The Astros look to take both games in Philly send Nolan Ryan (11-10 3.35 Grade 13X) to the mound against Dick Ruthven (17-10 3.55 Grade 11Z).
The Phillies down 1-0 in the series grab the early lead with a run in the first via Bake McBride solo blast off Ryan. In the 3rd the Phillies would add another run as Pete Rose would double and one out later Mike Schmidt would double down the line to score Rose. Ruthven was pitching great until the Astros finally break through with a run in the 5th as Art Howe hits a curve ball over the centerfield wall.
In the 6th the Astros would get 3 big runs as Jose Cruz would double in Terry Puhl and Cesar Cedano would blast a homer to center to give the Astros a 4-2 lead. In the 9th Cedano would again homer this time off Tug McGraw to give the Astros an insurance run. Ryan would take care of the rest going the distance and giving the Astros a commanding 2-0 lead.
Final Score: Astros 5, Phillies 2
WP: Nolan Ryan (1-0)
LP: Dick Ruthven (0-1)
HR’s: Astros – Cesar Cedano 2 (2), Art Howe (1), Phillies – Bake McBride (1)