Mets Sweep Doubleheader from Reds at Shea

July 12, 1964 - Sundays at Shea Stadium tend to produce something memorable, and today’s entertainment for 27,156 cash customers proved no exception: the New York Mets swept a doubleheader from the Cincinnati Reds, 1-0 and 5-1.

If rarity adds interest to an achievement, this twin triumph certainly qualified as something special. The Mets had not won two games in one day since June 23, 1963, when they embarrassed the Phillies, 5-0 and 4-1, at the Polo Grounds.

That was so long ago that the site no longer exists. Between June of last year and today, the Mets took part in 21 doubleheaders without sweeping one. In the 2½ years of their existence, they have achieved two successes in one day just seven times in 62 opportunities.

The onlookers, many of whom keep themselves minutely informed about Met history, realized how unusual a drama was being presented. Throughout the day, the Mets simply played first-class baseball, made few mistakes, got a lucky bounce or two, and looked as if victory was their natural habit.

The fans, in fact, were rooting for a double shutout, something the Mets have never accomplished. But when Deron Johnson hit a seventh-inning homer off Frank Lary in the second game, that dream had to be set aside until next time.

Still, the people went home with something to talk about, and that has become the Sunday tradition in Flushing Meadow. This was the sixth Sunday at the new ballpark. The first five had offered, in order: the first Met victory of 1964; a Met victory over Roger Craig, the first time they had beaten him as a rival rather than as a teammate; the 23-inning game with the Giants; a home run by Jim Hickman just before rain struck to avert a double loss to the Dodgers; and Jim Bunning’s perfect game.

In the opener, Galen Cisco of the Mets and Joey Jay of the Reds allowed six hits each and each struck out five. The game was won in the bottom of the ninth when George Altman and Joe Christopher stroked consecutive doubles to right center.

Lary, who earned his first National League victory in the second game, also pitched a six-hitter, while the Mets made 13 hits off Bob Purkey, Ryne Duren, and Bill Henry. Ron Hunt hit his fourth homer of the year in the first inning and drove in two with a single up the middle in the fourth.

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