1973 10-14 Mets at Athletics World Series Game 2

The Thomas Paine Podcast delivers a gripping, play-by-play recap of Game 2 of the 1973 World Series between the New York Mets and the Oakland Athletics, chronicling a historic 12-inning, 10-7 Mets victory that set a new record for the longest World Series game by duration at 3 hours and 32 minutes. The game, played at the Oakland Coliseum under challenging sunlight, began with the A's jumping to a 3-0 lead, fueled by a lost fly ball and a triple by Sal Bando. However, the Mets responded with clutch hitting, including home runs by Cleon Jones and Wayne Garrett, and a pivotal sixth-inning rally sparked by Jones’ walk and a wild throw by Darryl Knowles that allowed two unearned runs. Momentum shifted decisively in the Mets' favor as defensive errors and poor pitching control plagued Oakland’s bullpen. The game remained tightly contested, featuring controversial umpiring calls—most notably a double-play call at home plate that nullified a Mets rally—and physical tolls on both teams, including a painful injury to Reggie Jackson. In the top of the 12th, the Mets exploded for four runs, capitalizing on Oakland’s defensive lapses, with key contributions from Willie Mays, Bud Harrelson, and Cleon Jones. George Stone, the Mets’ 12-3 starting pitcher, entered in relief and delivered a crucial performance, retiring the side in the bottom of the 12th with a pop-up catch and a game-ending groundout to Harrelson, sealing the 10-7 win. The victory propelled the Mets to Game 3 at Shea Stadium, setting the stage for a pivotal matchup with Tom Seaver set to face Jim Hunter.