O's outlast New Yorkers

It looked like the visiting New York Mets were determined to get back into the series, but the pitching staff could not hold off the relentless Baltimore attack and dropped a hard fought contest 5-4.

Orioles manager Earl Weaver sent a lefty to the mound for the second straight day, which is a clear disadvantage for their opponent, who was a mere 24-23 against southpaws during the regular season, versus a 69-46 record against righties. Still, with lefty hitting slugger Art Shamsky on the bench for the second straight day, the guests came out of the gate fast and posted a three spot in the first inning. After the first run of the game scored on a passed ball with the bases loaded, third sacker Joe Foy slammed a single into the left to plate the other two runs.

Gary Gentry took the mound for New York, but immediately gave two of the runs back on Boog Powell's 4th postseason homer. Gentry would prove ineffective, coughing up two more runs in the third inning before being given an early shower in favor of bullpen mate Danny Frisella. Game two hero Paul Blair doubled in the tying run and eventually scored the go ahead run later in the inning on Brooks Robinson's two out single.

Meanwhile, McNally settled down and held the Mets in check until the eighth inning. Donn Clendenon doubled to lead off the frame, his third hit of the game. Foy struck again one out later with a two bagger for third RBI of the contest. Suprisingly, Weaver stayed with his starter, who rewarded the decision by stranding the go ahead run at second.

The deadlock was short lived, though the tie would be broken without the benefit of a base hit. Nolan Ryan issued a one out walk to Frank Robinson, his fourth free pass in two plus innings of work, so Tug McGraw was summoned from the pen to face Powell. However, he would suffer from the same problem with wildness as his predecessor. A passed ball moved Robinson up a base and Powell was walked intentionally. Another walk to Brooks Robinson loaded the bases for the second straight inning. This time, Ellie Hendricks cashed in the winning run with a fly ball to right field.

A revived McNally set the Mets down meekly in order to finish what he started, surviving with nine strikeouts to help offset the nine hits and a walk he surrendered.