Mets Games Played On This Date: May 20th

 

The Mets sweep a double header in 1962 and 1972 and then again in 1999 when Robin Ventura hits Grand Slams in each game. Plus, Terry Collins becomes the longest tenured Mets Manager as Jose Reyes gets his 2000th hit in 2017.  These are just a few of the games the Met have played on May 20th.   

Here is the full list of Mets games played on May 20th.

Section Links: 5 Years ago today; 10 Years ago today; 15 Years ago today; 20 Years ago today; 30 Years ago today; 40 Years ago today; 50 Years ago today; 60 Years ago today;

5 Years ago today:

Year: 2019; Game #46; Monday;  May 20, NYM 5  Vs. WSN; 3; boxscore;  WP: Gagnon; LP: Corbin;  Save: Diaz; Time: 03:12; NIGHT; Attendance: 22,335; Record: 21-25; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 6.5; W; 

NY Post: "With Mickey Callaway told by GM Brodie Van Wagenen he would remain the team’s manager for the “foreseeable future,” the Mets got their act together for a night and snapped a five-game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Nationals at Citi Field." Amed Rosario and Pete Alonso each homered in the 1st.

Year: 2018; Game #42; Sunday;  May 20, NYM 4  Vs. ARI; 1; boxscore;  WP: Syndergaard; LP: De La Rosa;  Save: Gsellman; Time: 02:41; DAY; Attendance: 34,894; Record: 23-19; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 3.5; W; 

NY Post: "Noah Syndergaard turned in arguably his best outing of the season, the offense exploded with late fireworks, and the bullpen completed a spotless weekend to notch the team’s first sweep of at least three games since April 9-11 over the Marlins in Miami. Rosario hit his first two homers of the season and Cabrera, in a pinch-hitting role, continued his stellar start to the season with a go-ahead two-run shot in the seventh as the Mets (23-19) won for the fifth time in seven games."

Year: 2017; Game #41; Saturday;  May 20, NYM 7  Vs. LAA; 5; boxscore;  WP: Wheeler; LP: Meyer;  Save: Reed; Time: 03:37; NIGHT; Attendance: 37,264; Record: 18-23; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 6.5; W; 

National Pastime.com: Terry Collins, a 67 year-old baseball lifer, passes Davey Johnson (1984-1990) to become the longest-tenured manager in Mets history, reaching 1,013 games with the team. The oldest skipper in the majors, sees his charges hang on to a 7-5 victory when Addison Reed strikes out Angel pinch-hitter Danny Espinosa on a 3-2 count with the bases loaded after three runs have scored in the top of the ninth inning at Citi Field.

NY Post: "Table setters Michael Conforto and Jose Reyes carried the lineup, reaching base a combined eight times in 10 trips to the plate, and scored the first four Mets (18-23) runs. Conforto, who drew three walks and doubled, scored three times and Reyes notched his 2,000th career hit with a first-inning single. He also ended up driving in the game-winning runs with a two-run single in the eighth that appeared to be meaningless at the time but wound up being the difference."

Year: 2016; Game #41; Friday;  May 20, NYM 3  Vs. MIL; 2; boxscore;  WP: Matz; LP: Peralta;  Save: Familia; Time: 02:31; NIGHT; Attendance: 36,239; Record: 23-18; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 2.5; W;

Year: 2015; Game #41; Wednesday;  May 20, NYM 0  Vs. STL; 9; boxscore;  WP: Martinez; LP: Colon; Time: 02:43; NIGHT; Attendance: 23,726; Record: 23-18; Standings: 2; Games up/behind: 1; L;

10 Years ago today:

Year: 2014; Game #44; Tuesday;  May 20, NYM 4  Vs. LAD; 9; boxscore;  WP: Beckett; LP: Montero; Time: 04:08; NIGHT; Attendance: 22,288; Record: 20-24; Standings: 5; Games up/behind: 5; L;

NY Post: Dodgers hammer Mets rookie Montero. "Rafael Montero (0-2) lasted just 4 1/3 innings and allowed five earned runs on seven hits with four walks and four strikeouts...Twice in three innings beginning in the fifth, the Mets had the bases loaded with a chance to overtake the Dodgers. And twice, the Mets couldn’t get a hit that might have let the rookie Montero off the hook. In a mess that lasted 4 hours, 8 minutes and nearly became the longest nine-inning game in franchise history, the Mets continued their May swoon with a 9-4 loss to the Dodgers at Citi Field that pushed them four games below .500 for the first time this season, and into sole possession of last place in the NL East.

Year: 2013; Game #42; Monday;  May 20, NYM 3  Vs. CIN; 4; boxscore;  WP: Cueto; LP: Marcum;  Save: Chapman; Time: 03:22; NIGHT; Attendance: 23,038; Record: 17-25; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 8; L;

Year: 2012; Game #41; Sunday;  May 20, NYM 6 @ TOR; 5; boxscore;  WP: Gee; LP: Alvarez;  Save: Francisco; Time: 03:15; DAY; Attendance: 41,867; Record: 22-19; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 3.5; W; 

NY Post: Mets hold on to beat Blue Jays, avoid sweep. "[Mike] Baxter doubled and scored in the first, tripled home a run in the second and singled and scored in the fifth to help the Mets avoid a three-game sweep...Gee (3-3) allowed three runs and five hits in 6 2-3 innings...He walked four and struck out six." 

Year: 2011; Game #44; Friday;  May 20, NYM 2 @ NYY; 1; boxscore;  WP: Dickey; LP: Garcia;  Save: Rodriguez; Time: 02:47; NIGHT; Attendance: 47,874; Record: 22-22; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 5; W;

Year: 2010; Game #42; Thursday;  May 20, NYM 10 @ WSN; 7; boxscore;  WP: Valdés; LP: Atilano; Time: 03:31; NIGHT; Attendance: 23,612; Record: 20-22; Standings: 5; Games up/behind: 6; W;

Year: 2009; Game #40; Wednesday;  May 20, NYM 1 @ LAD; 2; boxscore;  WP: Leach; LP: Putz;  Save: Broxton; Time: 02:56; NIGHT; Attendance: 50,761; Record: 21-19; Standings: 2; Games up/behind: 1; L;

Year: 2008; Game #42; Tuesday;  May 20 (1), NYM 1 @ ATL; 6; boxscore;  WP: Glavine; LP: Maine; Time: 02:44; DAY; Attendance: 26,873; Record: 22-20; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 2.5; L;

Year: 2008; Game #43; Tuesday;  May 20 (2), NYM 2 @ ATL; 6; boxscore;  WP: Campillo; LP: Vargas;  Save: Acosta; Time: 02:30; NIGHT; Attendance: 25,590; Record: 22-21; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 2.5; L;

Year: 2007; Game #43; Sunday;  May 20, NYM 2  Vs. NYY; 6; boxscore;  WP: Clippard; LP: Maine; Time: 03:14; NIGHT; Attendance: 56,438; Record: 28-15; Standings: 1; Games up/behind: up 2.5; L;

5/20/07: NYY @ NYM: David Wright (7th of season, 74th of career) off Tyler Clippard pic.twitter.com/NOaAaAtxhw

— Mets Home Run a Day (@MetsHRADay) August 20, 2023

5/20/07: NYY @ NYM: Damion Easley (7th of season, 154th of career) off Mariano Rivera pic.twitter.com/UsVlnXOU83

— Mets Home Run a Day (@MetsHRADay) June 12, 2023

Year: 2006; Game #42; Saturday;  May 20, NYM 4  Vs. NYY; 5; boxscore; 11 innings; WP: Rivera; LP: Julio; Time: 03:36; DAY; Attendance: 56,185; Record: 25-17; Standings: 1; Games up/behind: up 3.0; L;

5/20/06: NYY @ NYM: Carlos Delgado (14th of season, 383rd of career) off Mike Mussina pic.twitter.com/yII0FT8OZ9

— Mets Home Run a Day (@MetsHRADay) August 23, 2023

5/20/06: NYY @ NYM: Cliff Floyd (4th of season, 206th of career) off Mike Mussina (@CliffFloyd30) pic.twitter.com/Pz5l2z4vsW

— Mets Home Run a Day (@MetsHRADay) January 5, 2024

Year: 2005; Game #42; Friday;  May 20, NYM 2  Vs. NYY; 5; boxscore;  WP: Brown; LP: Zambrano;  Save: Rivera; Time: 03:29; NIGHT; Attendance: 55,740; Record: 22-20; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 2; L;

20 Years ago today:

Year: 2004; Game #41; Thursday;  May 20, NYM 4  Vs. STL; 11; boxscore;  WP: Marquis; LP: Seo; Time: 03:34; DAY; Attendance: 21,874; Record: 19-22; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 4; L;

Todd Zeile's 2-run homer in the 1st gave the Mets an early lead but it was all Cardinals after that.  Leading 5-3 in the 9th, the Cards put the game away with 6 runs off David Weathers and Mike Stanton.

5/20/04: STL @ NYM: Todd Zeile (2nd of season, 246th of career) off Jason Marquis (@Todd_Zeile) pic.twitter.com/IaVDcPPBSh

— Mets Home Run a Day (@MetsHRADay) October 16, 2022

Year: 2003; Game #45; Tuesday;  May 20, NYM 7  Vs. PHI; 11; boxscore;  WP: Myers; LP: Lloyd; Time: 03:08; NIGHT; Attendance: 25,281; Record: 19-26; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 12; L;

Year: 2001; Game #43; Sunday;  May 20, NYM 6  Vs. LAD; 5; boxscore;  WP: Benitez; LP: Adams; Time: 03:07; DAY; Attendance: 43,404; Record: 17-26; Standings: 5; Games up/behind: 8.5; W-wo;

With the Mets up 3-0 in the 8th, Mets starter Rick Reed and reliever John Franco gave up a 5 spot to the Dodgers to put the Mets in a 5-3 hole.  Pinch Hitter Lenny Harris single in two in the bottom of the 8th to tie it and Tsuyoshi Shinjo single in the winning run in the 9th for a thrilling walk-off win.

Year: 2000; Game #43; Saturday;  May 20, NYM 8  Vs. ARI; 7; boxscore;  WP: Hampton; LP: Daal;  Save: Benitez; Time: 02:57; DAY; Attendance: 37,121; Record: 23-20; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 6.5; W;

Year: 1999; Game #40; Thursday;  May 20 (1), NYM 11  Vs. MIL; 10; boxscore;  WP: Leiter; LP: Abbott;  Save: Franco; Time: 3:29; DAY;  Record: 22-18; Standings: 2; Games up/behind: 2.5; W; 

Year: 1999; Game #41; Thursday;  May 20 (2), NYM 10  Vs. MIL; 1; boxscore;  WP: Yoshii; LP: Woodard; Time: 02:55; NIGHT; Attendance: 19,542; Record: 23-18; Standings: 2; Games up/behind: 2.5; W; 

National Pastime.com: In a twin bill sweep of Milwaukee, Mets' third baseman Robin Ventura becomes the first major league player to hit a grand slam in both ends of a doubleheader. The infielder also hit a pair of 'grand salamis' in a game against Texas while playing for the 1995 White Sox.

5/20/1999 Robin Ventura hits a grand slam in both games of a doubleheader for the Mets. Ventura would go 3-for-7 with 8 RBIs on the day. As a team, the Mets score 21 runs on 24 hits to sweep the doubleheader from the Brewers. pic.twitter.com/943gsDQWPs

— This Day in Mets History (@NYMhistory) May 20, 2021

5/20/99: MIL @ NYM: Benny Agbayani (3rd of season, 3rd of career, 2nd of game) off Steve Falteisek pic.twitter.com/dFjlIE6Gl3

— Mets Home Run a Day (@MetsHRADay) August 5, 2020

Year: 1998; Game #42; Wednesday;  May 20, NYM 6  Vs. CIN; 8; boxscore;  WP: Harnisch; LP: Hudek;  Save: Shaw; Time: 03:23; NIGHT; Attendance: 12,834; Record: 22-20; Standings: 2; Games up/behind: 9; L;

Year: 1997; Game #44; Tuesday;  May 20, NYM 5 @ FLA; 6; boxscore;  WP: Nen; LP: Franco; Time: 02:57; NIGHT; Attendance: 25,165; Record: 23-21; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 8; L-wo;

Year: 1996; Game #43; Monday;  May 20, NYM 7 @ LAD; 1; boxscore;  WP: Jones; LP: Candiotti; Time: 02:54; NIGHT; Attendance: 26,625; Record: 18-25; Standings: 5; Games up/behind: 10.5; W;

Year: 1995; Game #23; Saturday;  May 20, NYM 8 @ PHI; 10; boxscore;  WP: Green; LP: Harnisch;  Save: Slocumb; Time: 03:17; NIGHT; Attendance: 38,829; Record: 10-13; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 6.5; L;

30 Years ago today:

Year: 1994; Game #40; Friday;  May 20, NYM 3 @ PHI; 5; boxscore;  WP: Williams; LP: Gozzo;  Save: Jones; Time: 02:40; NIGHT; Attendance: 34,924; Record: 20-20; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 5.5; L;

A 4 run 4th by the Phillies highlighted by RBI doubles from Ricky Jordan, P Mike Williams and Lenny Dysktra put the Phillies in front for good.  Bobby Bonilla, Jose Vizcaino and Ryan Thompson with RBIs for the Mets runs. 

Year: 1992; Game #41; Wednesday;  May 20, NYM 6 @ SDP; 12; boxscore;  WP: Lefferts; LP: Burke; Time: 02:44; NIGHT; Attendance: 18,244; Record: 22-19; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 2.5; L;

Mets scored 2 in the first on a Bobby Bonilla single and 2 more in the 2nd on a Wally Whitehurst double.  Wally left after 5 with a 4-3 lead but the bullpen gave up 6 in the 6th, 2 in the 7th and another in the 8th as the Padres blew out the Mets. 

Year: 1990; Game #36; Sunday;  May 20, NYM 1 @ SDP; 3; boxscore;  WP: Harris; LP: Darling;  Save: Lefferts; Time: 03:16; DAY; Attendance: 25,233; Record: 17-19; Standings: 5; Games up/behind: 5.5; L;

Year: 1989; Game #39; Saturday;  May 20, NYM 0  Vs. SFG; 3; boxscore;  WP: Krukow; LP: Ojeda;  Save: LaCoss; Time: 02:40; DAY; Attendance: 45,565; Record: 22-17; Standings: 1; Games up/behind: up 0.5; L;

Year: 1988; Game #39; Friday;  May 20, NYM 5 @ LAD; 2; boxscore;  WP: Fernandez; LP: Sutton;  Save: Myers; Time: 03:28; NIGHT; Attendance: 44,867; Record: 28-11; Standings: 1; Games up/behind: up 4.5; W;

Year: 1987; Game #38; Wednesday;  May 20, NYM 10  Vs. SDP; 3; boxscore;  WP: Aguilera; LP: Whitson; Time: 03:20; NIGHT; Attendance: 19,571; Record: 18-20; Standings: 5; Games up/behind: 5; W;

Year: 1986; Game #33; Tuesday;  May 20, NYM 2 @ SFG; 1; boxscore;  WP: Ojeda; LP: LaCoss;  Save: McDowell; Time: 02:17; NIGHT; Attendance: 28,837; Record: 24-9; Standings: 1; Games up/behind: up 4.0; W;

Year: 1985; Game #35; Monday;  May 20, NYM 0  Vs. SDP; 2; boxscore;  WP: Hoyt; LP: Gooden; Time: 02:13; NIGHT; Attendance: 36,672; Record: 23-12; Standings: 1; Games up/behind: up 1.0; L;

40 Years ago today:

Year: 1984; Game #36; Sunday;  May 20, NYM 4 @ SDP; 2; boxscore; 10 innings; WP: Orosco; LP: Lefferts; Time: 02:58; DAY; Attendance: 20,263; Record: 20-16; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 2; W;

A 10th inning 3 base error by Tony Gwynn to Mets relief pitcher and leadoff hitter Jesse Orosco sets up the winning run to score on a Kelvin Chapman Sac Fly.  Mets add another later in the inning on a George Foster Sac Fly as the Mets get a thrilling 4-2 win in San Diego.  

Year: 1983; Game #35; Friday;  May 20, NYM 4  Vs. LAD; 0; boxscore;  WP: Allen; LP: Reuss; Time: 02:10; NIGHT; Attendance: 16,630; Record: 14-21; Standings: 5; Games up/behind: 6.5; W;

Year: 1981; Game #34; Wednesday;  May 20, NYM 4 @ SFG; 3; boxscore; 10 innings;  WP: Reardon;  LP: Minton;  Save:   Time: 03:22; DAY; Attendance: 5,189; Record: 9-24; Standings: 5; Games up/behind: 12.5; W;

Year: 1980; Game #32; Tuesday;  May 20, NYM 2  Vs. HOU; 3; boxscore;   WP: Forsch;  LP: Swan;  Save:   Time: 02:29; NIGHT; Attendance: 8,466; Record: 12-20; Standings: 6; Games up/behind: 7.5; L;

Year: 1979; Game #35; Sunday;  May 20, NYM 8  Vs. STL; 7; boxscore; 11 innings;  WP: Allen;  LP: Knowles;  Save:   Time: 02:57; DAY; Attendance: 8,180; Record: 12-23; Standings: 6; Games up/behind: 11; W-wo;

After the Cards score 3 in the 10th to take a 7-4 lead, the Mets come right back to tie it up on a 3-run Richie Hebner homer.  Then in the 11th, Frank Tavares bases loaded single brought in Joel Youngblood with the walk-off win.

Year: 1978; Game #39; Saturday;  May 20, NYM 4  Vs. PHI; 9; boxscore; 11 innings;  WP: McGraw;  LP: Murray;  Save:   Time: 03:23; DAY; Attendance: 14,110; Record: 17-22; Standings: 5; Games up/behind: 4.5; L;

Year: 1977; Game #36; Friday;  May 20, NYM 2 @ CIN; 6; boxscore;   WP: Nolan;  LP: Seaver;  Save: Fryman; Time: 02:20; NIGHT; Attendance: 31,504; Record: 14-22; Standings: 6; Games up/behind: 10.5; L;

Year: 1976; Game #36; Thursday;  May 20, NYM 3  Vs. PHI; 5; boxscore;   WP: Lonborg;  LP: Seaver;  Save: McGraw; Time: 02:04; DAY; Attendance: 16,914; Record: 20-16; Standings: 3; Games up/behind: 4.5; L;

Year: 1975; Game #31; Tuesday;  May 20, NYM 6 @ CIN; 2; boxscore;   WP: Koosman;  LP: Gullett;  Save: Apodaca; Time: 02:39; NIGHT; Attendance: 16,845; Record: 16-15; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 4; W;

50 Years ago today:

Year: 1974; Game #39; Monday;  May 20, NYM 1  Vs. CHC; 2; boxscore;   WP: Hooton;  LP: Parker;  Save:   Time: 02:10; NIGHT; Attendance: 11,225; Record: 17-22; Standings: 4; Games up/behind: 4.5; L;

A rare Jerry Grote error on a bunt play allowed Billy Williams to come to the plate in the 6th with the Mets clinging to a 1-0 lead.  Williams singled in 2 runs and that was all that Bert Hooten (W,2-3) needed to best Harry Parker (L,1-2).

Year: 1972; Game #30; Saturday;  May 20 (1), NYM 3 @ PHI; 1; boxscore;   WP: Matlack;  LP: Fryman;  Save:   Time: 1:54; NIGHT;  Record: 23-7; Standings: 1; Games up/behind: up 6.5; W;

Year: 1972; Game #31; Saturday;  May 20 (2), NYM 2 @ PHI; 1; boxscore;  WP: Koosman; LP: Champion;  Save: McGraw; Time: 02:44; NIGHT; Attendance: 36,691; Record: 24-7; Standings: 1; Games up/behind: up 6.5; W;

Mets sweep a double header in Philly.  Game 1 - Matlack (W,5-0) goes the distance, 1 run on 5 hits, 1 walk, 5 Ks as Willie Mays drives in 2 and Tommie Agee drives in two. Game 2 -    Ed Kranepool 2 for 3, 1 RBI and Mets starter Ray Sadecki 1 for 2, RBI drive in the runs.  Jerry Koosman (W, 1-3) gets the win in relief - 4 innings, no runs, 2 hits, 2 walks, 7 Ks.

Year: 1971; Game #36; Thursday;  May 20, NYM 0 @ PHI; 1; boxscore;  WP: Wise; LP: Gentry; Time: 02:00; NIGHT; Attendance: 14,619; Record: 21-15; Standings: 2; Games up/behind: 1; L;

Year: 1970; Game #37; Wednesday;  May 20, NYM 0 @ MON; 2; boxscore;  WP: Morton; LP: Seaver; Time: 02:21; NIGHT; Attendance: 11,361; Record: 19-18; Standings: 2; Games up/behind: 0.5; L;

Year: 1968; Game #36; Monday;  May 20, NYM 2  Vs. PIT; 1; boxscore;  WP: Koosman; LP: Veale; Time: 02:41; NIGHT; Attendance: 12,221; Record: 16-20; Standings: 7; Games up/behind: 5.5; W-wo;

Ed Charles homers off Pirates starter Bob Veale to lead off the 9th to give the Mets the walk-off win.  Jerry Koosman (W,6-2) with the complete game, 1 run, 10 Ks.  

Year: 1967; Game #29; Saturday;  May 20, NYM 9  Vs. STL; 11; boxscore;  WP: Hoerner; LP: Shaw;  Save: Jaster; Time: 03:35; NIGHT; Attendance: 29,075; Record: 10-19; Standings: 9; Games up/behind: 12; L;

Year: 1966; Game #26; Friday;  May 20, NYM 7 @ SFG; 5; boxscore;  WP: Selma; LP: McDaniel;  Save: Ribant; Time: 02:43; NIGHT; Attendance: 15,541; Record: 12-14; Standings: 7; Games up/behind: 6.5; W;

Year: 1965; Game #33; Thursday;  May 20, NYM 1 @ MLN; 7; boxscore;  WP: Blasingame; LP: Spahn; Time: 02:13; NIGHT; Attendance: 17,433; Record: 13-20; Standings: 9; Games up/behind: 9.5; L;

60 Years ago today:

Year: 1964; Game #34; Wednesday;  May 20, NYM 1 @ LAD; 4; boxscore;  WP: Willhite; LP: Locke;  Save: Perranoski; Time: 02:30; NIGHT; Attendance: 18,566; Record: 10-24; Standings: 10; Games up/behind: 11; L;

LHP Nick Willhite (W,2-3), who won all of 6 games in his MLB career, held the Mets to just 1 run and 6 hits over 8 innings while the Dodgers scored 2 against Mets starter Ron Locke and Mets reliever Jerry Hinsley.

Year: 1962; Game #30; Sunday;  May 20 (1), NYM 7 @ MLN; 6; boxscore;  WP: MacKenzie; LP: Fischer;  Save: Anderson; Time: 3:01; DAY;  Record: 11-19; Standings: 8; Games up/behind: 12; W;

Year: 1962; Game #31; Sunday;  May 20 (2), NYM 9 @ MLN; 6; boxscore;  WP: Jackson; LP: Cloninger;  Save: Craig; Time: 02:56; DAY; Attendance: 12,672; Record: 12-19; Standings: 8; Games up/behind: 12; W; 

On May 20, 1962, not only did the Mets win, they won twice! Game 1 - Mets score 4 in the ninth for the come from behind victory.  Frank Thomas plated 2 on a single and a Roy McMillan error on a Charlie Neal ground ball brought in two more. Game 2 - Charlie Neal, Felix Mantilla and Frank Thomas all homered in the 7th as the Mets scored 6 to break a 3-3 tie.