2000 NLCS Game #1: Mets Take Opener 7-2

October 11th 2000- NLCS Game #1: 52,255 fans all in red packed Busch Stadium in St. Louis to see Tony Larussa’s Cardinals take on Bobby Valentines New York Mets in Game One of the 200 NLCS. The Mets struck St. Louis’ Daryl Kile in the 1st inning. The Mets newest hero, the leadoff man swinging a hot bat was Timo Perez, he doubled and came around to score on Mike Piazza double. Edgardo Alfonzo walked moved to third on Piazza’s double and scored on Robin Ventura’s sac fly. Quickly it was 2-0 Mets. In the 5th Mike Hampton always a good hitting pitcher singled and scored on Fonzie’s RBI single. The Mets cruised along and added more runs in the 9th on Todd Ziele & Jay Payton’s solo HRs.

Mike Hampton pitched a great game, going seven innings without allowing a run. He struck out four, walked three & allowed six hits. He got his first post season win and would eventually be the NLCS MVP. John Franco pitched a scoreless 8th & Armando Benitez closed it out, but not before giving up two runs. Mets took Game #1, 7-2.