Although the Mets even the series, they strand a series record 15 and the teams combine to leave a record 27 on base. New York nearly pulls off the win in the 10th, but Joe Rudi throws out Bud Harrelson at home on a call that brings on-deck hitter Willie Mays to his knees, pleading. Mays, who collects his final Major League hit with a two-out RBI single in the 12th, helped Oakland tie the game in the 9th. He lost Deron Johnson's line drive, playing it into a double with a futile attempt. In the aftermath Athletics owner Charles O. Finley requires Andrews sign a release form stating he has an injured shoulder so that Oakland may replace him with better-fielding second baseman Manny Trillo.
Nobody buys the ruse.
The A's even threaten to strike. Fearing that Mets' fans would bother their wives, the Athletics learn that their spouses are not secured behind the dugout but placed near the roof. Owner Charles O. Finley and friends occupy the seats near the dugout. Admitting the distraction and learning manager Dick Williams will resign following the series, Oakland still prevails with a run in the 11th, thanks to a passed ball. Bert Campaneris follows with an RBI single to give Paul Lindblad the win.