The Dodgers faced the enigmatic Jay Hook, who was in the portion of '62 where he was at his best--but still managed to lose five of six decisions despite a 2.40 ERA from August 6 through September 7.
On this night, however, his teammates remembered how to aim their fly balls at the Polo Grounds' short porches, which made things quite problematic for Dodger starter Don Drysdale (who was looking for his 23rd win).
Choo-Choo Coleman (one of the great names in baseball history...) got the Mets on the board in the second inning, with a homer off Big D that hugged the right field foul pole (approximately 260 feet from home plate).
The Dodgers took the lead in the fourth thanks in large part to Hook turning wild (two walks, two wild pitches). A sacrifice fly from Frank Howard and a hot grounder from Johnny Roseboro each brought in a run, giving LA a 2-1 lead.
But in the bottom of the inning, Drysdale served up two more homers--one to "Marvelous" Marv Throneberry, and the other to "Hot" Rod Kanehl, the Mets' colorful but none-too-competent players--both of which were hit down the left field line...and both of which traveled less than 300 feet.
DOWN in Philly, Orlando Cepeda (aka "the Baby Bull") went 5-for-5 with two HRs and four RBI to spark the Giants offense, and Billy O'Dell blanked the Phillies on five hits as SF picked up a cruclal game in the standings. Final score: Giants 6, Phillies 0.
SEASONAL RECORDS: LAD 83-46, SFG 80-48, CIN 80-49.
