Drysdale Outduels Gooden, Dodgers Advance

The Elimination Game between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers saw a pitcher’s duel between Dwight Gooden and Don Drysdale. And both pitchers pitched well. Ron Cey’s 2-run single in the 2nd would be the only Dodger runs. Gooden would finish allowing 8 hits and those 2 runs in 8 innings, walking 3 and only striking out 4. Pitching for the first time in the Tournament, in front of the home crowd, Drysdale allowed just 6 hits. He did get into some trouble in the 7th when he hit Keith Hernandez with a pitch to load the bases with one out. Darryl Strawberry and Cleon Jones grounded out, and Drysdale escaped, allowing just 1 run. Eric Gagné struck out Hernandez with a runner on 2nd to end the game and pick up his 4th save. The 2-1 win sends Los Angeles on to face the Miami Marlins tomorrow. The winner of that game will earn a spot in the National League Championship against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Mets’ Mike Piazza was 2 for 4 to end the series hitting .316. The Dodgers’ Piazza was 0 for 4 this game, but is hitting .364.

New York (N) @ Los Angeles (N) – 10/6/23