Wednesday October 17th 1973: World Series Game #4 Shea Stadium, New York
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Mets Game Four Winner: Jon Matlack |
But they felt like they should have won both of the games they had lost, had a bad break gone their way instead of against them. They knew they could play with the mighty reigning World Champion A's, so there was much excitement heading into Game #4.
A's Drama: The controversial A's, were always use to drama & heading into this game things were no different.
His team mates, Marvin Miller head of the Players Union, & the baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn all stepped in on Andrews' behalf. Andrews was then reactivated, flew to New York & was in full uniform at Shea Stadium tonight.
Mets proud Owner Mrs. Joan Payson |
Gene Tenace & other A's players were vocal about their unhappiness about the seating. They were also concerned for their safety, after the events of the NLCS & complaints from the Reds players about their wives with the rowdiness of the crowd.
The A's Wives |
The starters were a rematch of Game Ones left handed pitchers; Jon Matlack vs. Ken Holtzman.
Starting Lineups
Oakland Athletics | New York Mets | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bert Campaneris | SS | 1 | Wayne Garrett | 3B | |
2 | Joe Rudi | LF | 2 | Felix Millan | 2B | |
3 | Sal Bando | 3B | 3 | Rusty Staub | RF | |
4 | Reggie Jackson | CF | 4 | Cleon Jones | LF | |
5 | Gene Tenace | 1B | 5 | John Milner | 1B | |
6 | Jesus Alou | RF | 6 | Jerry Grote | C | |
7 | Ray Fosse | C | 7 | Don Hahn | CF | |
8 | Dick Green | 2B | 8 | Bud Harrelson | SS | |
9 | Ken Holtzman | P | 9 | Jon Matlack |
In the top of the 1st inning, Campy Campaneris attempted a lead off bunt base hit, but John Milner made the play for the first out. With two out Matlack walked Sal Bando but struck out Reggie Jackson for the third out.
The Mets took care of business right away in the home 1st inning.
Then sore shoulder & all; Rusty Staub blasted a three run HR to the opposite field in left center, putting the Mets up 3-0. The Shea Faithful came alive as the legendary sign man held up a sign that read "Far Out".
The Mets got two more base runnerson, as John Milner walked & Jerry Grote singled. A's manager Dick Williams came to the mound & pulled Holtzman out of the game.
Blue Moon Odom came in & got Don Han to ground out. The Mets failed to score again in the inning.
In the home 4th; Don Hahn
& Buddy Harrelson both singled to lead off the inning.
Felix Millan reached on an error by Dick Green at second base that scored Don Hahn making it 4-0.
The hero of the night; Rusty Staub then drove a base hit to right field scoring Harrelson & Garrett to make it 6-1.
Staub had one of the biggest offensive nights in Mets World Series history, collecting four hits (4-4) with a HR, five RBIs & a walk.
It was all Matlack needed as he rolled along pitching eight innings, one run that was unearned on just three hits.
Gene Tenace then grounded out to Harrelson at short, Sal Bando crossed the plate with the A's only run. It was Tenace's third RBI of the series.
On the night, Matlack pitched eight innings, allowing one run on just three hits, he walked two batters & struck out five.
In three 1973 post season games, up to that point, Jon Matlack had not allowed as earned in 23 innings of work. He had allowed just nine hits, seven walks & struck out 17 batters posting a 2-1 record.
Pitcher Jon Matlack then got a base hit of his own, but Joe Rudi threw Jerry Grote out at home plate.
He was greeted by the Shea Stadium fans with a standing ovation, a sign of affection as much as sending an in your face message to Charlie Finley. Finley took it in stride waving an A's banner in the box seats.
Ray Sadecki closed out the game, making his third appearance in the World Series, while earning his first save.
Second to Rusty Staub's big four hit night, Jerry Grote had himself a three hit night. The World Series was now all tied up at two games each & things were very exciting for Mets fans.
To be part of what a World Series is & be part of a championship team has just been the greatest thrill of my entire life, it really has".
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