NY Mets: Three worst heartbreaking pitches thrown in franchise history

Kenny Rogers walks in the winning run

Momentum swung the Mets’ way in Game 5 of the 1999 NLCS. Down 3-0 heading into Game 4, the club managed to defeat the Atlanta Braves two games in a row, including their 15th inning walk-off victory in Game 5.

In a must-win situation, they went into Game 6 hopeful they could steal another. Starter Al Leiter put together a poor start but the Mets rallied back and managed to rally back late. The two teams exchanged a run apiece in the 10th. In the 11th inning, knotted up at 9, Kenny Rogers took the mound against Atlanta.

Rogers was not placed in the best position to succeed. In the playoffs, pitchers don’t get this luxury. They have to pitch in whatever situation they’re asked to.

A leadoff double by Gerald Williams put him in an early hole. A sacrifice bunt by Bret Boone pushed Rogers against a wall further. With a runner on third and only one out, the Mets opted to intentionally walk Chipper Jones and Brian Jordan to load the bases.

Rogers was left with no room for error. He had to get an easy out against the next hitter, Andruw Jones. Four balls would end the game. Sadly, that’s exactly what happened.

The Braves literally ended the game with a walk-off. Like that, the season was over for the team in Flushing.