Remembering Mets History (1989) El Sid Sets Team Record For Lefties With 16 Ks
From 1985-1990 the Braves finished last each year except 1987 when they finished fifth. But the team was to go into an amazing transition that would have them finished first in 14 of the next 15 seasons.
In tonight's matchup the Mets Sid Fernandez (6-3) took on second year Braves pitcher John Smoltz (3-2). In his first year Smoltz went 2-7 but turned things around this year to go 12-11 & make his first All-Star team.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Sid Fernandez struck out Oddibe McDowell to start the game. After a double from Jeff Blauser, Fernandez struck out Lonnie Smith, then retired Andres Thomas.
In 1989, he led the Mets staff in strike outs (198) winning 14 games, Three Mets pitchers won 14 games that year, Sid, Ron Darling & David Cone with Bob Ojeda winning 13. The Mets finished second to the Chicago Cubs that year at 87-75.
In the top of the 2nd inning, Kevin McReynolds hit his 14th HR of the season giving the Mets a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the inning, Dale Murphy & Ed Whited both singled, then advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Bruce Benedict collected an RBI single as Murphy scored. Then John Smoltz grounded out, bringing in Whited with the go ahead run 2-1.
In the bottom of the 4th inning, Sid struck out the side. In the bottom of the 5th inning he fanned two more. In the 6th he struck out the side again, then added two more in both the 7th & 8th innings. From the 4th inning on, El Sid was racking up the K’s, striking out twelve of fifteen Braves.
In the top of the 5th, Kevin McReynolds collected his second hit with a double, then Mackey Sasser drove an RBI single to left tying the game.
In the bottom of the inning, Dale Murphy & Ed Whited both singled, then advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Bruce Benedict collected an RBI single as Murphy scored. Then John Smoltz grounded out, bringing in Whited with the go ahead run 2-1.
In the bottom of the 4th inning, Sid struck out the side. In the bottom of the 5th inning he fanned two more. In the 6th he struck out the side again, then added two more in both the 7th & 8th innings. From the 4th inning on, El Sid was racking up the K’s, striking out twelve of fifteen Braves.
John Smoltz held the Mets down thru the 8th inning as he struck out seven batters along the way. Joe Boever pitched a scoreless top of the 9th.
In the bottom of the 9th, Sid Fernandez fine outing was spoiled by a walk off HR from Lonnie Smith.
On the night. Fernandez struck out a season high 16 batters, setting a franchise record for left handers. On the night, he allowed six hits and no walks.
In 1989, he led the Mets staff in strike outs (198) winning 14 games, Three Mets pitchers won 14 games that year, Sid, Ron Darling & David Cone with Bob Ojeda winning 13. The Mets finished second to the Chicago Cubs that year at 87-75.