Houston Cuts Down the Giants

The Astros sweep the Giants, who now have won only two of their last 10 games.

Game One: Houston 4, SF 2
W: Richard (4-1)
L: Nastu (0-3)
S: Sambito (5)

Heat thrower J.R. Richard strikes out 13 Giants in eight innings, while Houston chips away for three runs and holds off a late SF rally. Joe Sambito's fifth save stops the threat.

Game Two: Houston 6, SF 5

W: Williams (1-0)
L: Knepper (2-6)
S: Sambito (6)

Rick Williams was cruising for Houston, supported by six early runs and a 6-0 lead when he left after seven. But reliever Bo McLaughlin stokes another late Giants rally, as SF scores four in the eighth, three on long homers from Terry Whitfield and Rob Andrews. But Sambito again hands Houston the win, this time in tense fashion he gives up two hits and a run before retiring the final out. Red hot Astro Bob Watson hits a three run homer to aid the cause.

Game Three: Houston 8, SF 3
W: Forsch (4-3)
L: Halicki (3-4)

Ken Forsch survives a rocky three run fourth after Houston tags SF starter Ed Halicki for four early runs, including a three run homer from Bob Watson, who is busting the chops of Giants pitchers. Forsch settled down after the fourth for a complete game, giving up no more runs. Jose Cruz hits his first homer to help Houston pull away. Watson has now hit safely in 11 games.