Today In Mets History: 1976- Reserve Infielder Mike Phillips Hits For the Cycle

June 25, 1976: Joe Frazier's 3rd place Mets & Jim Marshall's 4th place Cubs, met for a Friday matinee at Wrigley Field to a crowd of just over 10,000. Jon Matlack going against Chicago's Ray Burris.

The Cubs biggest nemesis that day was a utility infielder playing short stop for the injured Bud Harrelson. His name was Mike Phillips. Phillips spent part of 1975 with the Mets after being picked up on waivers from the Giants; he would remain a Met until mid 1977. On this afternoon he had his best day, hitting for the cycle, going 4 for 5 in the leadoff spot, driving in two runs & scoring two runs.

Burris struck Phillips out to start the game. In his next at bat he doubled, then leading off the 5th he tripled and scored on an error. In the 7th inning he hit a two run HR, his 1st of the year and #5 of the 11 HRs in his career. In the 9th inning he saved the easiest for last, completing the cycle getting a single. The Mets won the game 7-4 as Dave Kingman hit his 24th HR of the year, a three run blast in the 3rd helping the effort. Matlack threw the complete game 4 runs, 9 hits, 6 Ks besting his record to 9-2 with a 2.81 ERA. He would finish the year with 17 wins (7th in the NL) 16 complete games (3rd in the NL) a 2.95 ERA (10th) & a league leading six shutouts.