Amazin’ Look Back: 6/9/73: Mets Top LA, 4-2

The Mets beat the Dodgers today at Shea by the score of 4-2, before 47,800. Jon Matlack went the distance for the win, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits, walking 3 and striking out 4. Al Downingtook the loss for the Dodgers.

Apr 1, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets former player Rusty Staub throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the start of a MLB opening day game between the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first, on a RBI groundout by Willie Davis, driving in Davey Lopes, who had opened the game with a double and advanced to third on a single by Bill Buckner. The Mets immediately assumed the lead in the bottom of the first, on a 2-RBI double by Rusty Staub. Staub’s double scored Willie Mays and Ted Martinez. The Dodgers tied the game in the third on a sacrifice fly by Buckner. Once again, the Mets answered quickly, taking a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the third on a home run by Willie Mays. The Mets added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth, on a double by Rusty Staub that scored Felix Millan.

Here’s a look at the starting lineups for the game:

Los Angeles Dodgers:

Davey Lopes 2B

Bill Buckner 1B

Willie Davis CF

Joe Ferguson C

Ron Cey 3B

Manny Mota LF

Willie Crawford RF

Bill Russell SS

Al Downing P

New York Mets:

Ted Martinez 3B

Felix Millan 2B

Wille Mays CF

Rusty Staub RF

Jim Fregosi SS

John Milner 1B

George Theodore LF

Duffy Dyer C

Jon Matlck P

Up Next: The Mets conclude their series with the Dodgers, with Jerry Koosman taking on Claude Osteen.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to Like Rising Apple’s Facebook page and follow@RisingAppleBlog on Twitter to keep up with the latest news, rumors, and opinion