Remembering Mets History: (1985) Gary Carter Hits Three HRs In San Diego

September 3rd 1985: Davey Johnson's New York Mets were one game behind the St. Louis Cardinals as they made an early September West Coast road trip. They were on a three game win streak as they took on Dick Williams' third place Padres in San Diego. The Mets Rick Aguilera (7-5 / 3.32 ERA) went up against the Padres; Dave Dravecky (11-8 / 2.57 ERA).

In the 1st inning, Gary Carter began his big night. With two out Keith Hernandez drew a walk & Carter followed with a long two run HR, 2-0 Mets. In the 4th inning he led off with another HR, Daryl Strawberry followed his a solo shot of his own, making it 4-0 Mets.

In the 5th, with one out, Tom Paciorek & Keith Hernandez both singled. Luis Deleon came in to relieve Dravecky, Gary Carter greeted him with a long three run HR, making it 7-1.

For San Diego, Steve Garvey, Terry Kennedy & Carmelo Martinez all hit solo HRs for the three Padre runs. Lenny Dykstra added an RBI triple in the top of the 9th inning, capping off the 8-3 Mets win.

For Carter it was one of his biggest nights as a Met, 3-4, three HRs with six RBIs. The three HRs gave him the team lead at that point (23) one ahead of Strawberry.

He would hit 13 HRs in September 1985 driving in 36 runs, leading the Mets charge in the pennant race. The Mets fell short in the final week of the season to finish second.