Amazin’ Look Back – June 25, 1973: Matlack Loses Shutout & Game in Top 9th, Mets Lose 3-2 to Cubbies

By Sam Maxwell
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The New York Mets (30-35) could not hold a late 2-0 lead and lost to the Chicago Cubs by a score of 3-2 at Shea Stadium on Monday, June 25, 1973. Jon Matlack (4-10, 4.06 ERA) took the loss, as he could not close the door when he took the mound in the 9th inning, combining with Tug McGraw, who could not hold it when arriving in an attempt to save the day.

The Mets scored 2 on a Ron Hodges single in the 6th inning.

It looked to be enough as Matlack was cruising. The 9th, however, left much to be desired. With 2 walks and a single, the bases were loaded and Yogi Berra had seen enough. The fireman McGraw entered, but immediately gave up a 2-run double to Ron Santo. Later in the inning, he gave up a single to Don Keppinger before Paul Popovich of the Cubs mercifully grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Ron Hodges, Jim Fregosi and Ken Boswell went down in order in the bottom half.

Starting Lineups

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