Remembering Mets History (1988) NLCS- Dodgers Upset Heavily Favored Mets in Seven Games
Tuesday October 4th, 1988, NLCS Game #1 - Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California: Davey Johnson's New York Mets had won their second divisional title in three years & were the heavy favorite going into the post season. The Mets had won 100 games (100-60) finishing 15 games in front of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Mets offense was led by Darryl Strawberry who led the NL in HRs (39) & drove in 100 RBIs. Kevin McReynolds hit 27 HRs with 99 RBIs 30 doubles & hit .288. Howard Johnson hit 24 HRs & Wally Backman was the only Met in the starting lineup that had hit over .300.
Rookie Greg Jefferies was the new star as in 29 games he hit .321 with 6 HRs & 17 RBIs. By now the All-Star veterans Gary Carter & Keith Hernandez were entering the twilights of their careers.
Bad Luck Accident: Another starter, Bobby Ojeda had gone 10-13 with a 2.88 ERA) but the rotation took a big blow when Ojeda injured himself at home in a gardening accident just before the series began. From August thru the end of the regular season, although he lost five of seven decisions he posted a 2.31 ERA.
The pitching was led by Orel Hershiser that year's Cy Young winner (NL Leader in wins (23)-Shut outs (8) complete games (15) & innings (267) with a 2.26 ERA). He too would have a post season of legendary proportion.
Tim Leary (17-11 / 2.91 ERA) was behind Hershiser & Jay Howell posted 21 saves with Alejandro Pena notching 12 more saves, as well as former Met Jesse Orosco adding nine more saves.
Trivia: During the regular season matchups, the Mets had won ten of the 11 games against the Dodgers.
Game #1 had a classic pitching matchup of Dwight Gooden & Orel Hershiser as 55,582 filled Dodger Stadium for the excitement.
In the bottom of the 1st, the Dodgers leadoff man Steve Sax singled & stole second base.
Dwight Gooden then struck out Franklin Stubs & retired Kirk Gibson. With two outs, Mike Marshall singled into right field bringing in Steve Sax with the game's first run.
In the top of the 3rd inning, the Mets got base hits from Gary Carter & Mookie Wilson but were not able to capitalize.
But Orel Hershiser got out of the inning when Darryl Strawberry grounded out to Mike Marshall at first base unassisted.
Meanwhile, Dwight Gooden also was rolling, along holding the Dodgers down to the lone run. In the bottom of the 5th inning, he struck out Orel Hershiser & Steve Sax, then got Franklin Stubbs to ground out.
Dr. K Trivia: It was the first time Gooden recorded double figures in strike outs in the post season. Through his first five career post season games he had 28 strike outs in 33 innings.
In the bottom of the 8th Randy Myers retired the Dodgers in order.
Orel Hershiser got to the 9th inning holding the 2-0 lead. Orel had shut out the Mets, striking out six &
allowing just four hits thru the first eight.
In the top of the 9th, Greg Jefferies led off with a base hit to center field & was moved over to second on Keith Hernandez's ground out to the right side.
Dodgers' manager, Tommy Lasorda removed Hershiser & brought in reliever Jay Howell. Howell
walked his first batter Kevin McReynolds but then struck out Howard Johnson for the second out.
McReynolds Play at the Plate: Dodger catcher Mike Scioscia was blocking the plate getting ready to take the throw from the outfield & standing his ground. Kevin McReynolds came in at full speed & barreled into the Dodger catcher knocking the ball free touching the plate getting called safe by home plate umpire Harry Wendelstedt.
In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Dwight Gooden walked Orel Hershiser to start the inning. He then hit Steve Sax with a pitch to put two on with nobody outs. Gooden then struck out the next three Dodgers, fanning Franklin Stubbs, Kirk Gibson & Mike Marshall to get out of the inning.
From the 4th inning on, Orel Hershiser retired nine Mets in a row into the 6th inning. In the top of the 6th inning, with two outs, Gregg Jefferies & Keith Hernandez both reached with base hits.
Meanwhile, Dwight Gooden also was rolling, along holding the Dodgers down to the lone run. In the bottom of the 5th inning, he struck out Orel Hershiser & Steve Sax, then got Franklin Stubbs to ground out.
In the bottom of the 6th, Gooden struck out the side, getting Kirk Gibson & Mike Marshall looking at third strikes, then fanning John Shelby for his tenth strike out of the game.
In the home 7th inning, Dodger catcher Mike Scioscia led off with a double to deep right field. Jeff Hamilton grounded out advancing Scioscia to third, he was then brought in on Alfredo Griffin's base hit, making it a 2-0 Dodger lead.
Alfredo Griffin was caught stealing & Orel Hershiser grounded out to end the inning.
Mets manager Davey Johnson took Gooden out after seven innings, last inning. he gave up two runs, on four hits & walked one while striking out ten.
Orel Hershiser got to the 9th inning holding the 2-0 lead. Orel had shut out the Mets, striking out six &
allowing just four hits thru the first eight.
In the top of the 9th, Greg Jefferies led off with a base hit to center field & was moved over to second on Keith Hernandez's ground out to the right side.
Darryl Strawberry followed with a double to center field, bringing home Jefferies making it a 2-1 game.
walked his first batter Kevin McReynolds but then struck out Howard Johnson for the second out.
Gary Carter stepped in with the tying & go ahead runs on base. The Kid delivered with a line drive to center field that John Shelby charged but could not hold on to as it bounced off his glove. Strawberry scored easily.
It was a rare time when Mike Scioscia who was the master at blocking the plate from oncoming base runners trying to score was on the losing end of a battle at home plate. It was a big moment in a big game as Kevin McReynolds base running put the Mets ahead in what was the games winning run.
In the bottom of the 1st, utility man Mickey Hatcher walked & advanced on David Cone's balk, Mike Marshall's base hit made it 1-0.
a two run double from Mickey Hatcher & another RBI single from Mike Marshall. Cone was done after two innings to the delight of the Dodger Stadium fans & players.
The Mets Keith Hernandez had himself a multi- three RBI game with a two run HR & RBI single but New York lost the game 6-3 as the series was even at one game each.
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Mets Pitcher Roger McDowell Confirms Rain Out  |
The first game back was scheduled on Friday but was postponed due to bad weather.
In the top of the 1st inning, Ron Darling had an easy time with the first three Dodgers.
The Mets returned to Shea Stadium for their second post season series in three years. 44,672 came out for the Saturday afternoon matinee. The weather was not the best, it was still cloudy, & the field was a bit wet, but the rain held off enough for baseball to be played.
Al Michales, Tim McCarver & Jim Palmer called the game for ABC Sports.
Mets manager Davey Johnson sent Ron Darling (17-9 / 3.25 ERA) to the mound making his first post season start since Game seven of the 1986 World Series. Tommy Lasorda sent his Game #1 pitcher Orel Hershiser (23-8 / 2.26 ERA) back to work for L.A.
Mets manager Davey Johnson sent Ron Darling (17-9 / 3.25 ERA) to the mound making his first post season start since Game seven of the 1986 World Series. Tommy Lasorda sent his Game #1 pitcher Orel Hershiser (23-8 / 2.26 ERA) back to work for L.A.
In the bottom of the 1st, Orel Hershiser walked Greg Jefferies & Keith Hernandez, but he got Darryl Strawberry to ground out & Kevin McReynolds to pop up.
In the top of the 2nd inning, Darling walked the first two Dodger batters then gave up an RBI base hit to Mike Scioscia which brought home Mike Marshall with the game's first run first run.
Jeff Hamilton then grounded out to short & John Shelby was able to score quickly making it 2-0 Dodgers.
In the top of the 3rd inning, Steve Sax singled to right field then stole second base. Sax advanced on Mickey Hatchers weak grounder to Keith Hernandez. Kirk Gibson then grounded out to second base allowing Sax to score the Dodgers third run, making it 3-0.
Gary Carter singled to right field scoring Hernandez driving in his third run of the series.
In the top of the 7th, Ron Darling was removed after pitching six innings, allowing three runs on five hits with four walks & five strike outs. Roger McDowell came on to pitch & retired the side in order.
Mets manager Davey Johnson went to his closer Randy Myers. But here, Myers walked Mike Sharperson bringing home pinch runner Jose Gonzales to put L.A. ahead 4-3.
Drama: Mets first base coach Bill Robinson had noticed pine tar on Jay Howell's glove. When it was brought to the attention of the home plate umpire Joe West by Mets manager Davey Johnson, he & crew chief Harry Wendelstedt came to check the pitcher's glove. Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda & the Dodgers crowded the mound as Harry Wendelstedt waved his arm ejecting Howell from the game. 
The glove was found dirty with pine tar & was brought over to MLB Commissioner Bart Giamatti & NL President Chub Feeney who were in attendance in the private box seats.
MLB Trivia: At this same time, they were investigating Pete Rose's association with gambling & he would soon be banned from baseball.
Howard Johnson reached on a force play & stole second base. Hojo had stolen 23 bases on the season & was a three-time 30/30 man in his career.
Jesse Orosco then hit Greg Jefferies with a pitch to load the bases. Davey Johnson put in Kevin Elster to run for Gregg Jefferies. Keith Hernandez then drew a bases loaded walk off Orosco bringing in Dykstra with the Mets sixth run, making it 6-4.
In the inning, the Mets sent ten men to the plate, scoring five runs with three hits, three walks & a hit by pitch. It was the highest scoring inning for the Mets in the entire NLCS.
In the home 3rd inning, Ron Darling struck out to start the inning. Orel Hershiser then struck out Mookie Wilson, but the ball got by catcher Mike Scioscia allowing Mookie to reach first base. Gregg Jefferies then hit a single to center field, advancing Mookie to second.
After Keith Hernandez flew out to left field, Darryl Strawberry doubled with a liner to right field scoring Mookie with the Mets first run.
Then Orel Hershiser struck out Kevin McReynolds to end the inning. Hershiser retired the next seven batters getting to the 7th inning.
In the top of the 5th, with two outs Mickey Hatcher & Kirk Gibson both collected base hits. Mike Marshall then grounded out to end the inning.
In the top of the 6th, Darling walked two batters but managed to strike out Alfredo Griffin & Orel Hershiser to end the inning.
In the bottom of the 6th inning, Keith Hernandez & Darryl Strawberry singled to start the inning. Kevin McReynolds then reached on a throwing error by third baseman Jeff Hamilton to load the bases.
Then Wally Backman got a ball through second & first base for another hit, scoring Darryl Strawberry to tie the game up at three as Shea Stadium went wild.
In the bottom of the 7th, Orel Hershiser walked Mookie Wilson then with one out intentionally walked Keith Hernandez. Darryl Strawberry then grounded into an inning ending double play.
In the top of the 8th after striking out the first two Dodgers in the inning, Roger McDowell surrendered base hits to Mike Scioscia & Jeff Hamilton. He then walked pinch hitter Mike Davis to load the bases.
Orel Hershiser was removed after seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits with four strike outs & four walks.
In the bottom of the 8th, Jay Howell came on to pitch. Howell walked Kevin McReynolds to start the inning.
In the bottom of the 8th, Jay Howell came on to pitch. Howell walked Kevin McReynolds to start the inning.
Drama: Mets first base coach Bill Robinson had noticed pine tar on Jay Howell's glove. When it was brought to the attention of the home plate umpire Joe West by Mets manager Davey Johnson, he & crew chief Harry Wendelstedt came to check the pitcher's glove. Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda & the Dodgers crowded the mound as Harry Wendelstedt waved his arm ejecting Howell from the game.
Howell was afraid of what consequences would follow; he received death threats & with free agency looming he thought he was doomed. Even Keith Hernandez & Wally Backman commented that the ejection was excessive. Howell was given a one game suspension as the situation was not the main story in the Commissioner's office.
The next day the Dodgers wore the #50 on their uniforms in honor of their pitcher.
Eventually play resumed, Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda brought in Alejandro Pena to pitch.
Gary Carter flew out for the second out. Wally Backman then doubled to center field scoring Hojo tying the game up at four.
Len Dykstra drew a walk bringing Tommy Lasorda out to get Pena bringing in former Mets reliever Jesse Orosco.
Mookie Wilson greeted his old teammate with an RBI single to center bringing home Backman with the go ahead run 5-4.
Tommy Lasorda went to his bullpen once again, bringing in Ricky Horton.
Darryl Strawberry followed with a pop fly that fell in for a hit behind the short stop, bringing in Mookie Wilson & Kevin Elster with two more making it an 8-4 lead.
In the top of the 9th, Davey Johnson brought in David Cone to shut the door with a save. Cone struck out Tracy Woodson, got Kirk Gibson to pop up & had Mike Marshall line out to Lenny Dykstra to end the game.
The Mets won the game 8-4 & took two games to one lead in the NLCS.
In the top of the 1st inning, Steve Sax singled & stole second, Mickey Hatcher walked & John Shelby delivered a two-run single giving L.A. the early lead.
In the bottom of the 4th, Keith Hernandez singled, Darryl Strawberry hit a two run HR & Kevin McReynolds followed going back-to-back giving the Mets the 3-2 lead. It was McReynolds first hit & RBI in the series.
Dwight Gooden entered the 9th inning with the 4-2 lead, having allowed just three hits & four base runners all night. It was looking like the Mets were heading for victory & would take a commanding three games to one lead. But Gooden walked John Shelby after having a two-strike advantage. Then he served up a two-run game tying HR to catcher Mike Scioscia. It turned the series around.
The game went to extra innings with Kirk Gibson hitting a 12th inning HR off Roger McDowell for the winning run.
Keith Trivia: Hernandez had reached safely three times in the game & had now hit safely in all NLCS games with two multi-hit games & had hit safely in seven straight post season games going back to the 1986 World Series.
Orosco got Darryl Strawberry to pop up for the second out. Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda brought in his secret weapon, Orel Hershiser. Orel got Kevin McReynolds to pop out for the final out. The Mets took the devastating loss as the series was now even.
regroup after last night's terrible loss. In Game Five Sid Fernandez got his first start & it did not go well. In the 4th inning, Rick Dempsey drove in two runs with a two run double & then Alfredo Griffin added an RBI double making it 3-0. In the top of the 5th, Kirk Gibson struck again this time with a three run HR giving the Dodgers 1 6-0 lead.
For New York, Lenny Dykstra hit a three run HR & Greg Jefferies an RBI single, but it was not enough as they took the 7-4 loss taking the series lead, heading back to Los Angeles needing one more win to clinch the series.
Davey Johnson sent David Cone to the mound tonight to save the Mets season. Cone had the league's best winning percentage in the regular season.
In this NLCS it was his third appearance, after his newspaper comments fired up the Dodgers in Game #2, they beat him up for five runs & the loss. Cone collected a save closing out Game #3 in New York & tonight he got the start.
Tommy Lasorda sent Tim Leary (17-11 / 2.91 ERA / 180 Ks) to the mound.
It was Leary's first start in the series as he had collected a hold pitching relief in the Dodger Game #4 win.
A crowd of 55,693 filled Dodger Stadium for a 6:20 Pacific Coast time start on beautiful night in L.A.
In the top of the 3rd, Darryl Strawberry & McReynolds both collected base hits. Tim Leary got the next two Mets out, then Kevin Elster blasted a doubled to left field bringing in Strawberry with the Mets second run 2-0. David Cone lined out but ended the inning.
In the top of the 5th inning, Darryl Strawberry led off with a walk. Kevin McReynolds then blasted a two run HR to left center field, putting New York up 4-0.
Kevin McReynolds Trivia: McReynolds would have a multi-four hit night; he would collect seven hits in the series with three walks. The HR was his second of the series & McReynolds would also drive in four runs in the NLCS.
In the top of the 6th, David Cone made the first out, then Len Dykstra doubled to left field. Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda brought on Ricky Horton to pitch.
In the top of the 5th inning, Darryl Strawberry led off with a walk. Kevin McReynolds then blasted a two run HR to left center field, putting New York up 4-0.
Kevin McReynolds Trivia: McReynolds would have a multi-four hit night; he would collect seven hits in the series with three walks. The HR was his second of the series & McReynolds would also drive in four runs in the NLCS.Tommy Lasorda removed Tim Leary as Brian Holton came on to pitch.
David Cone had gone through the first four innings shutting out Los Angeles on one hit.
In the bottom of the 5th, with two outs pitcher Brian Holton singled to left field, then Cone walked Steve Sax. Next the pesky Mickey Hatcher drove an RBI single to right field making it a 4-1 Mets lead.
Horton retired Wally Backman on a grounder to Jeff Hamilton at third base. Keith Hernandez then singled to centerfield bringing in Len Dykstra for a 5-1 Mets lead.
Keith Trivia: Hernandez drove in five runs in the series, second to Darryl Strawberry (six). He was also second to Gregg Jefferies & Darryl Strawberry with seven hits. Keith collected a Mets best six walks posting a .406 on base %.
In the top of the 9th, David Cone was determined to finish the game. After getting the first two outs, Mike Scioscia & Jeff Hamilton both singled. Cone then got Mike Davis to fly to McReynolds in left for the final out.
David Cone put in an outstanding performance silencing the Dodger Stadium crowd. He pitched a complete game one run, five hitter striking out six & walking three.
Hershiser pitched a complete game five hit shutout, totally baffling Mets hitters. Orel would strike out five & walk two. Overall, in the NLCS he was 1-0 with a save, allowing three earned runs in 24.2 innings for a 1.09 ERA. He struck out 15 & walked seven in four appearances. He would win two more games in the World Series win over Oakland.
The Dodgers won the pennant & went to surprise the mighty Oakland A's winning the World Series in five games. It was their sixth Championship & second of the 1980's winning their last seven years earlier in 1981.
Keith Hernandez & Gary Carter would be gone at the end of next season, Darryl Strawberry & Ron Darling gone after two more seasons. It was the end of an era.