Lets goooo!!!!
Mets make a statement, winning three of four to open 8 1/2-game cushion on Pirates.
Johnny Bench set the tone in the opener, blasting two homers and a double en route to piling up a stunning franchise-record eight RBIs as the Mets throttle Pittsburgh, 16-9. The score was only cosmetically closer because Vida Blue got tagged for seven runs in the top of the ninth.
Jim Rooker spins gem on Saturday and Don Mincher collects two hits, including his 39th homer as Mets prevail, 4-1.
Sunday, Bench goes 4 for 4 with homer, Buddy Harrelson knocks in two during a five-run outburst in bottom of the first and Steve Carlton gets a step closer to .500 as Mets win third straight.
Chance for the sweep fell by wayside in the nightcap of the doubleheader as Pirates take the final contest, 10-4.
A fruitful weekend has the standings looking like this...
Hit the road for two in Philly before catching up with Pirates for three more in Pittsburgh.