Cincy, Houston Split, Gain No Ground

Both the Reds and Astros continue to chase NL West frontrunners Los Angeles, but neither adds any traction as the clubs split a four-game series. Houston gets bad news: Cesar Cedeno, their all-star centerfielder, is out for the year. Houston is now 36-35, while disappointing Cincinnati is 36-39.

Game 1: HOU 3, CIN 0
W: Lemongello (6-7)
L: Seaver (7-5)

Tom Seaver only gives up two runs and five hits in seven innings, but Mark Lemongello outduels him, recording his eighth complete game to put him among the league leaders.

Game 2: CIN 9, HOU 1
W: Bonham (6-2)
L: Niekro (2-7)

Knuckleballing vet Joe Niekro continues to have trouble fooling NL hitters after moving back into the starting  rotation. Dan Driessen's 10th homer and 3 RBIs lead the offense, as new Red Bill Bonham shuts the door in a complete game five-hitter.

Dan Driessen is hitting .290 in June.

Game 3: HOU 7, CIN 3
W: Dixon (3-3)
L: Norman (3-11)

Little Freddy Norman only lasts 4.2 innings, giving up six runs, while Tom Dixon continues to be a pleasant surprise as a Houston starter with his fourth complete game. Joe Ferguson hits a three-run blast, his 10th, while Art Howe's three singles drive in three runs.

Game 4: CIN 3, HOU 1
W: Hume (7-6)
L: Bannister (4-3)

Converter reliever Tom Hume asphyxiates Astros hitters, throwing a complete game with six Ks and no walks. George Foster hits his 18th homer, and Dan Driessen has another nice game, going two-for-five.