A.I. to the rescue...HOU takes 2 of 3 from Amazin's

The Astros came into Shea on the heels of their embattled manager, Bill Keller, being fired. Their new manager, simply known by his initials (A.I.) took over and took 2 of 3 from the Mets.

Game 1: saw Don Wilson (8-11, 3.01) and Nolan Ryan both throwing heat for 8 innings. With the score tied at 3 Ron Taylor came on in the 9th for the Mets and proceeded to surrender 3 runs and the game. Cesar Cedeno singled home Joe Morgan, then Doug Rader doubled home Jimmy Wynn and Cedeno. The Mets went weakly in the 9th and Taylor took the loss. Astros 6, Mets 3.

Game 2: The Astros now have a mini-streak with their second win in a row. A 4 run outburst in the top of the third off of Mets rookie hurler Jon Matlack (0-2, 3.60) was all Houston needed. Morgan, Cedeno, Rader and Menke each knocked in a run during Houston's big inning. Fred Gladding pitched the 8th and 9th innings to notch his 9th save. Astros 4, Mets 2.

Game 3: Not only were the home town fans treated to 14 innings of baseball, but they were also forced to suffer through 2 long rain delays (46 and 63 minutes). By the time the dust cleared and the Mets scratched out a win there were just a handful of fans left to see it. Reliever Danny Frisella (5-1, 0.67), who has been lights out for the Mets this season got the win after tossing 3 scoreless innings in relief. The Mets winning run occurred when Cleon Jones led off the 14th with a single and stole second, then continued on to third when backup catcher Norm Miller airmailed his throw into center. Steady Eddie Kranepool lifted a medium fly ball to Jesus Alou in left. Jones tagged and score easily as the Mets were able to salvage 1 win in this 3 game set. Mets 3, Astros 2 (14 inn).