Today In Mets History: 1977- Henderson & Mazzilli Brighten Up A Long Summer

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July 12, 1977: The Mets were down in the dumps, in 6th place Joe Torre at the helm and Tom Seaver gone a month. It’s no wonder a little over 8000 showed up at Shea to see a 3-11 Jon Matlack go against a Chicago Cubs ace Rick Reushel (12-2). Matlack pitched well allowing two runs on six hits pitching into the ninth inning. He gave way to Skip Lockwood who earned the save.

The Mets were scored first in the 5th. John Stearns walked and then was forced out by Mike Vail, who scored on a Lee Mazzilli double. In the 7th Matlack gave up a two run HR to catcher George Mitterwald putting the Mets behind. 

But in the bottom of the 7th, Vail doubled and Mazzilli drove him in with a base hit to tie it. In the bottom of the 8th facing the fireman of the year Bruce Sutter, Lenny Randle singled. Then new comer Steve Henderson acquired in the Seaver trade with a lot of hype hit a two run HR that proved to be a game winner. It was his 3rd of the year and it was a happy recap in a long summer at Shea.

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