Ultimate Mets Database: Game of October 6, 1973

Dave VW
February 6, 2025
A very tough loss to begin the 1973 postseason for the Mets. In the first inning, the Mets loaded the bases with just 1 out but failed to score as Cleon Jones bounced into an inning-ending double play. In the second, Bud Harrelson walked with 2 outs and Seaver then roped a double to left-center field to score the first run of the game. It was Seaver's only postseason RBI of his career.

It looked like the Mets were going to have Reds starter Jack Billingham's number, but the right-hander didn't allow another hit over the next 6 innings, at one point retiring 16 in a row. Seaver was up to the task, however, working around doubles by Bench in the 2nd and Driessen in the 4th, as well as leadoff singles by Cesar Geronimo in the 5th and Bench in the 7th, to hold Cincinnati off the scoreboard through 7 innings.

Pitching in the 8th with 1 out, Seaver worked the outside edge to get 2 strikes on Pete Rose. But for some reason, even though Rose stood way back from the plate in the batter's box, Seaver abandoned the outside corner and came inside. Rose responded by lining a home run into the RF seats to tie the game. I don't understand the pitch selection there at all.

Rusty Staub led off the 9th with a walk but was stranded at first. He was the Mets' first base runner since the 3rd inning. Seaver went back to the mound in the 9th, and after he got Tony Perez to ground out, Bench hit a no-doubter to left to win it for the Reds. It's the only postseason walk-off home run in Reds franchise history, as well as the only one ever given up by the Mets.

Despite the loss, Seaver struck out 13, setting a franchise postseason record that still stands, though Jacob deGrom tied it in Game 1 of the 2015 NLDS vs. the Dodgers.

Before the game, the Mets radio crew of Bob Murphy, Lindsay Nelson and Ralph Kiner appeared on TV giving an introduction for the game. Kiner was wearing a red suit with blue tie combination that was absolutely hideous. I also never knew Murphy was so short, as standing next to the other 2 he could have passed for a hobbit.

Jerry Grote also celebrated his 31st birthday on this day. He went a forgettable 0-for-4.

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The Mets suck! Smith made three errors in this game, and hit into a double play, and the Mets blew a 5-0 lead. They need to get rid of Smith and get somebody like Jones.
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