Amazin' Date 5/2/1969: Mets Drop Series Opener at Wrigley

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #22:  Friday, May 2, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs
Wrigley Field

Ron Santo Welcomes Mets to the Friendly Confines

The second leg of the Mets road trip brings them to Chicago for their first visit of the season to Wrigley Field.

Try as he might, Tommie Agee's return to the line-up could not lift the Mets to victory in game one on Friday.

Opposing starting pitchers, Gary Gentry for the Mets and Ken Holtzman for the Cubs, cruised through their respective first three innings of work.  In the fourth, Ron Santo continued his assault this season against Mets pitching.  With two outs, the five time all-star third baseman connected off Gentry for his sixth home run of the season.  Ernie Banks followed with a single, and Randy Hundley drew a walk.  Right fielder Al Spangler then delivered both runners with yet another home run surrendered by Gentry.

The Mets struck back for a pair in the fifth on runs batted in from Tommie Agee and Rod Gaspar.

But with Al Jackson pitching the fifth in relief of Gentry, Ron Santo doubled home Don Kessinger for an insurance run of which the Mets would not recover.  Center fielder Don Young's RBI in the sixth off Jackson gave the Cubs a 6-2 lead.  In the seventh, Tommie Agee singled and scored on Rod Gaspar's sac fly making it a 6-3 game.  Leading off the ninth, Tommie Agee took Cubs reliever Phil Regan deep to get the Mets within two.  But that's as close as the Mets would get.

Phil Regan closed out the game to earn his second save of the season.  Ken Holtzman improved his record to 3-1, with a 2.42 ERA.  Gary Gentry is charged with his first loss of the season.  He allowed four earned runs on three hits and a walk with four strikeouts in just four innings of work.

Despite a .220 batting average, Ron Santo has 21 RBI through the Cubs first 24 games of the season.

Back in the lineup after a stint on the disabled list, Tommie Agee was 4 for 4 with a walk, double, home run, two RBI, and one run scored.

• Mets Record:  9-13 (.409)
• N.L. East:  5th; 7 GB

N.Y. Yankees: CC Sabathia Achieves 3,000 Career Strikeouts

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

CONGRATULATIONS

CC SABATHIA

He becomes the 17th pitcher in major league history, 

and only the third left-hander ever to record 3,000 strikeouts in a career.

CC Sabathia entered Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks just three strikeouts shy of one of baseball's all-time hallowed milestones.  After retiring Arizona in order in the first, Sabathia seized the moment with three strikeouts in the second inning.

The soon to be 39-year old would unfortunately exit on the losing side of a 2-1 game after yielding just two earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts through 5.1 innings pitched.  Sabathia previously topped out at five innings and 86 pitches in each of his last two starts.  Tuesday at Arizona he pitched into the sixth for the first time this season, while throwing 87 pitches with 51 (59%) going for strikes.

Sabathia has spent more than half his career pitching for the Yankees, with whom he twice led the league in wins (2009-10), and in 2009 helped lead them to a World Series championship.  He entered Tuesday's game with a career record of 130-80, and 3.73 ERA, and has now fanned 1,609 batters while donning pinstripes.

During his eight season with the Indians, Sabathia posted a 106-71 record with a 3.83 ERA.  He recorded 1,265 strikeouts while pitching for Cleveland, where he captured the 2007 American League Cy Young award.

#3000

Amazin' Date 5/1/1969: Expos Foil Mets Bid For Sweep

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #21 Thursday, May 1, 1969 - BR 
New York Mets @ Montreal Expos 
Parc Jarry

Manager Gil Hodges Called to Carpet for His Handling of Ninth Inning.

Montreal starter Bill Stoneman wasted little time creating trouble for himself in the second.  After yielding consecutive singles to Cleon Jones and Ed Kranepool, Stoneman caught Ron Swoboda looking at strike three, but walked Kevin Collins to load the bases.  He then issued a second straight walk to Jerry Grote forcing in Jones from third.

Leading off the bottom of the second, Expos first baseman Donn Clendenon immediately came to the aid of his starter with a home run off Mets starter Don Cardwell.  Cleon Jones answered right back with a solo home run in the top of the third.  But left fielder Mack Jones would likewise connect off Cardwell in the fourth tying the game again at two.

Bill Stoneman pitched himself into another jam by walking the bases loaded in the seventh.  With two outs, Montreal manager Gene Mauch pulled Stoneman in favor of long time relief specialist Roy Face, whom induced Ed Kranepool in to an inning ending ground ball to second.

Into the ninth inning they would go with the game knotted at two.

With Don Cardwell set to lead-off the top half of the frame, manger Gil Hodges elected to not pinch hit for his pitcher, whom wound up grounding out to third.  Roy Face would then retire the next two batters extending his streak to seven straight Mets batters in a row.

Maury Wills leading off the home ninth singled off Don Cardwell.  After inducing Rusty Staub into a fielder's choice, Cardwell surrendered another single to Mack Jones.  Manager Hodges then ordered his battery intentionally walk Donn Clendenon thus setting up a force at any base.  However, the plan backfired when third baseman Coco Laboy lofted a fly to center field.  Ron Brand, pinch running for Staub, tagged up from third to score the winning run.

FINAL

Mets    2

Expos  3

Roy Face earned the victory with 2.1 innings of scoreless no-hit ball.  The game also marks the 101st win of Face's long 16 year career spent near exclusively as a reliever.

Don Cardwell again labors through another a hard luck loss, and is now 0-4 for the season despite his 2.89 ERA.  He allowed the Expos three runs in seven hits and two walks with one strikeout through 8.2 innings of work.

Cleon Jones was 3 for 3, with his third home run of the season.  His 15 RBI tie him for team lead with Ed Kranepool.  Cleon is batting .348 through the Mets first 21 games of the season.  Kranepool went 2 for 4, elevating his average to .323 through his 19 games played.

The Expos avoid a sweep, but the Mets win the series - their second series win over Montreal this season.  The loss, however, drops the Mets back down to fourth place, six game behind the first place Cubs, with whom they'll begin a weekend series tomorrow at Wrigley Field.

• Mets Record:  9-12 (.428)
• N.L. East:  4th; 6 GB

N.Y. Mets: Catching Hell Behind The Plate

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

Travis d'Arnaud's Biggest Liability Was His Unavailability

New York Mets: Brodie Van Wagenen DFA's Once Prized Minor League Acquisition Travis d'Arnaud.

One thing the Mets can never be accused of is treating Travis d'Arnaud unfairly.  His spot behind the plate after each and every one of his ongoing injuries was always there awaiting his return.  In fact, I believe the Mets have been exceedingly patient with their once prized acquisition.  Considering they've been at this since 2013, I'll even go so far as saying the Mets went above and beyond in their efforts at placing him in a position to succeed.

But the time had ultimately come to part ways, and not just because BVW signed free agent Wilson Ramos.  Unfortunately, d'Arnaud's body continues to fail him.  Fluke injuries are one thing but his chronic string of bad luck is something more ponderous.  In the end his inability to stay on the field due to an unfortunate propensity for injury just proved too problematic for both him and the Mets - this year included.

When healthy he demonstrated much promise with a bat throughout his career.  Although going 2 for 23 in ten games this season perhaps helped seal his fate.  Travis d'Arnaud defenders will also point out his ability to frame pitches - something of which I believe is wholly inconsequential when pitchers would just rather not pitch to him.  Truth be told, he was already a defensive liability.  More so if his throwing ability hasn't been satisfactorily restored after Tommy John surgery.

Devin Mesoraco last season earned his way into the staff's graces through his receiving skills, not for an ability to influence umpires with snapshots.  Pitchers need confidence in their catchers.  They want supreme receivers - someone they can trust with a purposeful pitch in the dirt.  None of which accurately describe d'Arnaud.  His lazy backhand stabs at errant pitches absolutely infuriate me.  Moreover, all one had to do was count how many times pitchers shook him off to know he lacked sync with a majority of the starting staff.

Both media and a large pocket of fans have long lobbied for his release.  Yet, the club to their credit afforded him one last opportunity, and he failed the test - key word being, afforded.  They signed him for $3.52 million this past off-season, and fans nor the media understand why.  For a team with more money problems than the MTA, they essentially set fire to $3.52 million dollars that could have otherwise been better spent.  Their mishandling of Devin Mesoraco (IMO) only exasperates the matter.

Yeah, they blew it ...

But let's also keep things in context.  This is a low kiloton event, comparatively speaking.  After all, we're haranguing over a backup catcher.  I do not believe Travis d'Arnaud is being scapegoated like some in the media are portraying.  The Mets are merely eliminating a liability from behind the plate, and in doing so improving the Mets 25-man roster and their pitching staff's level of comfort.

I have no qualms moving forward with Tomas Nido, or even welcoming back Rene Rivera.  Both are quality receivers, something I prioritize over hitting where it concerns backstops.

Amazin' Date 4/30/1969: Mets Take Second Straight at Jarry Park

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

Game #20: Wednesday, April 30, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Montreal Expos
Parc Jarry

Tom Seaver Out-Duels Expos Mike Wegener; Mets Win Second Straight at Montreal.

In game two of the Mets first ever series played north of the border, Tom Seaver dueled Montreal's Mike Wegener for nine innings at Parc Jarry on Wednesday.

Leading off the second, Cleon Jones legged out a triple then scored on Ed Kranepool's sacrifice fly to left.  The Mets held that lead until the seventh when with two outs Expos catcher John Bateman connected off Seaver for his third home run of the season.

Limited to just three hits through the first eight innings of play, the Mets rallied in the ninth.  Leading off against Mike Wegener, Rod Gaspar singled to left.  With Ken Boswell up, Manager Hodges put Gaspar in motion.  After a successful steal of second base, Boswell singled to right scoring Gaspar, but was cut down himself trying to stretch out a single.

In the bottom of the ninth Tom Seaver retired the Expos in order, striking out first baseman Donn Clendenon and third baseman Coco Laboy to end the game.  Despite unleashing three wild pitches, Tom was terrific in earning the complete game victory, allowing just the one run on five hits and three walks, with six strikeouts.  He evened his record at 2-2 and lowered his ERA to a 2.35 mark.

Hard luck loser Mike Wegener was equally effective, allowing just two runs on five hits and one walk with seven strikeouts through nine complete innings of work.

The Mets are winners of three in a row for the first time this season.  They finish the month of April with a 9-11 record.  Manager Hodges says he wants improvement from his club in games decided by one run.  So far they've won two and lost four in such games.

Ed Kranepool now leads the team with 15 RBI.  Cleon Jones is second with 14 RBI through the Mets first twenty games of the season.

Tommie Agee appeared as a ninth inning defensive replacement for Ron Swoboda.  Wednesday marked Agee's tenth straight game absent from the starting lineup.  He is expected to resume full time duty during the Mets upcoming series at Chicago.

• Mets Record:  9-11 (.450)
• N.L. East:  3rd; 5.5 GB

N.Y. Islanders: Playing Against The Unseen Hand

From the desk of:  THE BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

Hurricanes lead series 2-0

I - CAR 1; NYI 0*

II - CAR 2; NYI 1

*overtime

New York Islanders: Barry Trotz Patiently Waiting For Goal Scorers to Emerge.

So much for home ice advantage ... After a rather unceremonious return to Brooklyn, the question begs to be asked: did the Islanders ever have it in the first place?

Previous to game one they hadn't played at Barclays Center since February.  The Islanders split this season's home schedule between Brooklyn and Uniondale, but finished out the season playing their final twelve home games and first round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Long Island.  Of course the counter is they achieved 103 regular season points partly playing at Brooklyn.

On to the next excuse ...

After a ten game layoff, brushing off game one's overtime loss was the easy thing to do.  Now down two games going away Islanders fans are being led to believe they've secured another moral victory.  As Coach puts it, this is nothing more than the "unseen hand" at work, and that if they continue playing the way they've been, the Islanders will be fine.

With twenty minutes left in game two, the Islanders stood poised to knot the series.  They were leading 1-0 and now facing Carolina's backup goalie.  They had finally scored their first goal of the series back in the first period off starter Petr Mzerak, whom exited the game due to injury early in the second period.  At that point one could only imagine what opportunities potentially awaited the Islanders against Curtis McElhinney.

But Carolina had other ideas.  Warren Foegele's blast from the right wing just 0:17 into the third period tied the game at one.  Robin Lehner had a clean look, but the unseen hand just blew it by him.  Forty-eight seconds later, Nino Niederreiter scored on a deflection.  This time there was nothing Robin Lehner could do to prevent the unseen hand from seizing a 2-1 lead.

Curtis McElhinney took care of the rest, facing 17 shots on goal - all but one at even strength - and stopped them all since taking over early in the second period.

Despite repeated quality opportunities - as Coach points out - the Islanders offensive production was stifled yet again.  It's worth noting Mathew Barzal's first period goal was the result of a Hurricane self deflection.  Therefore truth be told the Islanders are yet to score a clean goal against either Carolina net minder in over 120 minutes of hockey.

Carolina outscored the Washington Capitals by a slim 21-20 margin through seven games.  They averaged three goals per game against the Caps.  But the Islanders defense has so far limited Carolina to half as many through six plus periods of hockey.  Yet they themselves can't seem to find the back of the net after averaging 3.5 goals per game during their sweep of Pittsburgh.

• Useless Stat Alert: the Hurricanes finished the regular season with a +22 point differential while the Islanders registered a +32 mark for the season.

• Cal Clutterbuck is hurt again; details pending.  It's also worth mentioning the Isles are still playing without Johnny Boychuk.

Amazin' Date 4/29/1969: Mets Win Their First Ever Game in Canada

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #19: Tuesday, April 29, 1969 - BR
New York Mets @ Montreal Expos
Jarry Park

Ed Kranepool's Two Home Runs Power Mets in Canadian Debut.

Welcome to baseball in the great white north.  The Mets are visiting Montreal, Canada, for their first ever series played beyond the borders of the United States.  The National League's new northern member club play their home games at Parc Jarry.  Tuesday's game one marks only the Expos seventh home game of the season.  They've played 12 games on the road, to date.  Understandably, this mark's Montreal's first three game series at home.

With one out in the second, first baseman Ed Kranepool connected on his first home run of the season off Expos starter Mudcat Grant.  Mets starter Jerry Koosman and Nolan Ryan took care of the rest.  Koosman faced just 15 batters, allowing no runs on just two hits with a strikeout through 4.1 innings before being relieved by Nolan Ryan.  The Mets flame throwing right-hander finished out the final 4.2 innings for a combined six-hit shutout.  Ryan surrendered four hits and fanned seven en route to his second victory of the season against no losses.  Jerry Koosman's status is pending.

The Mets added an insurance run in the sixth.  With two outs, Ed Kranepool connected on his second home run of the game off Mudcat Grant.

Despite Tommie Agee's pinch hit appearance against the Cubs, he remains out of the starting lineup.  Cleon Jones took a rare 0 for 4, and was also caught stealing.  With two hits in four at-bats, Ron Swoboda has lifted his average to a robust .340 mark.  Ed Kranepool also lifted his average back above the .300 mark, and is slugging .509 through his first 17 games.

• Mets Record:  8-11
• N.L. East:  3rd: 6.5 GB

L.I. Ducks: Quack Attack Ends Three Day Siege of York

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

DUCKS SWEEP SERIES 3-0

I - LID 12; YRK 3

II - LID 14; YRK 0

III - LID 8; YRK 4

Flock Opens Season With Series Sweep of York Revolution.

Long Island's triumphant siege of the York Revolution has mercifully come to an end.  To the victors go the season opening series spoils: three games in the win column.

To say the Ducks regular season is off to a resounding start is putting it mildly.  With eight more runs in game three, Long Island outscores York in the series by a commanding 34-7 margin.

Matt den Dekker and Ivan DeJesus Jr. led Long Island's barrage with three hits apiece.  Matt went 3 for 5 with two doubles; DeJesus was likewise 3 for 5 with two RBI.  Kirk Nieuwenhuis was 2 for 4 with another two RBI.  The Ducks batted 16 for 40 (.347) for the game, and were 7 for 16 (.437) with runners in scoring position as part of an overall 16 hit, eight run attack.

Darin Downs started the game but did not qualify for the victory.  He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts before exiting after four innings pitched.  Tim Adleman followed, allowing an earned run on two hits and a walk with three strikeouts through two innings en route to his first relief victory of the season.

L.I. Ducks: Tim Melville Redefines Pitch Economy With Gem Over York

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

SEASON OPENING SERIES

Ducks lead series 2-0

I - LID 12; YRK 3

II - LID 14; YRK 0

Long Island Ducks

vs.

York Revolution

Long Island batters unleashed a second straight Quack attack against the Revolution in game two at York, scoring against five of six pitchers faced.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit his first home run as a member of the Ducks, and drove in four runs as the designated hitter.  Eight different Ducks drove in at least one run apiece.  With another fourteen runs on Saturday (twelve earned), the Ducks have now amassed 26 runs in their first two games against the Revs.

However, Long Island pitching was the true story of game two.  Starter Tim Melville handed in one of the funkiest performances I've ever come across.  York had a clearly defined plan of attack against Melville, going after his first pitch throughout the game.   The results are curious to say the least.

• Tim Melville faced 22 batters through six innings pitched.  
• Three batters hit safely off Melville's first pitch.
• Two batters drew walks on exactly four pitches.
• Six batters struck out on exactly three pitches.
• Eleven batters were retired after swinging at the first pitch.
• Tim Melville threw just 40 pitches with 32 (80%) going for strikes!

This should also serve a lesson for pitching to contact.

But I digress ...

Relievers Kam Mickolio and Alex Katz joined to pitch three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk with four strikeouts to close out Long Island's 14-0 whitewashing of the Revolution.

N.Y. Islanders: Game One Loss Apparently No Big Deal

From the desk of:  THE BARRY TROTZ PAJAMA PARTY

ISLANDERS RETURN TO BROOKLYN

GAME TWO

Carolina Hurricanes (1-0)

vs.

New York Islanders (0-1)

FROM

FLATBUSH AVENUE ICE RINK

New York Islanders hit pothole upon their return to Brooklyn.

I'm buying into the consensus take within the Islanders locker room that game one's loss is no big deal.  All is well - there's nothing more to see here.  You can all go back to your homes and get some sleep.  We're on it.

Famous last words ... look how many favorites have already been booted from the tourney.

Make no mistake, Carolina is a very good emerging team.  Young and somewhat inexperienced, they're a more gamely bunch than their seventh place conference finish suggests.  As such they're not necessarily weighted down by over expectations and therefore get to play relatively free of undue pressure.  That makes for an extremely dangerous opponent.  Underestimate them at your own risk.  Just ask Alex Ovechkin and the former defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

In the Islanders case, I believe the effects of rust are a very real matter where it concerns the speed of playoff hockey.  Entering round two, I would have rather been the team coming off an extended series than the one waiting around for an opponent as the Islanders were made to do after sweeping the Penguins.  Coach Trotz after game one eluded to mental rust more so than physical.  Game one may or may not have proved that out.  But like round one the burden of expectations again weighs on the shoulders of Carolina's opponent.  That said, the Islanders were far more sharper than I thought they would be after a ten day layoff.  Thus, despite Carolina's game one victory it is with great confidence I say the Hurricanes are in trouble.

The box score says the Islanders were shut out.  In fact, each team had their power play opportunities and came up empty.  That could turn into a problem for the Islanders.  But outside of returning from a ten day layoff, when has even strength scoring ever been their problem?  Lest we forget the Isles outscored Pittsburgh by a 14-6 margin through four games.

Instead, defensive shortcomings, net minding - and in hindsight coaching - have always been the Islanders undoing.  These days, limiting goals is what the Islanders do best.  And for all intent and purpose Friday proved no different.  The Hurricanes scored 245 regular season goals, while the Islanders tallied 228 goals, but at the same time allowed the fewest in all the NHL.  The Islanders have been relearning hockey under Barry Trotz.  Just as he did at Washington, Trotz gave the Islanders blue liners and his forwards a system and a sense of urgency and turned them into the stingiest unit in the league.  Lou Lamoriello in turn secured goalie Robin Lehner who is in the midst of a hockey epiphany.  Fine performances from the Islanders defense and Lehner were on full display Friday evening at Barclays Center.  Through sixty minutes of regulation time Lehner and Carolina's Petr Mrazic performed superbly matching each other save for save - pitching shutouts if you will.

Overtime be damned ...

GAME ONE

Hurricanes  1

Islanders     0

overtime

I'm quite certain the Hurricanes will encounter a very different Islanders team come game two at Barclays Center on Sunday.  Islanders forwards out shot Carolina forward lines by a 26-22 margin.  However, the Hurricanes got ten shots on goal from their defense; the Islanders just five.  That tells me the Isles blue liners are staying home, while the Canes are not averse to taking risks.  A big question is can the Islanders capitalize on Carolina's over aggression.

Now that the home team has lost a game there is a genuine series to be played.  I know this: ten days of practice simply can not replicate the speed and urgency of playoff hockey.  And so in game two I believe the series narrative begins undergoing a dramatic shift.

L.I. Ducks: Potent Quack Attack Too Much For York Revolution

From the desk of:  THE WEBBED SPIKES NINE

SEASON OPENING SERIES

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

vs.

YORK REVOLUTION

Long Island Ducks: Flock open their 20th season of baseball with resounding victory over York Revolution.

Lead-off batter and center fielder Rey Fuentes set the pace going 3 for 5 with a walk, double, a run scored, and four RBI.  Second baseman Steve Lombardozzi was 3 for 4 with two walks, and two RBI.  Meanwhile Matt den Dekker goes 2 for 5 with two RBI playing in his first independent league game with the Ducks.

The visiting Flock jumped out to a one run lead on Steve Lombardozzi one-out triple to right, who with two outs scored when Lew Ford reached safely on an error charged to York shortstop Ryan Dent.  However, Long Island's lead was short lived.  Tabbed with the season opening start, Bennett Parry surrendered a three run home run off the bat of Dent in the bottom of the second. 

That's the way things stayed for both starting pitchers whom each put in five innings of work.  York's Ross Detwiler exited on the winning side of a 3-1 affair after allowing just the one unearned run on three hits, no walks, and four strikeouts.  Long Island's Bennett Parry exited on the hook having surrendered three earned runs on eight hits and two walks with four strikeouts.  But wound up earning the victory as both team's fortunes then changed on a dime in the sixth.  With the game placed in the hands of the respective bullpens, Long Island struck right away for six runs getting RBI hits from Rey Fuentes and Steve Lombardozzi, and a two run home run off the bat of Matt den Dekker.  York helped the Ducks along on third baseman Nate Coronado's throwing error, and a wild pitch unleashed by reliever Julio Perez.

Rey Fuentes plated two more runs with a hit in the eighth.  Then for good measure, the Ducks struck for three more runs in the ninth.  With the bases loaded, York reliever Trevor Reckling issued consecutive walks to Rey Fuentes and Steve Lombardozzi setting up Kirk Nieuwenhuis' hit which plated Long Island's final run of the game giving them a 12-3 final margin of victory.

Ducks relievers Joe Iorio, Jose Cuas, and Tucker Healey, joined together on four scoreless innings, allowing four hits, no walks, and striking out three.

Amazin' Date 4/27/1969: Cleon Jones Blast Sends Shea Crowd Home Happy

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #17: Sunday, April 27, 1969 - BR
Double Header: Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

GAME ONE: Cubs Make Mets Pay for Late Inning Mistakes; Take Third Straight at Shea Stadium.

A mere two outs away from certain victory, the Mets failed to close out the front end of Sunday's double-header against the first place Cubs and as a result paid the price.

The Mets staked starting pitcher Gary Gentry to an early 3-0 lead in the first on runs batted in by Cleon Jones, Ed Kranepool, and Ron Swoboda.  But Chicago struck back with a pair of runs in the third on a two RBI double off the bat of Ron Santo.  After surrendering consecutive hits to Don Kessinger and Glen Beckert leading off the fifth, left fielder Billy Williams plated the tying run on a fielder's choice.

Cubs starter Dick Selma was chased from the game in the bottom of the fifth.  Upon surrendering consecutive hits to Wayne Garrett and Ken Boswell, Cleon Jones sent Selma heading for the showers with an opposite field double scoring both runners.  Clones would advance to third on Kranepool's sac fly, then scored on Swododa's sac fly to center giving the Mets a 6-3 lead.

Gary Gentry exited the game on the winning side of a 6-3 game after pitching six full innings, while allowing three earned runs on six hits and three walks with three strikeouts.  He was lifted for a pinch hitter with one in the home sixth.

Enter Cal Koonce in relief of Gentry  After retiring his first five batters faced, he issued a two out walk to Randy Hundley in the eighth, then yielded Al Spangler's RBI double to left scoring Hundley to bring the Cubs within one.

FINAL

Cubs   8

Mets   6

With Cal Koonce still pitching in the top the ninth, Don Kessinger drew a lead-off walk.  Then with one out Billy William reached safely on an E4 charged to Wayne Garrett.  Next up, Ron Santo likewise reached safely on an E5 charged to Kevin Collins; Kessinger scored.  Ernie Banks followed with a single to score Williams.  Randy Hundley would then deliver the final blow with a three run home run off Koonce for an 8-6 Cubs lead, and ultimate final margin of victory.  Chicago's Phil Regan struck out the side in the ninth to close out the Mets and earn his fourth relief victory of the season.

Cal Koonce is charged with both his second blown save and second loss of the season.  Making an appearance on his throw day, Tom Seaver faced two batters in the ninth, walking one and fanning the other.  Koonce has now surrendered eleven runs (seven earned) on nine hits and 13 walks in 10.1 innings for a 6.10 ERA through seven appearances to date.


Game #18: Sunday, April 27, 1969 - BR
Game Two: Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Game Two: Cleon Jones Ninth Inning Home Run Sends Shea Stadium Crown Home Happy; Mets Gain Split of Twinbill.

After losing game one in heartbreaking fashion, the Met orchestrated a most thrilling game two finish to at least send the Shea Stadium crowd of over 37,000 smiling all the way home.

Making his fifth start of the season, sophomore starter Jim McAndrew toed the rubber in Sunday's series finale, and was opposed by Chicago's Rich Nye.  For the first five innings the two dueled through a scoreless tie.

McAndrew's counterpart reached safely leading off the top of the sixth on an E4 charged to Ken Boswell (his eighth of the season).  When Don Kessinger followed with a sharp hit to right, Manager Hodges turned to his bullpen with haste.  Tug Mcgraw would pitch four scoreless innings while allowing three hits and striking out six.

Rich Nye continued pressing on for the Cubs, and continued shutting out the Mets through eight full innings.  Leading off the ninth, however, Rod Gaspar would make it safely to second on an untimely error by Billy Williams.  From the dugout, Leo Durocher then ordered Ken Boswell be given an intentional pass.  Next up, Ed Charles was retired on a pop foul behind third base.  Then in stepped the red hot Cleon Jones who is presently hitting above the.400 mark.  Yet Leo made no move from the Cubs dugout.  And so with one out and the double play in order, Rich Nye served, and Cleon Jones volleyed Nye's pitch over the left field wall for a three run home run to end the game in most dramatic fashion.

FINAL

Cubs   0

Mets   3

Tommie Agee appeared as a pinch hitter with one out in the eighth.  It marked his first game back since last playing ten days ago against the Pirates.  Cleon Jones continues his hot hitting, going 2 for 4, with three RBI.  He is now batting .443 for the season.

Brooklyn Nets: The Start of a Wonderful Relationship

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Last One Out Turn Off The Lights

Rest assured, all is well even though the Nets series against the Sixers didn't end well.  Like I say, you can't be disappointed with what you do not expect.  Which is what made this entire season so enjoyable.  Every one of their regular season victories along with their series opening victory over Philadelphia were all fun as hell.

More importantly, Brooklyn finally seems emotionally invested in their team.  I knew coming into this venture the Nets would be up against a very apathetic Borough, and that attendance would be an issue.  If you're familiar with Madison Square Garden, then you know how many tourists both the Knicks and Rangers attract.  That's what makes this a Brooklyn only issue.  Sure enough, Nets annual average attendance has indeed been problematic.  However, this team is a far cry from the costly collection of carpetbaggers assembled by former general manager Billy King.  That Nets team had the fleeting novelty of being new in town which wore off rather quickly.  As it turns out, Billy King's transactions of mass destruction were perhaps the best thing that ever happened to the Brooklyn Nets.  For without his general managerial malfeasance perhaps there is no Sean Marks, and in turn no Kenny Atkinson, or Jarrett Allen, or D'Angelo Russell, or Caris LeVert, or no genuine feel good story of the 2018-2019 season.

While the team on the other side of the river employed tank tactics in order to achieve their aim, the Nets hierarchy opted for the more grassroots approach, and in just three seasons are beginning to bear the fruits of their labors.  In turn, fans supported their team down the stretch unlike any time during  the preceding six years since their move to Brooklyn.

Just to be clear, I am not speaking of the New Jersey Nets fan.  Any fan making the trek into Brooklyn from New Jersey should be commended.  That speaks of tremendous passion and loyalty.  Instead I speak specifically of the Brooklyn fan - the basketball fans who positioned themselves on the fence upon the Nets arrival on Flatbush Avenue.  

In addition to being an apathetic population, Brooklynites are a guarded bunch as well.  Think Dodgers.  But once the Borough embraces you, you're forever part of the family.

Go Brooklyn.

Go Nets.

#GoingHardTogether

A Golden Era Metsian Podcast with Uncle Stan the New York Giants Fan

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

A METSIAN PODCAST

with SAM, RICH, and MIKE

With Guest:

UNCLE STAN 

the NEW YORK GIANTS FAN

Yes, Sam's Uncle Stan!

I was enthralled both listening and speaking with him,

and I'm sure you'll enjoy Stan's baseball anecdotes, as well.

Ninety-Five Minutes

STUFF

NEW YORK GIANTS

Mets vs. Phillies

Rivalry ~ Jacob Rhame vs. Ryhs Hoskins ~ Head Hunting

Gio Gonzalez ~ Mets Money ~ Dallas Keuchel

Jason Vargas ~ Jacob deGrom ~ Zack Wheeler

Amed Rosario ~ Mickey Callaway

Jesus Alou ~ Doug Flynn ~ Bernard Gilkey ~ Matt den Dekker

and so much more..!

Amazin' Dates 4/26/1969: Cubs Take Second Straight From Mets

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

AMAZIN'

THE MIRACLE METS

50th ANNIVERSARY

Game #16: Saturday, April 26, 1969 - BR
Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets
Shea Stadium

Mets Move Further Away From First Place After Second Straight Loss to Cubs.

In the second game of a four game series at Shea Stadium, the first place Cubs scored early and often off Mets starter Don Cardwell.  An RBI single by Ron Santo in the first; another RBI single by Don Kessinger in the second; and a two out RBI double off the bat of catcher Randy Hundley in the third staked Chicago starter Bill Hands to an early 3-0 lead.

With one out in the bottom of the fourth Cardwell walked his counterpart Bill Hands, then yielded another hit to Don Kessinger.  That's when manager Gil Hodges decided his pitcher had suffered enough.  Al Jackson was summoned from the bullpen, and was immediately greeted by right fielder Al Spangler's successful bunt down the third base line to load the bases.  Jackson then walked Ron Santo scoring Hands from third.  With two outs and the bases still jammed, Mr. Cub himself Ernie Banks singled home another pair of runs for a 6-0 Cubs lead.

Chicago didn't stop there.  They would score twice more in the sixth off Al Jackson, although one run was unearned on an error charged to Cleon Jones.  Their ninth and final run of the game came courtesy of Randy Hundley's RBI hit in the eighth off Tug McGraw.

New York did all their scoring off Bill Hands in the bottom of the sixth.  Ken Boswell, Amos Otis, and Ed Kranepool all drove in a run apiece.  However, Hands would press on for the complete game victory,  surrendering three runs (two earned) on eight hits and one walk with seven strikeouts.  He improves to 3-1 on the season.

Don Cardwell falls to 0-3 on the season.  Ron Taylor pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

Continuing to bat in the lead-off position while Tommie Agee remains out, Bud Harrelson went 2 for 3, with a double, and a run scored.

• Mets Record: 6-10
• N.L. East: 5th; 6 GB