Dave Stapleton always came in for Buckner, except this one time when McNamara decided Buckner should be on the field for the big one.
Shiraldi got two outs and then gave up three straight singles on fastballs down the middle. Stanley came in and wild pitched in the tying run. At that point, the momentum was entirely in favor of the home team Mets. Even if he fielded it cleanly, I think Mookie Wilson had a very good chance of beating it out. At best they were going to extra innings at that point.
In game seven McNamara surprisingly came in with Shiraldi again, who nervously gave up three runs in a third of an inning, the score going from 3-3 to 6-3. Final was 8-5.
The primary culprits were McNamara, Shiraldi, and Stanley in that order.
He was a great hitter, a pro’s pro. RIP Bill Buckner.