Remembering Mets History: (1986) Kevin Mitchell's Walk Off Hit Beats Cards

August 14th 1986: Davey Johnsons first place New York Mets (76-37) had a 17 game lead of the Montreal Expos as they hosted their rival St. Louis Cardinals (55-58) led by Whitey Herzog, who were under .500% & twenty games back. This was the first game of a Thursday twi-night doubleheader at Shea. Ron Darling got the start for New York as Tim Conroy took the hill for the Cards.

Starting Lineups

	St. Louis Cardinals				New York Mets
1	Vince Coleman	CF		1	Mookie Wilson	CF
2	Ozzie Smith	SS		2	Kevin Mitchell	LF
3	Tom Herr	2B		3	Keith Hernandez	1B
4	Curt Ford	LF		4	Gary Carter	C
5	Terry Pendleton	3B		5	Darryl Strawberry	RF
6	John Morris	RF		6	Ray Knight	3B
7	Clint Hurdle	1B		7	Tim Teufel	2B
8	Mike LaValliere	C		8	Rafael Santana	SS
9	Tim Conroy	P		9	Ron Darling	P

In the 2nd inning, Darling allowed a HR to third baseman Terry Pendleton. The only other run he allowed was an RBI base hit to Vince Coleman in the 5th. Darling went seven innings allowing two runs, five hits, two walks & a solid eight strike outs.

The Mets got a run on a fielders choice by Rafael Santana but were quiet other than that to the 7th inning. After Conroy got the first two outs, Mookie Wilson doubled on a long drive to center field. Then the ultimate utility man, Kevin Mitchell hit his 10th HR of the year putting the Mets ahead 3-2.

As Darling was looking for his 12th win of the season, Jesse Orosco came on for the save. But on this day Orosco didn't have it, blowing his fifth save of the season. Pinch hitters Tito Landrum & Tom Lawless singles, Orosco walked pinch hitter Alan Knicely & an error by Rafael Santana brought in the tying run. Roger McDowell came in to close out the inning.

In the bottom of the 9th, the Mets faced off to Cardinal closer Todd Worrell. Santana made up for his error with a lead off double. Wally Backman successfully sacrificed him over with a bunt. Mookie Wilson singled to center but Santana was thrown out at home plate by Coleman.

Kevin Mitchell, who was labeled "World" by Gary Carter because he could play all over the place or everywhere, delivered the walk off game winner with a base hit to center scoring the speedy Mookie Wilson. Just another comeback win for the '86 World Champion Mets. Mitchell had two hits, a HR & three RBIs on the day.