Amazin's and Cubbies split 4 game series @ Wrigley

Game 1  New York 12   Chicago  1

Wrigley Field  Time 3:37  79°

Mike Scott, for the Mets, would square off against Mike Krukow, for the Cubs, as the 1981 second half kicked off for both teams. It was a contest until the last third of the game as New York had a slim 2-1 lead over Chicago. The last third of the game would turn into a rout for the Mets as they scored 5 runs in the 7th and another 5 in the 9th. Krukow would give up 12 hits and 7 runs in his 6.2 innings. Amazingly, (well maybe not, it is the Cubs), the Cub's relievers, Dick Tidrow, Willie Hernandez and Doug Capilla who shared the work for the last 3 innings, gave up only 1 hit but allowed 5 runs to score. Hernandez could not get anybody out, mainly due to his inability to find the strike zone. The Mets hitters pounded the Cubs with 13 hits while Bill Buckner was the only Cub offense, going 3 for 4 with 2 triples(Bill Buckner with 2 triples in one game defies logic. It was reported that Buckner spent 3 hours in an iron lung after the game). Mike Scott pitches a fine game as the Cubs managed only 4 hits while Scott gave up only 2 walks as he garnered the win.

Game 2  New York 3  Chicago 7

Wrigley Field  Time 3:20  77°  Lt Rain  10 MPH L to R

After the game 1 debacle, Cub Manager Jim Walden gives the ball to one of his favorites, "Big Daddy," Rick Reuschel for game 2. Met's Manager, Eric Stouber counters with Greg Harris.  After a scoreless 1st inning, it would be a lead off home run by Bobby Bonds that would lead to a 3 run 2nd for Chicago. Second baseman, Steve Dillard would lead off the 3rd for Chicago by knocking into the bleachers in left and Chicago would hold a 4-1 lead after three. Two more Cub runs in the 5th added to the Cub lead. New York would try and make a game of it in the 7th as 2B Doug Flynn would start the inning with a double to the gap in left. Mookie Wilson would score Flynn as he tripled down the right field line. Hubie Brooks would plate Mookie on a fielders choice to De Jesus to short and it would be 6-3. That would be as close as New York would get. Chicago would add a run in the 8th for a 7-3 final. "Big Daddy" would get the win and 'Big Dick" Tidrow got the save for Chicago.

Game 3  New York 4   Chicago 5

Wrigley Field  Time 2:58 79° 10 MPH Right to Left

It was a couple of Randy's facing off in game 3. Martz for the Cubs and Jones for the Mets and it would be the Cubs' Randy that would get the win. New York would out hit the Cubs again, 10 to 5, but wind up on the losing end. Chicago grabbed a quick 3-0 lead,sparked by RF Leon Durham's 3 run blast into the right field seats. Bobby Bonds added his 2nd dinger of the year as he deposited a solo shot in the center field seats in the 3rd. Behind 5-0, New York would score 3 in the 6th on  4 singles and a Cub error. In the 9th the Mets staged a 2 out rally but fell short by a run. Rawly Eastwick notched his first save to close out the Met rally and the Cubs won game 2.

Game 4  New York 7   Chicago 3

Wrigley Field  Time 3:10  70° 10 MPH out to LCF

Ed Lynch wins a gem for the Mets. Lynch gives up a single hit in 6 innings of work and the Mets pitchers give up 3 for game as New York wins the finale of the series. Two of the three Cubs hits were home runs. Bill Buckner's first and Leon Durham's second made all the Cub runs, but the Mets pounded the Cubs for another 12 hits as they win easily. Dave Kingman hits his first home run of the year for New York.

New York pounds Cub pitching for 49 hits in the series while only giving up 22 to the Cubs. It was a good battle between the two National League East teams who will be probably battle for the title of 'bottom feeder" in the division.  --submitted by Jim Walden (Cubs Mgr)--