We are back at the Astrodome for Game 3 and the Astros send Ron Mathis (3-5 6.04 Grade 1) to the mound opposite Fernando Valenzuela (17-10 2.45 Grade 19XG).
On paper this felt like a mis-match and it turned out to be that way as the Dodgers jump on Mathis for 4 quick runs in the first to knock him out of the game. Pedro Guerrero drives in 2 runs and Bill Madlock and Ken Landreaux also get RBI hits. From there it was all Fernando. He would take a no hitter into the 8th but pinch hitter Craig Reynolds would end the no-no with a single to center. Dickie Thon would single later in the inning to bring home Jerry Mumphrey to make it a 4-1 game. That would be all the Astros could muster as Valenzuela would settle and get the last 3 outs for the complete game victory and a 3-0 series lead for the Dodgers.
Final Score: Dodgers 4, Astros 1
WP: Fernando Valenzuela (2-0)
LP: Ron Mathis (1-1)
HR’s: None