Mets Offense Stays Meek Versus Astros

Houston comes home after a rough road trip and takes two of three from the Mets. The Mets can barely muster an offense, an ailment keeping them in the second division.

Game One: HOU 7, NYM 1

Newly acquired Met Dock Ellis (over from Texas) gets shelled for six runs and 13 hits in five innings, while Houston continues to find a starting pitching jewel in sinkerballer Rick Williams, who wins his fourth. Art Howe blasts his fourth homer and both Enos Cabell and Craig Reynolds drive in two in the easy victory.

Game Two: NYM 1, HOU 0

Well-traveled Andy Hassler (another new Met just over from Boston)

looks unbeatable, taking a no hitter into the seventh before Cabell grounds a single. He is matched by Houston's Joaquin Andujar, who pitches the entire game and only allows five Mets hits. But John Stearns strokes an RBI double in the top of the ninth off Andujar for the only run of the game, giving reliever Dale Murray his third win.

Game Three: HOU 3, NYM 1

J.R. Richard wins his ninth, striking out eight in a complete game. Houston musters just enough offense off the Mets' best starter, Craig Swan, to support Richard's pitching effort and take the series.