Back-up catcher J.C. Martin watches a fly ball (for an out) during a 5-3 loss to the Pirates on Sunday, September 14. Hodges sat Grote that day, to give his catcher a rest. The winning pitcher was Steve Blass; the loser was Nolan Ryan. Still, the Mets took three out of four from the Pirates during the four-game series, and were on their way to taking the National League East title.