Remembering Mets History (1999): Rick Reed's Shut Out Guarantee's The Mets of A Wild Card Tie

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Saturday October 2nd, 1999: Bobby Valentine's New York Mets (94-66) hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates (78-81) in front of 36,878 at Shea Stadium.

It was a big game for an exciting team. A Mets win would guarantee them of at least a tie for the NL Wild Card. The Mets would indeed come through with a win, as they were destined to face off in Cincinnati against the Reds for a Wild Card tie breaking game.

But the Mets had to win this one first with Rick Reed (10-5) taking the mound against the Bucs, Francisco Cordova (8-9).

For Reed he had not earned a winning decision in two months. At that point he had won seven straight decisions, then missed a month of action returning September 7th. He had three no decisions & then took a 3-2 loss at Philadelphia in his last start leading to this game.

The Mets had also hit hard times as they had lost eight of their last ten games, nearly blowing the chance to get to their first post season since 1988.



Tonight, Mets pitcher Rick Reed was spectacular, pitching a three hit complete game shutout. He struck out 12 Pirates along the way & walked no one. It was certainly one of the better outings of the season as well as his career. This was his only shut out & complete game of the 1999 season. The 12 Ks were also a season best.

The Mets loaded the bases in the 2nd but couldn't capitalize. The game remained scoreless until the 6th inning. John Olerud led off the home half of the 6th with a walk. Then Mike Piazza reached on an error.

Robin Ventura then doubled, bringing in his 119th run of the year. Rey Ordonez then line out, but a Pirates throwing error by Aramis Ramirez led to Piazza scoring the Mets second run.

In the 8th, Roger Cedeno singled & Ordonez doubled. 

Rick Reed helped his own cause with a base hit bringing home two runs. Matt Franco then drew a pinch-hit walk. Next John Olerud singled in the Mets fifth run. Mike Piazza sealed it with a two run HR, his 40th of the season RBIs 123 & 124 on the year. 

The Mets went on to the 7-0 win & assuring them of the wild card match up.

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