1967 07-02 Cardinals at Mets Game 1

The Thomas Paine Podcast presents a riveting, play-by-play account of Game 1 of a Sunday doubleheader between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets at Shea Stadium on July 2, 1967. The Cardinals, leading the National League by a half-game, started strong with Dick Hughes holding the Mets scoreless through two innings, and Mike Shannon’s two-run home run in the third inning giving them a 3-0 lead. However, the Mets fought back with Eddie Cranfill’s solo home run in the fourth and a two-run rally in the fifth to tie the game at 4-4. The Cardinals regained the lead in the seventh, but the Mets mounted a dramatic comeback in the eighth, tying it with Ken Boyer’s two-run home run off Cardinals reliever Joe Horner. In the ninth inning, with the bases loaded due to a walk, an error, and a wild pitch, Bud Harrelson stole second and third on a poor throw and scored the winning run on another wild pitch by Nelson Bryles. Hal Reniff earned the win by striking out Mike Shannon with the game on the line, becoming the first pitcher to win two games in two days against the Cardinals. The Mets’ resilience, bullpen depth, and timely base-running proved decisive, as they overcame multiple deficits to win 5-4, leaving the Cardinals with 10 runners left on base and a 2-1 series lead in the doubleheader. The episode captures the electric atmosphere of 1960s baseball, blending detailed commentary from broadcasters Lindsey Nelson, Bob Murphy, and Ralph Kiner with period-specific sponsor messages for Rheingold beer, Armory Garage Central, and Shopify. The game showcased strategic pitching changes, defensive shifts, and the critical role of relief pitchers, with the Mets using seven pitchers across the game. Despite the Cardinals’ strong offensive showing (10 hits) and Hughes’ solid six-and-two-thirds innings, their inability to capitalize on scoring chances ultimately cost them. The dramatic finish, fueled by speed, error, and a wild pitch, exemplifies the unpredictability and excitement of mid-1960s baseball. The episode sets up a tense second game of the doubleheader, with Jack Lemabe scheduled to pitch for the Mets, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.