On May 28, 1969 Jerry Koosman set a then-team record with 15 strikeouts in 10 scoreless innings, but failed to get a decision as the New York Mets defeated the expansion San Diego Padres 1-0 in 11 innings at Shea Stadium. This has been recognized as one of the pivotal games in the Mets miracle season of ‘69, as it not only broke a five-game losing streak, but was the kickoff win for an 11-game winning streak.

After beating the Atlanta Braves a week earlier, the Mets evened their record at 18-18, the latest in a season they were playing .500 ball since their inception in 1962. They then proceeded to lose five in a row entering the game with the Padres. Koosman and Padres starter Clay Kirby each pitched shutout ball for nine innings. Koosman allowed only four hits, and he tied Nolan Ryan’s team record of 14 strikeouts in nine innings.

The Mets scored a run off relief pitcher Billy McCool in the bottom of the 11th when Bud Harreslon drove in Cleon Jones, who had reached base on an error. Relief pitcher Tug McGraw came on in the top of the 11th, and despite issuing two walks, continued to keep the Padres off the scoreboard. The Mets scored the winning run off relief pitcher Billy McCool in the bottom of the 11th when Bud Harreslon drove in Cleon Jones, who had reached base on an error.

During the 11-game winning streak that followed, the Mets moved from fourth place to second in the NL East. While they picked up only two games in the standings, the team grew in confidence during the winning streak and they came to believe that they could be serious contenders in the pennant race.