Mets, with Staub, Top Pirates in 9th On Hit by Dyer, 1‐0
After an intentional walk to Ed Kranepool, Duffy Dyer stroked a single to left field. Staub, who is not the fastest man on the Mets' roster, managed to advance.
Jon Matlock pitches a complete game five-hitter as the New York Mets defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 at Shea Stadium in New York. Nelson Briles is the losing pitcher for the Pirates. Announcers are Bob Murphy, Ralph Kiner, and Lindsey Nelson. Aired on WKAJ Radio.
Jon Matlock pitched a five-hitter and Duffy Dyer's ninth-inning single drove in the game's only run as the New York Mets beat the Pittsburgh Pirates. The loss left the World Champion Pirates' magic number for clinching the National League East crown at three. The team was looking for any combination of three Pittsburgh victories and or Chicago losses which would wrap up a third straight division crown for Pittsburgh.
John Matlack, 13 & 9, and Nellie Briles, 14 & 8, were locked in a scoreless duel until the ninth inning. Then, Rusty Staub, playing only his second game since June 18 for the Mets, opened the bottom of the ninth with his second hit of the game. Cleon Jones sacrificed Staub to second and Ed Kranepool was intentionally walked. Dyer followed with his winning hit.
The Pittsburgh Pirates best chance against Jon Matlock came in the top of the ninth when Richie Hebner and Bob Robertson singled with two out. But Gene Alley popped up, ending the game.
NOTE: Commercials including those voiced by Shirley Jones, Milton Berle, George Burns, Jack Lemmon and Pee Wee Reese.
