemente was 3 for 5 with a double, two RBI, and three runs scored.  And third baseman Jose Pagan went 4 for 5 with three RBI and two runs scored.  Starting pitcher Bob Moose went the distance, allowing the Mets three earned runs on eight hits and two walks, with eleven strikeouts en route to his second victory of the season.

Ed Kranepool was 2 for 4 with a triple and two RBI for the Mets.

• Mets Record:  3-6
• N.L. East:  5th; 5 GB

Brooklyn Nets: All the Pressure Now on Philly

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Where it All Began

2018-2019

NBA PLAYOFFS

Round One

BROOKLYN NETS

vs.

PHILADELPHIA 76ers

Brooklyn Nets: Sixers seem to have more problems than a math book.

Cell phone jokes not necessary ...

• ICYMI: Flatbush Takes Game One 

If Saturday was any indication, the Wells Fargo Center will continue to be a difficult place to play - not for the Nets, but for its own occupants.  The home crowd made that very clear throughout game one.  And for good reason.  The Sixers couldn't throw a beach ball into the Delaware River if they stood mid-span on the Ben Franklin Bridge.

In addition to the Nets, The Sixers are also contending with all the fans pent up frustrations caused by years of planned tanking.  Now the club is being forced to meet expectations.  And the fact that Ben Simmons even mentioned the crowd after game one means (IMO) either the fans, or the pressure of the playoffs, or both, are messing with their heads.

But the true source of Philadelphia's anxiety lies in the status of their star center, whom is still being  hobbled with a bum knee for the better part of a month.  Although Joel Embiid played in game one, he only logged 24-minutes and once again is listed as questionable for Monday's game two.

There's also talk of how Kenny Atkinson utterly out coached Brett Brown of the Sixers, which he did.

#WeGoHard

Jackie Robinson Day the Brooklyn Way

From the desk of:  FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

Montague Street

Brooklyn Historical Society

MURALS

P.S. 375

Jackie Robinson School

McKeever Place

Flatbush Avenue

Sullivan Place

Duane Reade @ Bedford Avenue

McKeever Place at Montgomery Street

Streets of Park Slope

#LinkNYC

Tilden Avenue

Malcom X Boulevard

Modell's of Bensonhurst

Scrapbook 1947

Brooklyn Historical Society

The Brooklyn Eagle reprints

MCU PARK

Coney Island

Statue of Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson Rotunda

Citi Field

Lou Gehrig; Jackie Robinson; Roberto Clemente

Cooperstown Museum and Baseball Hall of Fame

Brooklyn Historical Society

Cypress Hill Cemetery

BROOKLYN

N.Y. Islanders: Reeling Pens on the Brink of Elimination

From the desk of:  THE BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

HAPPY DAYS!

Islanders lead series; 3-0

I - NYI 4; PITT 3*

II - NYI 3; PITT 1

III - NYI 4; PITT 1

IV - TUE. @ PITT

New York Islanders: Sidney Silenced Again; Penguins All But Done; Isles Fans Reaching for their Brooms.

Any remaining questions as to whether Barry Trotz' system would translate into the playoffs are being answered and put to rest once and for all.  Consider the issue a moot point.  The Islanders  commanding 3-0 series lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins says so.

Through three games, Sidney Crosby has been limited to just six SOG and no points in well over sixty minutes of ice time.  Phil Kessell, who leads the Pens in shots on goal, was limited to just one shot in game three.  Even Evgeni Malkin is being marginalized as the series progresses.  He went from tallying two points in game one; to registering one point in game two; to no points on just one shot on goal in game three at home.  Said another way, the Islanders are outright punishing the Penguins and it doesn't seem to matter whether the setting is Long Island or Pittsburgh.

Any lingering questions regarding Robin Lehner are also being put to rest.  Playing on a one year deal, he wound up having one of the best regular seasons of his nine year career, while playing the most significant hockey of his career.  He is now participating in his first playoff since twice coming out of the bullpen for Ottawa during the 2012-2013 playoffs.  Through three games Lehner has now faced 103 SOG, and stopped 98 (.951) of them.

Meanwhile, the skaters in front of him have played fast, furiously, and physically, and are scoring with plenty.  Through roughly 185 minutes of play, the Islanders have so far outscored the Pens eleven goals to five.

Pittsburgh's Garrett Wilson opened the scoring at 12:54 of the first period.  And with regard to the Penguins, that's all she wrote.  Within the next minute and a half, the Islanders would tie the game on Jordan Eberle's third goal of the playoffs, then take the lead at 14:24 on Brock Nelson's second goal of the playoffs.  After a scoreless second session, the Islanders put the Penguins on ice.  Leo Komarov scored midway through the session. Anders Lee finished em off with 1:28 left in regulation.

Amazin' Date 4/15/1969: Ed Kranepool Comes Through in the Pinch

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game Eight: Tuesday, April 15, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
Connie Mack Stadium

Mets Salvage Split at Philadelphia: Snap Skid at Four.

Batting against New York's Gary Gentry, Philadelphia third baseman Deron Johnson staked his pitcher to an early 1-0 lead with an RBI hit in the first.  In turn, starter Chris Short limited the Mets to just one hit through his first four innings of work.  But New York would finally catch up to him in the fifth.  Buddy Harrelsson drove in a pair and Tommie Agee drove in another putting the Mets ahead by two.

Leading off the sixth, Don Money's home run brought the Phils to within one.  Gentry yielded three more hits in the seventh; right fielder Johnny Callison's base hit to left scored Dick Allen from third base tying the game at three.

Pitching in relief of Chris Sort, Gary Wagner surrendered consecutive hits opening the eighth inning to Ken Boswell and Cleon Jones.  The Mets then loaded the bases when Wagner mishandled a sacrifice attempt by Amos Otis.  Wagner twice escaped harm by inducing Ron Swoboda and Jerry Grote into ground ball force-outs at home.  But Buddy Harrelson finally made Wagner pay for his fielding error with a hit through the infield scoring Otis.  Pinch hitting for Gentry, Ed Kranepool doubled to left scoring Swoboda and Grote.  All three runs were unearned.

FINAL

Mets      6

Phillies  3

Cal Koonce earned a save for two innings of perfect relief.  Gary Gentry allowed three earned runs on eight hits and three walks, with four strikeouts in winning his second decision of the season.

The Mets gain a split of their abbreviated two game series against the Phillies, but moreover snap their losing streak at four.

Onward to Pittsburgh for another short two game set against the Pirates.

• Mets Record: 3-5
• N.L. East: 4th; 4 GB