Remembering Mets History: (2000) Al Leiter Strikes Out 12 Braves

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Saturday July 1st 2000: The Mets Braves rivalry was at it's peak at this point in time, with Bobby Cox's Atlanta club (48-32) one game in front of the Mets (46-32) in first place. 

44,593 came out to Shea for this Saturday matinee with Greg Maddux (9-2) going up against Al Leiter (9-1). 

Starting Lineups



In the home 1st, Derek Bell doubled & reached third a ground out, he then scored when a third strike to Mike Piazza got passed the catcher; Fernando Lunar. The Mets then exploded in the 2nd inning, Benny Agbayani hit a solo HR & the flood gates opened. Al Leiter singled, Melvin Mora doubled then Derek Bell doubled bringing in Leiter. 

Edgardo Alfonzo singled bringing in Bell & Mike Piazza hit his 23rd HR of the season, a two run shot making it 7-0 Mets. Derek Bell would add a two run HR later making it 9-1 Mets. 

On the mound Leiter was having a fine afternoon, he would start out the game striking out two Braves in the first inning. He did the same in the 4th & 5th innings as well.
In the 7th he would allow a pair of singles, but strike out the last two batters to end the threat. He struck out all three outs in the inning giving him a total of 12 Ks on the day. 

He would match that season high total twice on the year, as he finished the year with 200 strike outs (fifth in the NL). 

The win was Leiter's fifth win in a row besting his record to 10-1 on the season. He would go 16-8 with a 3.20 ERA in the Mets 2000 Pennant winning season.

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