Matlack, who the Mets opted to pitch on short rest instead of going with George Stone, was absolutely brilliant, scattering 3 hits over 8 innings and only allowing 1 unearned run. In 3 postseason starts thus far, he has yet to allow an earned run. What a beast.

Staub snuck a 3-run homer over the left/center field wall in the first inning, and also delivered a 2-run single to break it open in the 4th. He finished with 5 RBI and 4 hits, both of which are still Mets World Series records (though Lenny Dykstra also had 4 hits during the 1986 World Series).

Oakland starter Ken Holtzman faced just 6 batters before getting yanked, recording only 1 out. It was the shortest start by a pitcher in the World Series since the Mets' own Ray Sadecki while he was pitching for the Cardinals vs. the Yankees in 1964.

Before the game, NBC broadcast the Joe Garagiola Show, and on it he interviewed Reggie Jackson. Mr. October was quite candid, revealing that the A's players did not like team owner Charlie Finley, and that he had indeed requested a trade out of Oakland to escape the drama. He wouldn't get his wish until 1976. Catfish Hunter was also interviewed prior to the game and shared his disdain for Finley as well. It's amazing how much turmoil surrounded the A's team during this era, and yet they still managed to be so successful.

This game also marked the final Major League appearance of Mike Andrews, who was the centerpiece of the World Series controversy that made Finley public enemy #1. When he pinch hit in the 8th inning, the Mets crowd gave him a standing ovation, and he got another one after grounding out. This apparently embarrassed Finley enough to force manager Dick Williams to bench Andrews for the remainder of the series. He had an ego only George Steinbrenner and Marge Schott could rival.