Remembering Mets History (1969) Seaver Wins 19th In San Francisco

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Sunday August 31st, 1969: The weekend series came to its grand finale on this Sunday doubleheader at Candlestick Park. The second place New York Mets (76-54) were 4 1/2 games behind the Fading Chicago Cubs as they faced off against the first place San Francisco Giants. 

 The Giants were clinging to a half game lead with both the L.A. Dodgers & Cincinnati Reds right behind them. The Atlanta Braves were just two games out in a tight Western Division.

 The starters in this one, would be the Giants Mike McCormick, who had led the NL in wins (22) just two seasons ago against the Mets ace, who was leading the NL in wins this year, Tom Seaver. Seaver who was born in Fresno always enjoyed coming to San Francisco just 185 miles from his home.

Starting Lineups



Tom Seaver was Tom Terrific again tonight as he won his 19th game of the season. He rolled along shuting out the Giants on a complete game seven hitter where he struck out eleven & walked three. His record went to 19-7 with a 2.5 ERA, all among the leagues best.

 The only trouble Seaver had, came early on; in the 2nd inning, Willie McCovey tripled down the line. Seaver then walked Bobby Bonds & he stole second base. With two on & no one out, Seaver bore down. He struck out Dave Marshall & Jack Hiatt (looking) then got Hal Lanier to pop out for the third out.
In the Giants 3rd, Ken Henderson singled, then Seaver plunked Ron Hunt in the helmet knocking him out of the game. Hunt the former Met, would get hit by 25 pitches that year & would lead the NL in that category, eight straight years. Seaver then walked another Giant, but got out of it without any damage retiring Bobby Bonds on a fly ball.

The Mets broke out in the 4th inning, Cleon Jones singled in between Tommie Agee & Donn Clendenon walks. 
Al Weiss two RBIs Gave Him 20 on the Year
With the bases loaded, Ron Swoboda doubled home Agee & Jones. Jerry Grote & Tom Seaver both singled, bringing in three more Mets runs. McCormick was knocked out of the came as fuyure Met Ron Herbel came in. 

In the next inning, Bobby Bolin replaced Herbel for the Giants, Rod Gaspar led off with a base hit. Swoboda then reached on a Don Mason error. Mason had come in to replace Ron Hunt at second base. Catcher Jerry Grote then walked to load the bases. Al Weis then delivered a two run single, making it 7-0. Bud Harrelson added another run with his own RBI single to right field making it 8-0.

The Mets rolled along to the shut out, but there was some drama in the 7th inning. Giants pitcher, Bobby Bolin, hit Seaver in the arm with a pitch, retaliation for Seaver plunking Hunt earlier in the game. 

 Seaver, unfazed, finished the complete game shutout.

 The Mets dropped the second game of the twin bill, as Ron Taylor walked Jim Davenport with the bases loaded.

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