Amazin’ Look Back 8/18/1973: Mets Club Reds

The Mets defeated the Reds by the score of 12-1 at Shea today, improving their record to 54-66 on the season. The Mets scored early and often against Reds’ starter and loser Fred Norman. The onslaught began in the bottom of the second inning when Don Hahn belted a 3-run home run, scoring John Milner and Jerry Grote ahead of him. The Mets increased their lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the third, when Felix Millan scored on a Norman wild pitch. The Mets then broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth, scoring two more runs against reliever Roger Nelson, who hit Felix Millan with a pitch with the bases loaded, then walked Willie Mays with the sacks full to plate another run.

February 4, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Retired baseball player Pete Rose sits in attendance during UFC 143 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

On the pitching side, Jon Matlack went the distance for the win. He gave up 10 hits, struck out 7 and walked 4. The Reds’ only run came in the ninth on a RBI ground out by Larry Stahl. Matlack improved his record to 10-15 on the season.

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

Reds:

Pete Rose 3B

Joe Morgan 2B

Dan Driessen 3B

Tony Perez 1B

Johnny Bench RF

Andy Kosco CF

Bill Plummer C

Darrel Chaney SS

Fred Norman P

Mets:

Bud Harrelson SS

Felix Millan 2B

Willie Mays 1B

Cleon Jones RF

John Milner LF

Jerry Grote C

Don Hahn CF

Ted Martinez 3B

Jon Matlack P

Up Next: The Mets conclude their series with the Reds tomorrow, when Jerry Koosman takes on Ross Grimsley.

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