D-Whit - It Was 45 Years Ago Today...Tuesday August 26th 1969

August 26^th

Seaver picks up win #18

Less than 48 hours ago the Mets left New York for their west coast swing 5.5 games behind Chicago. By the end of the day that deficit would almost be cut in half.

While the Mets rested Monday, in anticipation of their Tuesday twi-night double header,  at Wrigley Field Chicago lost to the Reds. Cincinnati took the Tuesday matinee as well. Tom Seaver took the hill with the chance to cut New York’s deficit to 4 and pick up win number 18-he did both in a CG victory. The offense, which pounded out 11 hits vs. 4 Padre pitchers, was led by the slugging Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda-who each homered-as well as Cleon Jones who drove in two in the 8-4 victory.

In Game Two, Jim McAndrew pitched a gem. He went all the way, scattering five hits, en route to his 6^th victory of the season. Tommie Agee went 3-4 while Art Shamsky chipped in two hits and a RBI as New York (73-52) won 3-0-sweeping the double header and moving 3.5 games behind Chicago (79-51). They were also just one victory away from setting a franchise record for wins in a season