National League Standings, April 12, 1998
METS FANS SHARE THEIR MEMORIES OF THE APRIL 12, 1998 GAME:
Dave VW
November 21, 2023
Brian Bohanon works 5 solid innings in an emergency start for Bobby Jones, who was scratched with back spasms, and John Olerud hits a clutch 2-run homer in the 7th off southpaw specialist Mike Myers, helping the Mets secure a series win in their first ever visit to County Stadium in Milwaukee.
Since Bohanon started the year in the bullpen, Bobby V didn't want to push him too far and decided to remove him after just 85 pitches. But Turk Wendell couldn't hold the 4-1 lead he was given, surrendering a 3-run homer to future Met Jose Valentin in the 6th. Brewers starter Paul Wagner, still in there in the 7th, struck out the first 2 he faced in the frame, but then Edgardo Alfonzo smacked a double, which was the first hit Wagner had given up since Butch Huskey's 2-run homer in the 3rd. Up to 123 pitches, Wagner was switched out for Myers to face Olerud, but John got the better of the matchup and put the Mets up to stay.
Even after giving up 3 runs, Wendell stayed in the game and worked a scoreless 7th, and then Mel Rojas recorded the final 6 outs to notch his first save of the season, and the second-to-last of his career. John Franco had pitched the previous day so I could only conclude Valentine wanted to avoid pitching his veterans on back-to-backs whenever possible. Given such a deep bullpen to play with in 1998, I can understand that philosophy.
NYB Buff
November 21, 2023
Dave VW, good and informative writing as usual. But you're off on one fact. This was not the Mets' first visit ever to Milwaukee's County Stadium. It was only their first series against the Brewers (who had just switched over to the National League) at that place. From 1962 to 1965, the Mets played road games at County Stadium against the Braves before they moved to Atlanta.
Dave VW
November 27, 2023
You are right, NYB Buff, thank you for correcting that! I still have a ways to go in brushing up on my Mets history!
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