July 31, 1963 - If nothing else, Roger Craig is the most consistent pitcher of the year. The tall right-hander did last night what he did last week and the week before and the week before that…he lost. Down he went and the Mets with him, 5-3, as the Dodgers — who have been panicking — gained back a game on both the Giants and Cards. In completing his 11th game in 23 starts — a 6-hitter — Craig not only lost his 19th of the season but his 17th in a row since April 29. This put him within one defeat of the National League record set by Cliff Curtis of the 1910 Boston Braves and within two of the major league mark established by John Nabors of the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics. With a little more luck, the Mets might have made it two in a row over the league leaders. But each time it seemed they might catch up, they hit into a double play — four in total. The Mets had the tying runs on base in the top of the ninth with only one out, but Ron Perranoski scored his eleventh save by throwing out Duke Snider and fanning Joe Hicks on three pitches to end the suspense. Craig has fond memories of his three years as a Dodger and, being of sound mind, naturally would like to be back. “Once a Dodger, you’re always rooting for them,” he confessed last night. “I’d like to see them win the pennant this year. I hope they don’t overwork Perranoski. They’ll need him in September. I think he is the key to the whole thing.” Craig said Duke Snider has been bearing up well with the Mets. “Of course, he’s not used to being on this kind of club,” amended Roger. “I am. It’s my second season. Duke’s hitting good for power, but his average could be better. The Mets are coming along. We’re picking up a few new guys at a time — but it’ll take awhile yet. We’ve got a pretty long way to go.”
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