Remembering Mets History (1988): NLCS Game #6 Mets Force a Game Seven Behing David Cone's Shut Out
It was do or die for the 1988 Mets, as they were getting shocked by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets had won ten of eleven regular season games played against the Dodgers. But the post season was a different story. This game would give the Mets life as a win would force a Game Seven back in New York at Shea Stadium.
Davey Johnson sent David Cone (20-3 with the NL's best winning percent .870% / 2.22 ERA / 213 Ks) to the hill to face the Dodgers Tim Leary (17-11 / 2.91 ERA / 180 Ks).
Davey Johnson sent David Cone (20-3 with the NL's best winning percent .870% / 2.22 ERA / 213 Ks) to the hill to face the Dodgers Tim Leary (17-11 / 2.91 ERA / 180 Ks).
A crowd of 55,693 filled Dodger Stadium for a 6:20 Pacific Coast time start on beautiful night in L.A.
Trivia: David Cone had found time doing some side work as he began writing a column for the
New York Post during the NLCS. Cone made some comments that angered the Dodgers & they used it as bulletin board materials.
New York Post during the NLCS. Cone made some comments that angered the Dodgers & they used it as bulletin board materials.
It may have paid off in the long run, but on this night, Cone was at his fines. He would throw a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits, as he struck out six & walked three.
In the top of the 1st inning, Lenny Dykstra reached on an error. Wally Backman then singled to left. After Keith Hernandez struck out, Darryl Strawberry walked to load the bases. Kevin McReynolds hit a sac fly bringing in Lenny Dykstra with the first run of the game.
In the top of the 3rd, Darryl Strawberry & McReynolds both singled. Tim Leary got the next two Mets out, but Kevin Elster blasted a doubled to left field bringing in Strawberry with the Mets second run 2-0. David Cone lined out but ended the inning.
In the top of the 5th, Strawberry led off with a walk & then Kevin McReynolds blasted a two run HR to left center field, putting New York up 4-0.
David Cone had gone through the first four innings shutting out Los Angeles, he had struck out Mike Marshall & John Shelby in the 4th inning as well.
Trivia: The Mets evened up the series but would get shut out by Orel Hershiser 6-0 in Game #7 at Shea Stadium.
In the top of the 1st inning, Lenny Dykstra reached on an error. Wally Backman then singled to left. After Keith Hernandez struck out, Darryl Strawberry walked to load the bases. Kevin McReynolds hit a sac fly bringing in Lenny Dykstra with the first run of the game.
In the top of the 5th, Strawberry led off with a walk & then Kevin McReynolds blasted a two run HR to left center field, putting New York up 4-0.
Trivia: Kevin McReynolds would hit two HRs & drive in five runs in the NLCS.
The blast knocked out Tim Leary as Brian Holton came on to pitch.
In the home 5th, with two outs pitcher Brian Holton singled to left. Cone then walked Steve Sax, next the pesky Mickey Hatcher drove an RBI single to right making it a 4-1 Mets lead.
In the top of the 6th, after Cone made the first out, Len Dykstra doubled to left. Tommy Lasorda brought on Ricky Horton to pitch. After he retired Wally Backman, Keith Hernandez singled to centerfield bringing in Dykstra for a 5-1 Mets lead.
Trivia: Hernandez drove in five runs in the series, second to Darryl Strawberry who drove in six
runs. Straw collected nine hits as Keith & Kevin McReynolds both collected seven hits.
David Cone rolled along retiring twelve batters in a row into the 9th inning. He gave up two, two out singles but ended the game as pinch hitter Mike Davis flew out to McReynolds in left.
It was the Mets last post season win for that Mets team of that era.
The next year saw age catch up to Keith Hernandez & Gary Carter as they played out their final seasons in New York.
Although no one really saw it coming at that time, the team that seemed to be destined for a dynasty in 1986 was now on the decline. There was no wild card in those days & the Mets second place finishes in the next two seasons (as well as 1984-1985 &1987) meant nothing.
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