The New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals play into the 20th inning at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on April 17, 2010. New York won the game 2-1. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
To say both the Cardinals and Mets were in a scoring slump would be an understatement. Each team went a full two games worth without scoring a run. Then things got even more interesting. Tied 0-0 after 18 innings, the Mets finally pulled out a 2-1 win in 20 innings.
Jose Reyes hit a sac fly to help New York finish off the longest game in the majors in two years. Francisco Rodriguez (1-0) got the win despite giving up the tying run in the 19th and starter Mike Pelfrey finished for his first career save in a game that included 19 pitchers and lasted 6 hours, 53 minutes. It was the longest game in the majors since Colorado beat San Diego 2-1 in 22 innings on April 17, 2008.
St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols laughs to teammates in the dugout as third baseman Felipe Lopez tries his hand at pitching to the New York Mets in the 18th inning. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
Tony LaRussa’s bullpen became so depleted he called on Joe Mather to pitch the 19th. Mather gave up a walk to Reyes who moved to second on a sac bunt. Mather then intentionally walked David Wright and then hit Jason Bay with a pitch to load the bases. A sac fly by Jeff Franceour gave the Mets a 1-0 lead. Mather than intentionally walked two more batters to bring up pitcher’s spot.
In the bottom or the 19th, Ryan Ludwick singled but was caught stealing. Pujols would double and then score on Yadier Molina’s two out single. Molina finished 3 for 9. Pujols was 2 for 5 and walked four times.
The Cardinals used eight pitchers plus Felipe Lopez and Mather.