D-Whit - It Was 45 Years Ago Today...Sunday August 17th 1969

August 17^th

Packing four games into two days the Mets played their second twin bill of the weekend against San Diego. The Padres led 2-0 over Jerry Koosman but in the home half of the 5^th reserve catcher Duffy Dyer followed up back-to-back singles from Bud Harrelson and Donn Clendenon with a 3-run blast off Padre starter Joe Niekro. That was enough as New York won 3-2 behind a complete game effort from Koosman. In the nightcap, in front of 35,700 Shea faithful, the Mets wrapped up a four game sweep of the expansion Padres, with another 3-2 victory. This time it was Harrleson’s bases clearing triple off Clay Kirby in the 7^th and J.C. Martin’s sac fly off reliever Gary Ross that made the difference on the scoreboard. Don Cardwell tossed seven scoreless and Ron Taylor saved his 12^th. 

The Cubs split a pair with the Giants at Candlestick and St. Louis beat the Braves. The Mets (68-51) picked a half game on both teams, moving back into 2^nd place, now trailing Chicago (76-45) by eight.