Remembering Mets History: (1991) Ron Darling Tosses Two Hitter In His Last Win As A Met

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Wednesday July 3rd 1991: It had been five years since the Mets 1986 Championship season & things were very different with the ball club.

Howard Johnson, was the last everyday position player left from the Championship of '86, Tim Tuefel was still on the roster as were Kevin Elster & Dave Magadan  who were just starting out in 1986. Dwight Gooden, Sid Fernandez & Ron Darling were the last pitchers left from the championship staff. 

Starting Lineups


But Ron Darling's days were numbered, in two weeks he would be traded to the Montreal Expos for Tim Burke. Darling entered the game at 4-5 with a 4.43 ERA, this would be his best game of the year for the '91 Mets, his next to last start as a New York Met. 13,830 fans came to Stade Olympique in Montreal, as Tom Runnell's fifth place Expos (33-45) hosted Bud Harrelson's third place New York Mets (42-34). 

The Mets scored first in the top of the 1st inning, with two outs Kevin McReynolds got aboard on a base hit. Howard Johnson then followed with his 19th HR of the year, making it 2-0 Mets.

In the 2nd. Dave Martinez singled to right field with the Expos first hit. They wouldn't get another hit until the 8th inning, when Spike Owen singled to left field. Darling retired pinch hitter Eric Bullock to end the inning & finish up his night. 

Darling threw eight shut out innings, struck out four & walked three. Alejandro Pena came on in the 9th inning & retired the side in order. 

The Mets added a run in the 3rd, when Hubie Brooks singled home Kevin McReynolds. In the top of the 8th, catcher Rick Cerone singled & stole second base. He was driven in by Tommy Herr, making it 4-0 Mets, which was the final score. 

 On July 14th 1991, in his last start as a Met, Ron Darling would take a loss at Shea Stadium to the San Diego Padres. Darling would go 0-2 in Montreal then get traded to the Oakland Athletics where he would pitch for five more seasons.

The 1991 Mets finished fifth at 77-84, Bud Harrelson was replaced as Manager by Mike Cubbage, late in September.

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