The 3 best Mets moments against the Reds in team history

The New York Mets battled the Cincinnati Reds in 1986 in one of the strangest games in Mets history

The 1986 season was exciting…it was a bit crazy…and gave fans a season to remember. And on July 22, 1986, the Mets had a game to remember, one that truly stands out in that special season.

The Mets were already dominating the National League and were intent on making a statement…no matter how they had to do it.

In a bizarre move, Red player/manager Pete Rose sent himself up to pinch hit in the bottom of the 10th inning in a tie game at Riverfront Stadium. Rose would get a single and send Eric Davis in to pinch run. When Davis when hard with a slide into third baseman Ray Knight, the former Red, Knight took objection and all hell broke loose.

A number of ejections took place and the Mets would be shorthanded….short of position players to be on the field.

In the end, Gary Carter would remove the gear and have to play third base, with Ed Hearn replacing him behind the plate. And manager Davey Johnson would have relief pitchers Jesse Orosco and Roger McDowell alternating between right field and the pitcher’s mound.

Believe it or not, whether it was just that kind of season, the Mets would shine. Orosco and McDowell would alternate and field their position – in right field – flawlessly. Keith Hernandez would make the play that has become an eternal highlight reel, charging hard for a bunt, fielding it on the run, throwing it to Carter covering at third base who would then relay it on to second baseman Tim Teufel covering at first to complete a double play.

Howard Johnson would hit a three-run homer in the top of the 14th inning that would hold up and the Mets would win 6-3.