The 1969 New York Mets avoided a 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates comeback, winning with a walk-off single in the 9th to even the best-of-five series between the teams. Ken Boswell’s 2-out 2-run triple in the 1st inning got the Mets on the board early. Pirates starter Vern Law left in the 2nd with a sore tendon, forcing Harvey Haddix into the game. Pittsburgh’s Dick Groat hit a solo home run off Jerry Koosman to cut the lead in the 3rd, but Clean Jones’ RBI single in the 4th gave them some breathing room. The Pirates evened the game with an RBI single in the 5th from Bob Skinner and a bases-loaded groundout by Don Hoak in the 6th. Koosman struck out Bill Mazeroski and got Bill Virdon to ground out to keep the game tied. Facing Clem Labine in the 9th, Tommie Agee led off with a single, and Wayne Garrett laid down a bunt to get him to scoring position. After Clean Jones was given a free pass, Art Shamsky grounded to Hoak, who misplayed it, loading the bases. Boswell laced a liner to center, driving in the winning run. With the 4-3 win, the Mets hope to carry the momentum to Pittsburgh for Game 3. Boswell finished 3 for 4 with 3 RBI. Koosman allowed 3 runs on 9 hits, striking out 6 in the complete game. Virdon and Roberto Clemente each had 3 hits for the Pirates.

’60 Pirates @ ’69 Mets – 9/3/25

Facing Jim Kaat in Game 1, it took the 1964 Chicago White Sox until the 9th inning to score their 1st runs. After a 6-2 win in 10 innings, Chicago’s offense kept going in Game 2. Falling behind 2-1 heading into the 5th inning, the White Sox finally broke out against Minnesota starter Mudcat Grant. Three runs on 4 hits and 2 walks in the inning, capped by a 2-run single by Floyd Robinson, put Chicago on top for good. Robinson added to the lead with a 2-run home run in the 7th. The Sox added two more runs in the 9th off reliever Johnny Klippstein. Juan Pizarro allowed 4 runs on 9 hits, including 3 solo homers, but struck out 9 to pick up the win for Chicago. Bob Allison went 3 for 4 with a homer and 2 RBI to lead the Minnesota offense. The Minnesota Twins now head to Chicago down 2-0 in the series. They’ll need to win 3 straight to avoid early elimination in the Tournament.

’64 White Sox @ ’65 Twins – 9/2/25

After losing Game 1 6-3, the 1969 New York Mets will get another day to think about things before facing off against the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates. Heavy rains have postponed Game 2 until tomorrow. This delay isn’t expected to have a big impact on pitching rotations.

The 1969 New York Mets had high hopes for the opening game in their series against the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates. But Tom Seaver never found his rhythm. After trading runs early, Pittsburgh bats finally broke out in the 5th when Bob Skinner and Dick Stuart hit back-to-back home runs. The Pirates carried a 4-2 lead into the 8th when Seaver walked Don Hoak with two outs. Bill Mazeroski followed with a 2-run homer to extend the lead. The Mets threatened in the bottom of the 9th against reliever Joe Gibbon. Ed Kranepool singled and Ron Swaboda walked with one out, but Jerry Grote followed with a pop up. Bud Harrelson singled to cut the lead to 6-3, bringing the tying run to the plate. Tommie Agee followed with another infield popout to end the game. Mazeroski finished 2 for 3 with a walk and 2 RBI. Bob Friend allowed 2 runs on 8 hits in 8 innings for the win. Seaver struck out 8 in 8 innings, but allowed 6 runs on 8 hits and walked 5. New York is hoping to bounce back tomorrow.

’60 Pirates @ ’69 Mets – 9/1/25

The 1964 Chicago White Sox stunned the 1965 Minnesota Twins, tying the game in the 9th and winning it in the 10th to take the 1st game of the play-in series in the Best of the 1960s Tournament. Minnesota’s Jim Kaat took a 4-hit shutout into the 9th. With one out, Pete Ward doubled into the gap. Then, Ron Hansen took Kaat’s 1st pitch 460′ to center for a 2-run game-tying home run. The Twins had staked a 2-0 lead thanks to errors in back-to-back innings from Chicago, but it wasn’t enough. They had another chance in the bottom of the 9th when Harmon Killebrew led off with a double. Earl Battey was intentionally walked, but starter Gary Peters fell behind and walked Bob Allison to load the bases with no outs. Hoyt Wilhelm was up to the task, striking out Don Mincher and Joe Nossek, and getting Sandy Valdespino to fly out to end the inning. Facing Jim Merritt in the 10th, the White Sox offense came alive. A walk and a couple of singles put the Sox on top 3-2. Then, Ward hit a bases-clearing triple for some insurance. The Twins were scoreless in the 10th as the Sox won it 6-2. In addition to his home run, Hansen was an asset with his glove, helping the White Sox turn 4 double plays. The Twins hope to rebound in this best-of-five series, where the loser will be eliminated from the Tournament.

’64 White Sox @ ’65 Twins – 9/1/25