[abell1198]

Game 3 of the National League Championship Series has the 1969 New York Mets on the road against the 1975 Cincinnati Reds. The Reds have lost both games to the Mets so far and are looking to turn things around at home. New York sends Tom Seaver (2-1, 4.19) to the mound, which doesn't make sense, as Seaver was the Game 1 starter and will likely have a tough time on only two days rest. Cincinnati sends Gary Nolan (0-0, 8.39). Nolan has had a tough time in every postseason start thus far, but miraculously hasn't earned a loss.

The Mets come out swinging in the top of the 1st. Tommie Agee leads the game off with a single to left and later scores on Don Clendenon's double down the third base line. Mets lead 1-0. New York would score again in the 2nd, when Bud Harrelson gets on base compliments of Pete Rose's error at third. Harrelson would then score when Seaver sends the ball down the left field line for a double. With the Mets leading 2-0, the Reds decide they've had enough and turn on the Big Red Machine. In the bottom of the 2nd, George Foster and Tony Perez hit back-to-back home runs to tie the game 2-2.

But the Machine was just getting primed and it showed it's true power in the bottom of the 4th. Foster leads the inning off with his second homer of the game. As Seaver loads the bases with a single, double and intentional walk, Nolan helps his own cause by delivering a bases clearing triple to right center!!! Seaver's night is over, as he fails to register an out in the 4th inning. Bob Johnson (0-0, 3.43, 1 Sv, 17 G, 21 IP) is brought in for his first postseason appearance. Unfortunately for him, it didn't go well. Dave Concepcion records the first out on a line out to second and Pete Rose records the second out on a sac fly that scores Nolan. Then things got worse. Joe Morgan singles to center and steals second. Johnny Bench and Foster both walk, loading the bases. Perez steps in and hits the first pitch over the left field wall for the GRAND SLAM!!! And Johnson's night is over, as the Reds have built an 11-2 lead.

Cincinnati would score two more times in the 5th and both teams would plate runs in the 7th. Cleon Jones hits a three run shot in the 8th, but Joe Morgan counters with a two run shot in the bottom half of the inning. Each team commits three errors in this one, while Perez is named Player of the Game with a 4 for 4 performance, with 6 RBI and 3 runs scored.

1975 Cincinnati Reds 17 1969 New York Mets 6 '69 Mets lead series 2-1