A string of timely hits in the top of the first and grand slam during an explosive closing ninth fueled the Mets to a 9-3 victory and a 2-0 lead in the Fall Classic.
Before I delve into the highlights, quick salute to Pete LaCock. Signed to a minor-league contract in the off season, LaCock has stepped up to replace injured Cecil Cooper with quality play using both his bat and glove.
Ron LeFlore and Jim Rice sandwiched singles around George Brett's misplayed ground ball to load the bases with no outs in the top of the first. Reggie Jackson fanned for the first out but Johnny Bench lifted a sac fly, followed by RBI singles from LaCock and Robin Yount to build a 3-0 cushion.
The Royals drew to within 4-3 before the Mets put the game away in the ninth, keyed by a grand slam from Johnny Bench.
Bench finished with five RBIs while Yount and LaCock each accounted for three hits in the 15-hit barrage.
Tom Seaver worked seven innings, conceding a two-run homer to Mike Ivie that got KC within a run in the seventh. Tippy Martinez worked the final two frames for the save.
