METS FANS SHARE THEIR MEMORIES OF THE JULY 30, 1973 GAME:
Hank M
October 15, 2008
I was at this game, sitting in the mezzanine between home plate and first base. It was the first game of a twi-night doubleheader that was on the original schedule. It wasn't any means of making up a rainout, which is what all doubleheaders have since become.The game was a pitcher's duel between two good young hurlers. Jon Matlack pitched for the Mets, allowing only a Pepe Frias single over the first eight innings. Meanwhile, Montreal's Steve Rogers (just starting his career) held down the Mets, pitching shutout ball himself. Neither team was able to generate any offense. In the ninth, the Expos broke through. Ron Hunt got on base and eventually came around to score the game's only run. They almost scored again that inning, but Rusty Staub prevented that. He made a perfect throw to Ron Hodges, nailing the runner trying to score from second on a single. Rusty's throw went right to Hodges on the fly - no bounces. A better one couldn't be made. Rogers then got the Mets out in order to end the game. It was a hard luck loss, especially for Matlack. As for myself, this was the first Met game I attended that they did not win. Sadly, it wouldn't be the last.
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